[MENTION=158672]FBinNY[/MENTION] Yeah this was after a long gravel ride - and I definitely did not use the two bucket method of washing - so I am guessing the grit from the bucket got caught in the soft abrasive sponge + on a new bike whose finish I didn't know about yet was totally not a good idea.

Definitely a lesson learnt for future efforts. I have gone ahead and bought some ScratchX and will post some before and after pictures in case anyone ends up in the same situation as me.