1. Introduction
The Chemical Guys Cyclone Dirt Trap Car Wash Bucket Insert is designed to significantly reduce the risk of scratches and swirl marks during vehicle washing. By trapping abrasive dirt and grit at the bottom of your wash bucket, it ensures that your wash mitt or sponge remains clean, providing a safer and more effective cleaning experience. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Cyclone Dirt Trap inserts.

Image 1: Packaging of the Chemical Guys Cyclone Dirt Trap (2 Pack).
2. Product Overview
The Cyclone Dirt Trap features a unique conical surface that acts as a one-way valve, allowing dirt and debris to fall through to the bottom of the bucket and preventing it from recirculating into your wash water. This innovative design helps maintain cleaner wash water, which is crucial for preventing paint damage. This product comes as a 2-pack, ideal for implementing the two-bucket wash method.
3. What's Included
- 2 x Chemical Guys Cyclone Dirt Trap Car Wash Bucket Inserts (Black Color)
4. Setup Instructions
- Prepare Your Bucket: Ensure your car wash bucket is clean and free of any large debris before inserting the Dirt Trap.
- Insert the Dirt Trap: Place one Cyclone Dirt Trap insert into the bottom of your car wash bucket. The conical side should face upwards. Gently press down to ensure it sits flat and securely at the bottom of the bucket.
- Check Fit: The Cyclone Dirt Trap is designed to fit most standard 5-gallon wash buckets. Verify that the insert sits level and does not float or tilt excessively when water is added. If the fit is loose, it may not effectively trap dirt.

Image 2: Proper placement of the Cyclone Dirt Trap inside a wash bucket.
5. Operating Instructions
The Two-Bucket Wash Method
For optimal results and to minimize scratches, it is highly recommended to use the two-bucket wash method:
- Bucket 1 (Wash Solution): Fill one bucket with your preferred car wash soap and water. Place one Cyclone Dirt Trap in this bucket. This bucket is for picking up clean soap solution.
- Bucket 2 (Rinse Water): Fill a second bucket with clean water only. Place the second Cyclone Dirt Trap in this bucket. This bucket is for rinsing your wash mitt after cleaning a section of your vehicle.
- Washing Process:
- Dip your wash mitt into the soap solution bucket (Bucket 1) and wash a small section of your vehicle.
- After washing a section, thoroughly rinse your dirty mitt in the clean water bucket (Bucket 2), rubbing it against the Cyclone Dirt Trap to dislodge trapped dirt. The dirt will settle below the insert.
- Wring out the mitt in the rinse bucket, then return it to the soap solution bucket (Bucket 1) to pick up fresh soap for the next section.
- Repeat this process until the entire vehicle is clean.

Image 3: Illustration of the two-bucket wash method using Cyclone Dirt Traps.

Image 4: The conical design effectively traps dirt below the filter.
Note: No official product videos were available for embedding based on the provided data.
6. Maintenance
Cleaning the Dirt Trap
After each wash, remove the Cyclone Dirt Trap from the bucket. Rinse it thoroughly with a strong stream of water to dislodge any trapped dirt and debris from the cones. Ensure all grit is removed before storing. Allow it to air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew or odors.
Storage
Store the inserts in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Avoid stacking them forcefully, as the conical structures can be brittle if subjected to impact or excessive pressure.
7. Troubleshooting
Insert Does Not Sit Flat or Floats
If the Cyclone Dirt Trap does not sit flat at the bottom of your bucket or floats when water is added, it may indicate a compatibility issue with the bucket's dimensions. While designed for standard 5-gallon buckets, variations exist. Ensure the bucket's bottom diameter is appropriate for the insert. If the issue persists, consider using a different bucket or contacting Chemical Guys support for advice.
Cones Appear Damaged or Brittle
The conical structures are essential for trapping dirt. If they appear damaged or brittle, handle the inserts with care. Avoid dropping them or subjecting them to hard impacts, especially when removing them from buckets or emptying dirty water. Minor damage may not affect performance significantly, but severe damage might reduce effectiveness.
8. Specifications
| Brand | Chemical Guys |
| Model | DIRTTRAP01_02 |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic |
| Shape | Round |
| Item Weight | 15.2 ounces (for the pack) |
| Product Dimensions | 10.5 x 2 x 10.5 inches (per insert, approximate) |
| UPC | 842850112300 |
9. Warranty and Support
For information regarding product warranty, returns, or technical support, please visit the official Chemical Guys website or contact their customer service directly. Details can typically be found on their website's support section or by referring to the product packaging.
Official Website: www.chemicalguys.com