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I feel your pain.
Is the scratch deep (can you feel it with a fingernail) or cosmetic? There is little you can do to completely prevent light scratching. That's what polishes are for, to bring back the smoothness and remove the swirl marks prior to waxing. Heavier scratches usually come out with longer polishing time or a more agressive polish. DON'T use Rubbing or Polishing Compound!
Deep scratches are caused by trapped grit. All you can do is rinse, rinse, rinse that mitt, very frequently, by swirling it in your wash bucket. You should have enough water in it (half full or more) so that the dirt can sink to the bottom and not get back in the mitt. If the water gets really dirty before you are done, dump it out, rinse the bottom and add more fresh water and cleaner.
Black has to be the worst color for scratching. My black Aero has been really babied and agonized over for 4 months, and it does indeed have some swirl marks. When the paint is 6 months old I will apply some polish and bring back that virgin smoothness.
Wax that car! I know that the paint has to cure, but some pure carnauba wax will really help to protect the surface from abrasive dirt particles. I couldn't stand to leave the paint on my car unprotected - I waxed it after 2 months. The paint seems fine - it hasn't fallen off or anything....
NEVER touch your paint with a dry cloth, even if it is 100% cotton. Some water, or cleaner (I really like Griot's Speed Shine), will lubricate it enough to prevent scratching. Excessive buffing with a dry cloth is murder on the finish. Call me anal - I use compressed air to dry my (good) cars.
Have you checked your cloths to see if they a really 100% cotton? Fray an edge near a seam and hold it to a flame - if it chars it is all cotton, if it shrivels, it contains some polyester or other synthetic. The fabric may be cotton - the thread may not be! Remember to remove the lable if you are using an old tee shirt.
Maybe we all should have bought white cars....
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