cleaing buffing pads

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by 05BlkAltima
What material are your guys pads made of? The once I just bought are made of terry cloth. Can't you just wash those in the washing machine in hot water?

We're talking about foam pads, and yes, you can wash out the terry bonnets in the washing machine.

[thejazzguy]

Why does Meguiar's not recommend washing the foam PC pads? Does the velcro backing come off? My pads have become somewhat dirty and saturated with product (in particular the ColorX pad.) Has anyone just stuck them into the washing machine?

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by thejazzguy
Why does Meguiar's not recommend washing the foam PC pads? Does the velcro backing come off? My pads have become somewhat dirty and saturated with product (in particular the ColorX pad.) Has anyone just stuck them into the washing machine?

This has been discussed a few times on the forum, and I would say that it must have something to do with the velcro possibly coming off.

Some have had success washing their pads, and some have reported problems with the velcro starting to separate from the pad after washing it.

I hand wash mine (Not very often), but some like to machine wash theirs.

[JG_Detailing]

I clean my pad's with a bucket and water. But the thing is the velcro part of the pad is coming unglued. Is there a glue that can be used to keep it together.

[rusty bumper]

Someone had posted a while back about using some sort of glue to reattach the velcro with, but I can't remember the name of it right off hand.



Edit: Here's the name of the glue.

[g15389]

Does anyone have experience cleaning a DA pad after detailing a car with single stage paint?

I am going to be working on a truck (I think it has single stage paint - some oxidation) and I am wondering what happens to the pads when you have product and paint buildup. Does the same cleaning method apply (using a nylon brush)?

Thanks.....

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by g15389
Does anyone have experience cleaning a DA pad after detailing a car with single stage paint?

I am going to be working on a truck (I think it has single stage paint - some oxidation) and I am wondering what happens to the pads when you have product and paint buildup. Does the same cleaning method apply (using a nylon brush)?

Thanks.....

The pads are thick enough to absorb a lot of product & paint. I've had no problems to speak of yet after doing a single stage finish, but I will brush off the pad as usual.

I also like to wash the cleaning pads before the next detail, after using them on heavy oxidated single stage paint.

[g15389]

RB,

I will give it a try. I used a pad on a very heavily oxidized car before and the paint just sheeted off and was coming off on everything it touched. I will give it a shot.......

Thanks again.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by g15389
RB,

I will give it a try. I used a pad on a very heavily oxidized car before and the paint just sheeted off and was coming off on everything it touched. I will give it a shot.......

Thanks again.

You're welcome!

I would suggest to be gentle with your pads when washing them though.

[dnoraker]

I've been having problems with my polishing pads on the PC, mostly with the #83 DACP, with buildup of product and also weird wear patterns. I think I clean them as I've been taught by Mike, but maybe I'm missing an element somewhere.





The buildup around the edges is really gummy and slings all over the place. My pad for the #80 is starting to get like that, but it took about 3 times as long. I've tried turning the PC on with the pad on a terry cloth for awhile and tried using the toothbrush at several angles and pressures with no luck.

Do I need a new pad? I know Mike said not to clean them other than the above methods, but will I have to go to the dish soap for this one?

You guys rock and have saved my rear several times...thanks!

[Don]

My ultimate method for cleaning foam pads is three-step.

First hit them with a strong spray from the hose. This will knock loose a substantial amount of product from the pad, plus saturate it with water which is important for the next step.

Next, take MURPHY'S OIL SOAP and pour about 1/2 - 1 oz on the pad & work it in by hand. Then take a soft to medium plastic bristled brush and lightly scrub the contact surface of the pad...allow to sit.

After about 5 minutes, take the hose and with a strong spray, completely rinse the pad. Then I knd of smoosh them to wring out most of the water and hang them to dry. I have LC pads which have a hole in the center, so I put a rod through the hole and hang them from a couple of chairs in the sun.

The MURPHY'S soap is death to waxes and other products, particularly when they are in an applicator and it rinses out MUCH easier than dish soap. BUT... it's no where near strong enough, or of the right chemical makeup to hurt the backing pad adhesive.

[Ranger72]

dnoraker, thats pretty scary looking! lol! OK, Guys the easiest and safest way to clean the pads is as folllows:
Whether it be a rotary or PC, use a tooth brush or nylon brush against the pad while reving the buffer. Now take the pad off the machine, and spray about 10 sprays (8inch pad) 5 sprays (6" pad) of quik detailer/ final inspection at a distance of 6 inches away. take a tooth brush or nylon bristle, and scrub in tight circles on the pad. You will see the polish and/or compound break down. Once its all broken down, just take the pad and attach back to the machine, rev it up, and take the toothbrush and ride the pad. Yes, this will initially spray quik detailer/ final inspection but it is minimal. Hope this helps, it has for me!

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by dnoraker
I've been having problems with my polishing pads on the PC, mostly with the #83 DACP, with buildup of product and also weird wear patterns. I think I clean them as I've been taught by Mike, but maybe I'm missing an element somewhere.

I wish I could help you on this one, but I've never seen anything like that before.

[RamAirV1]

Is that ring the #83 buildup? I would try soaking them in Dawn for a few hours then rinse it out and try to squeeze the #83 residue out. If that doesn't work, I would toss the pad and get some new ones.

That pad looks pretty old and worn. Maybe it's time for a new one anyway.

RamAirV1

[dnoraker]

How long do pads last? This one only made about five trips around a vehicle. it's probably because I didn't clean it right after the first few times. Mike Phillips helped me fix that problem which really reduced the amount of clouding/micro-marring I was getting with the paint with all of my pads. I'm going to order some new pads tomorrow and try my best to clean the old ones. I should have some spares anyway.....I've managed to not drop a pad yet, but it will happen!

Thanks!