Foam Applicator Pad Question

[Marc08EX]

Hi everyone. I'm planning to buy ultimate protectant soon and I've been seeing people use their foam applicator pads to spread the product around trim/plastic panels. Do you guys wash the foam applicator pads after use or just store them with product left behind?

In the picture below, is it advisable to wash the foam applicator pad after polishing the exhaust like that or do you throw it away after?



Thanks!

[Shawn T.]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

You can wash it but wash it thoroughly and it may be a good idea to use that pad only for metal. You never know if any metal particles may get trapped in the foam and rubbing a wax over your car with those abrasives would cause swirls and/or RIDS.

[FRS]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

You can wash it but wash it thoroughly and it may be a good idea to use that pad only for metal. You never know if any metal particles may get trapped in the foam and rubbing a wax over your car with those abrasives would cause swirls and/or RIDS.

+1 and also I machine-wash my applicators, no probs at all.

[Murr1525]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

I wouldnt want to polish metal then paint with the same material.

I tend to use old terry scraps for metal polishing, and MF cloths for trim. I'll just throw out the scraps, and wash the MF's.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

Thanks for the responses guys! What about if a foam applicator pad is used for ultimate protectant? Can you wash the foam applicator pad and use it with wax or something afterwards?

[Murr1525]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

I wouldnt see a problem with a dressing, as long as it was washed out well, and the pad was used in a clean area. Some dressings, or tire shines esp, dont wash out as easy.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

I regularly wash my pads. Have not noticed any problems.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

I regularly wash my pads. Have not noticed any problems.

Hey JA, do you interchange polish/wax between pads? Like for example pad A is used for M105 and then you wash it afterwards. Do you label them for M105 only or can you use them for NXT later?

Thnx.

[Woodie6250]

Re: Foam Applicator Pad Question

I prefer not to use the applicator pads for different products. I have a separate, labeled plastic bag for each pad. The pads are washed after use, air dryed and then stored in their dedicated bags.

It's a bit more effort to wash each pad separately, but it keeps my OCD nature better satisfied.