Ditch the sponge & get a wash mit, and use good quality car wash liquid.
If your a 'novice' polisher, then Auto Glym products are ideal, easy to use, excellent results & reasonably priced.
Consider claying the car too, it leaves the paintwork smooth & free from bonded contaminents.
So:
Wash
Clay
Polish with Auto Glym Super Resin Polish
Hit it again with Auto Glym Extra Gloss Protection.
That should have you dazzling other road users!
