Best Pad Cleaning Process?

[Reddwarf]

What is the best way or ways to clean polishing pads?

My pads including wax applicators were dirty and I have been letting them pile up. This weekend I soaked them in a bucket of water with Wolfgang Polishing Pad Rejuvenator. Soaked over night then I used a stiff nylon brush (one from Lake Country) and washed them out with dish washing soap by hand.. This seemed to work but I wonder if this was the best method or not.

Also, how to tell when it is time to replace them? I have one that is showing signs of wear. A spot where the foam is worn and torn a small amount.

Side note: What a goof! When I mixed the Wolfgang Polishing Pad Rejuvenator I thought “I'm really low, better order more when I place my Memorial Day sale order”. Did I? No, of course not!

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[Mister B]

That is pretty much the same way that I wash my pads by hand also. I don't know that there is a better way other than maybe one of the pad washers like the Grit Guard pad washer or the System 2000 pad washer. One of those would be nice to have, but I can not justify the cost since I really only do my vehicle and occasionally a family or friends vehicle.

[tuscarora dave]

I just use APC mixed 10:1. It works just as good as the expensive pad rejuvinators and is a whole lot cheaper. I spray on the APC then work it in with my thumbs then rinse with cold water, no need for soaking. They come out looking new again. If my pads are soaked up with sealant or wax I just use a stronger mixture of APC to water. This "for me" is the best way.

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by tuscarora dave

I just use APC mixed 10:1. It works just as good as the expensive pad rejuvinators and is a whole lot cheaper. I spray on the APC then work it in with my thumbs then rinse with cold water, no need for soaking. They come out looking new again. If my pads are soaked up with sealant or wax I just use a stronger mixture of APC to water. This "for me" is the best way.

that's what I've been doing for years and my pads last a very long time

[Pander5]

I mix up a soapy bucket of dish soap and cover it. As I'm polishing I take each dirty pad and throw it in the bucket to soak while I'm finishing the job. After I'm done (or the next day even) I take each one out and use Dave's method i.e. APC and work it clean with my fingers, then rinse clean and spin dry.

I have pads that are 5 to 6 years old doing this.

[RTexasF]

Mine soak in a bucket of Oxy Clean & water. That day, or the next day, they get wrung out and thrown in the washer with 1/2 scoop of Oxy. Haven't had a pad separate yet and they always come out as new. Before someone pipes up with "That's wrong", I've done it this way for well over five years.....and I'm still using those same pads but I do have a bunch of them.

[Mr. Clean]

Originally Posted by RTexasF

Mine soak in a bucket of Oxy Clean & water. That day, or the next day, they get wrung out and thrown in the washer with 1/2 scoop of Oxy. Haven't had a pad separate yet and they always come out as new. Before someone pipes up with "That's wrong", I've done it this way for well over five years.....and I'm still using those same pads.

That's wrong!!!

Never washed mine in the washer before, Mrs. Clean would surely catch me and I would just as surely pay. IIRC, the new Meg's pads are advertised as washer friendly.

As most have commented, as time allows I'll allow mine to soak with a variety of soaps/cleansers and then wash by hand and allow to air dry on edge. The latter operation often takes place on the kitchen sink surround, and yes I'll get "the look".

[black bart]

I nearly always wash mine as soon as I finish polishing.

I use Dawn and hand wash them but if I leave them lay until they dry I soak them in APC solution over night then use Dawn to clean them.

I have never tried any of the expensive stuff I see no need it will just clean them like my soap does, when their clean they are clean and the pads don't know if I used Dawn or a expensive so called special pad cleaner.

[Reddwarf]

Some good advice. Thanks y'all!

I will absolutely try using some PB APC. I don't use it as much as i should!

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