What is the best swirl/scratch remover you know of?

[Perfectlap]

3M rubbing compound. But get ready to break a sweat. The 3m Fine cut as a follow up will do the job well. And Klasse All In One to finish. But a solid claying will make the manual removing of wax is easier and eliminate streaking from pollutants and oxidation getting between the wax and the paint.

[donv]

A second for the 3M product. The one I used is their "finish restorer". It may be more mild than some of their other formulations but still gets it done when using by hand. Just have to apply/buff a few more times, but this also means you're not running the risk of overdoing it.

Now that I've got the PC, there are fewer times I'm doing the work by hand - but when I do (small touch-ups, tight areas) the 3M stuff is what I turn to.

[S_PILOT]

I don't think there is a manual process that will eliminate swirl marks, in my experience.

not sure why you asking for a product that does not require a PC, but I would find a way to get one. with a PC, there quite a few products that do a fabulous job, and you can mix and match different removers with different types of pads to get just the look you want.

As for car shampoo, I use Pinnacle's body shampoo. Great stuff. It feels really really slick when washing which is a good thing!

[Perfectlap]

p.s.
just a thought. ways to prevent swirling is to:

1-IMHO avoid using split end microfiber on your paint, stick with looped ends.
2-refrain from "over detailing" your car's paint.
3-don't wash the car without first rinsing it, I always lubricate the surface someho before cleaning.
4-don't use a wash sponge or mit more than a couple of times or make sure you have washed it several times before using it a second time.
5- Don't apply or remove waxes and polishes in circles
6- avoid drying the car with terry cloth (I like the absorber)
7- Clay often, waxing or polishing a surface with sediments still on the paint surface is just the worst thing you can do.
8- Use a dedicated buffing towel for final buffing and quick detailing.
9- The less you touch the paint the less it will swirl.