Cleaning Applicator Sponges

[Expertcarpetcare]

We have a detailing shop here and go through a lot of these applicator pads. Cutting pads, wool pads and finishing pads. So far we have been throwing the pads into the laundry after 1 or 2 uses. The sponges come back decent for re-use but the backings that hold them to the D/A soften and disintigrate quickly, thus rendering the pads useless after about 4-5 washes, plus the sponges start to rip around the adhesive backing.

Question is, do you guys have any tips on cleaning out the sponges without causing premature wear and tear? Or, do you just keep throwing them out and buying new ones? Sounds kind of costly if you do.

[CieraSL]

Re: Cleaning Applicator Sponges

First off, what are you referring to?


These:


or these:


I assume you mean something like the first one. I believe most pads like that are not structured to go through the wash. However, Meguiar's new Soft Buff 2.0 pads (which are 7") are. But, instead of buying new pads, perhaps you should look into something like the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer. You can clean your pads on the spot and they will be mostly dry right then and there.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Cleaning Applicator Sponges

If you're using our original Soft Buff pads (W7000/W7006 - W8000/W8006 - W9000/W9006) then you shouldn't be putting them in the washer and dryer at all. Exactly what you describe will happen to them over time. They should either be simply put on a shelf when finished and then remove the dried product prior to the next use, or you can wash them out in soapy water, rinse and allow to air dry prior to subsequent use.

The new Soft Buff 2.0 pads (W7207, W8207, W9207) with the recessed backing (like the one pictured in Shane's post) are suitable for machine washing and drying. These should easily stand up to dozens of such cycles.

[Shack]

Re: Cleaning Applicator Sponges

So how often should I clean my pads? And how do I know when I should put a "dirty" pad aside for cleaning, and grab a fresh pad? In other words, how do I know when the pad is "dirty"?

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: Cleaning Applicator Sponges

Excellent responses thanks guys. I'll look into that pad washer and see if I can get one in Canada, meanwhile, just setting them on the shelf isnt the best for us, the pads get pretty dirty and contaminated, we could hand wash them as you suggest but we just dont have enough hours in the day to handwash.

I'll see if I can get those 2.0 pads in Canada as well, they look like they would hold up to the washing machine.

I hope the padwasher will work with the 110 D/A