Washing waxing pads question.

[mpmiller37]

Do detailers throw their polishing / waxing pads in the wash with the towels, or is that a bad idea ?
Can poishing / waxing towels be washed with drying towels ?

[RedHotSS]

Re: Washing waxing pads question.

Originally posted by mpmiller37
Do detailers throw their polishing / waxing pads in the wash with the towels, or is that a bad idea ?
Can poishing / waxing towels be washed with drying towels ?

Are you referring to the foam pads used with buffers? If so, I'm no expert at this but, as far as I know, you should never wash them in the washing machine. I think the correct way to clean them is to use a fine brush (like a toothbrush, not a wire brush) and run it over the surface of the pad while the buffer is on a low speed. I also use a 100% cotton polishing cloth to clean them.

Steve

[Pete-FWA]

We never washed foam pads unless there was a chance they were already ruined and washing BY HAND ONLY was the way to possibly salvage them. Best way I knew to clean them was to blot with a towel first. Next, run a toothbrush over the surface while the polisher is spinning.

Wool pads clean well with a spur, again, while the polisher is running. If absolutely necessary, they were were hand washed in a bucket of soapy water and rinsed well, then hung to dry.

Applicator pads can be machine washed, but avoid the drier. The heat tends to curl/wrinkle the edges.

All our towel laundry was separated before washed. We had specific types of towels for each application. Window towels were separated from polish and wax towels. Carpet and upholstry towels were a 3rd class unto themselves. Microfibers were washed by hand. Another tip: Do NOT use fabric softener as this just leaves a film on the towel that transfers to the surface you're rubbing on the vehicle.

[mpmiller37]

I was not referring to foam buffer pads. I do everything by hand. I was referring to hand applicator pads for polishing / waxing. I was worried that the polish / wax on the pads might get on the towels if they are washed together.

[the other pc]

I usually wash foam applicators by hand and towels in the washer but I doubt that washing waxing and polishing applicators with towels (either by hand or machine) would cause problems.

Applicators that are saturated with rubber, vinyl or leather dressings and especially the grungy ones used on tires should either be pre-washed or only washed separately to avoid sliming all your other stuff.


PC.