DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air???

[t5er]

Right now, I use a brush to clean the DA mircofiber pads between passes. The other day I thought about using one of those cans of computer/electronics compressed air dusters since I have a few in the house. Good or bad idea?
Should I be concerned about the propellant contaminating the pad or product?

[Detailing by M]

You can uae those with no problem.
But a brush works fine, why waste money on those?
I use a brush like you do but I clean them with a pad cleanner when they get to clogged, let that one dry and grab a new pad. I use like 3-5 pads on one job

[Michael Stoops]

Re: DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air?

You shouldn't worry about the propellant contaminating the pads, but you might want to worry about the cost of doing this on a regular basis. If you've just got some cans of air laying around and you're looking for a good use for them, go ahead and give it a shot (just make sure you don't freeze product onto the pad and start buffing with it!). Otherwise, Mario's suggestion of using a pad washer is a good one. If you're doing this for a living it makes a lot of sense to have a pad washer in your arsenal, but for the casual enthusiast it might not, just because of the cost of the unit. We'll leave the money decision to you, though!

[jarred767]

I use a pad brush right now too, and it seems to the job well and cheaper in the long run that those cans of air. Since I'm mobile I don't have a compressor just lying around in my truck, so this works. However I detailed my own car with this system the other day and used my compressor at home and it seemed to work a little better. I've thought about getting a small one to put in my truck, but curious how much pressure is necessary to really do the job (this would be the only use for the compressor). Anyone have any ideas on minimum amount of pressure needed or a good small compressor model that would be easily transportable?

[mariniman]

I bought the Canless Air Systems O2 Hurricane for use with my MF pads. Only requires batteries. Cleans as well as using shop air at work. Expensive at $80 but no compressor, hose, blow gun or generator needed. Perfect for mobile detailers or hobbyist detailing. Bought mine from Newegg.

[jarred767]

Very interesting concept, I looked it up and it sounds good. Amazon has a version of the same product from CANless that doesn't require batteries, just recharge it. It would definitely save space for other stuff and if it works just as good, it could be good option. I'm gonna do a little more research, but it sounds like a potential winner. Thanks for the recommendation.

And it really works just as well as a compressor?? I guess it does say that it blows air at speeds of 140mph.

[s word]

Re: DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air?

Wow this looks like a good solution. Between the purchasing of the brushes and the other savings and uses this brings. This would seem to be a good deal for the $$$. It is priced near cheap compressors but the mobility this brings would have more uses than a compressor. Now only if it could pump up car tires too.

[STRIFE]

Re: DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air?

I'm not sure canned air or this air system will clean pads as well as a pad washer....the Megs pad washer has a gamma lid so it's pretty portable.
I have 2 of the Meguiars pad washers...one for polishing pads and one for finishing/waxing pads

[jarred767]

I am thinking of using it more for on-the-fly cleaning instead of a compressor or brush. The pad washer is for more deep cleaning, not on-the-fly cleaning, correct?

[STRIFE]

Re: DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air?

I think compressed air would be good for fluffing up the MF fibers after working on each panel...i guess everyone has their preferances?

[mariniman]

I use the Canless O2 system for on-the-fly mf pad cleaning. Nothing will replace deep cleaning in a pad washer or washing machine but to fluff up the pad and blow out spent product and paint/clear remnants during a correction it can't be beat. Get the O2 Hurricane as it is the more powerful of the 2 models Canless makes.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air?

I use the Canless O2 system for on-the-fly mf pad cleaning. Nothing will replace deep cleaning in a pad washer or washing machine but to fluff up the pad and blow out spent product and paint/clear remnants during a correction it can't be beat. Get the O2 Hurricane as it is the more powerful of the 2 models Canless makes.

While it's true that there's no substitute for a proper washing of the pads once you're done with a project, it is critical that the microfiber discs be blown or brushed out after every single section pass. We've always said that compressed air is the better of these two choices but not everyone has an air compressor at home so the brush is a great alternative.

This mention of Canless O2 intrigued me, however, so I contacted them yesterday to discuss the viability of this device for pad cleaning. I placed an order for the Industrial Unit last night and should have it in several days, hopefully by next weeks TNOG. If so we'll give it a go then and report back on whether or not this is a viable option for on the fly pad cleaning.

[mariniman]

Hi Michael,
I think you will find that the Canless O2 doesn't have the "blast" that canned air or a compressor has but has great volume of air that is sustained unlike canned air which looses it's oomph after 20 seconds or so. Hold the tube fairly close to the pad and it does a fantastic job of fluffing and blowing out spent product.

[jarred767]

[/QUOTE]
This mention of Canless O2 intrigued me, however, so I contacted them yesterday to discuss the viability of this device for pad cleaning. I placed an order for the Industrial Unit last night and should have it in several days, hopefully by next weeks TNOG. If so we'll give it a go then and report back on whether or not this is a viable option for on the fly pad cleaning.[/QUOTE]

I just about place an order for this, but I might as well wait a week or so and get the review to hear another's perspective before deciding which way to go. Can't wait to hear your feedback Mike!

[STRIFE]

Re: DA Microfiber system. Cleaning pads with" dust off" style can of compressed air?

I look forward to an update Michael/ Jarred......I might buy one too