Don't ever run your wash mitt along the car if there's sand or other debris on it still. Wash that $hit off with a powerful spray of water first (or even a presoak if necessary).
Waxing doesn't remove scratches. Polishing does that. If they are through the clear coat, not even polishing will remove them. Check out Junkman's videos on Youtube. He is the demigod of detailing.
IMO vinyl is ugly compared to well taken care of paint
My Z is my DD, and while it does stay dirty for weeks on end sometimes, I take very good care of the paint. When she gets a full wax treatment, people are amazed when I tell them its almost three years old. They usually respond oh well she must be a garage queen, and then are really amazed when I tell them she has almost 60K miles
