[SSuper Dave]

I see reference made to people using a "pad washer", but wonder what y'all are doing at home to clean these after they get too gunked up to work. I've got some in my garage right now, these are 3M so were not cheap. I'm sure they have a finite lifespan, but am also sure they are not a one and done.
Thanks.

 

[Pete 67]

I use a spray from Chemical guys & a nylon brush.

 

[chaze]

There's a guy on youtube that has some opinions on that subject. Do a search for "The Junkman".

 

[Blackhawk]

Make sure to clean them between panels. A microfiber towel and quick detailer works pretty well.

How to clean your foam pad on the fly

How to clean your foam pad on the fly Video: How to clean your pad on the fly Here's a technique I've been showing for years on how to clean your pad

www.autogeekonline.net

When I'm done with the car I use Griot's Microfiber & Foam Pad Cleaner on the pads. I clean my microfiber towels with the same stuff.

Microfiber & Foam Pad Cleaner

Microfiber & Foam Pad Cleaner releases and removes wax, polish, and detailer residues to restore your microfiber towels' original effectiveness.

www.griotsgarage.com

 

[blm]

I use a mild scent free laundry detergent to wash them. The bran d I have right now is " Home made simple" that I bought in the bargain store. I believe the object is to get them clean and do it with a non harsh cleaner. I think you will know when your pads are done. Its true they dont last forever but I buy good ones and they last a good while.
same with washing my microfiber towels. Use same laundry soap but use the washing machine. I keep the ones I use for polish separate from the ones I use for sealer and separate from the ones I use for wax. I also wash them separately.
i know they make special cleaners for them. Im kind of in the not necessary camp on those.

 

[Raven1]

For decades I just wash pads with dish detergent and water. I own a resto and custom paint business and buff often. Never had an issue and don't get swirl marks. When the pad is worn I toss it. Common sense, if there is much of that anymore.

 

[Rodney]

I’ve always just washed mine in the washing machine and let them air dry.

 

[SFD]

Dawn dish soap and hot water and rinse and rinse, use the slop sink so she don’t get pissed.

 

[SSuper Dave]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[The Camaro Guy]

Dawn is a great cleaner and wax and grease remover. Used for just about all cleaning in my detail shop. The washing machine does wonders with a mild detergent. I prefer 100% cotton cloths on my good cars a s micro clothes can leave minute scratches under a blue light, after all they are made of plastic, or should we call it polyester.

 

[swampy 6x6]

hi
use a 4-5 gallon bucket water after use toss them in overnight. Then rinse soak repeatedly and finally squeeze excess water and let dry till next time .
In a Rupes Bigfoot DA the coarse pad can get overloaded with compound and also can semidry on one side of pad . Both of these can cause outta balance . Also if dry can scratch paint .
Many pad suppliers can supply pad brush for a rotary system also .

 

[Kaizen]

I’ve blown off the pads with compressed air before hitting new panels. Is this not a good practice on a job? I wash completely when done


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zuplala]

SPAM

I use regular household detergents to wash them. And so, I often monitor the appearance of my car. I recently bought a ceramic product. The other day I signed up for commercial steam cleaner