So I've been trying to figure this one out for a while now...what's the best method and product(s) to thoroughly clean wax applicator pads that will actually get any wax/sealant out? Do you normally just throw them in the washer with some microfiber cleaner? What does everyone normally do? Thanks! - Dave
The foam applicators I rinse them with warm water and spray them with Danase Foam Pad Cleaner http://danase.com/Danase-Foam-Pad-Cleaner-p21.html (IMO, best cleaner out there for foam). The MF applicators I wash by hand with warm water and the same dedicated MF wash I use for my MF towels. I don't like putting them in the washer because they loose their shape.
I soak them in DP pad rejuvenator for 15-20 minutes. Then rub the product out and rinse. I throw them into the washer after that with the MF towel, using MF cleaner(micro-restore)
The best thing that I found Is dawn dishwashing detergent. You don't have to buy another detailing cleaner. If I get into a bind I use Micro-Restore A detergent that I always have on hand anyway for my MF towels. With this combination I'm all set. I can reuse my applicators manys times with out worry of cross contamination...:thumb:
I have a bottle with mf detergent mixed with water. I use that to clean pads and applicators. Works excellent and its cheap. Just spray the pad/applicator, work it in with your thumb and set them aside until your done with the job. All you have to do after is rinse them out. For applicators with sealants on it though I sometime have to use Dawn power dissolver. I've only seen it sold at walmart. Its real cheap though, something like $2. If you care how your applicators look than don't let it dwell too long. It WILL remove the coloring. This stuff is strong but the applicators definitely get cleaned.
I stick 'em on a rotary BP and use the Grit Guard Pad washer, just like a foam pad. I spray it first with pad cleaner, then do the Universal Pad Cleaner thang.
+1. The girlfriend always asks where the dawn went. Then I go get it from the laundry tub. It does work fairly well. Now, I have found something I am going to put in my garage (when I build the new one). I sell these sinks, and thought they would be awesome for mf's/app's/pads. Check it out: Aquatic Delicair Laundry Sink It's like a tiny whirlpool. jets turn on, to constantly agitate. It's made for delicate fabrics that can't go in the washing machine, but it would work awesome for cleanup. And since Aquatic is one of my vendors, I get a hell of a deal
Great idea. I'm forever soaking my MF Towels until I get enough for a load. That would be the answer and if I lost about 150lbs I could use for a hot tub too...:giggle:
3.Clean and / or replace pads as often as is necessary; a clean seasoned pad will enhance the abrasive abilities of the compound / polish and make the process not only more efficient but less time consuming. 4.After using foam pads place in some water with a microfiber detergent. This keeps your pads moist and begins the cleaning process while you finish detailing. Never allow a used pad to air dry before it is washed. 5.When you are ready to clean them, rinse well, re-wash and leave to air-dry Velcro side up on a grit guard or drying rack 6.Duospur™ Cleaning Tool, this patented tool is effective for "on the fly" cleaning of both foam and wool pads. Features large non-staining nylon spurs for fast cleaning while spinning on the buffer. Also has an abrasive plate on both sides of the tool for reshaping and rebalancing damaged foam pads. This patented tool is perfect for “on the fly” cleaning of your buffing and polishing pads.
I agree with Buddy. You can't beat dishwashing soap for cleaning applicator pads. As far as polishing pads go, soak the pads in some APC with water in a 5 gallon pail for 30 minutes or so and alot of times just rinsing with warm water will get them clean. If not, spray with APC and re rinse.
+1:thumb: usually get a bucket with warm wate and some APC 1/20 let them soak for the night and next day rinse them and they came out perfectly clean just my :2cents: :thumb:
I actually take it a step further and use Dawn power dissolver(use gloves) it cleans everything out of my pads and applicators, I just make sure to really rinse thoroughly.
^ I'm with Norcal Bob, but I recently picked up some Hi-Temp Prep wash which, in addition to prepping surfaces for paint/polish wipe-downs, is supposedly a good pad cleaner. I'll chime in once I've finished my latest project.
