Polishing Pad/Buffing Pads: How are you guys cleaning them?

[Killswitch]

I have a quite of few correcting pad for my orbital that are used and to be honest to not sure how to properly clean them and store. Wanted to know a good way to remove polishes from the pads and how long should they last before tossing it?

[dball4]

If the pads are foam or microfiber, I would recommend DP Pad Rejuvenator and a good soaking in warm water. If you don't have access to that, soaking the pads in water for 20-30min, and then using dish soap and a nylon brush to remove any polish or wax residue left in the pads. Rise thoroughly, and dry with the velcro/backing plate side up, to prevent deterioration of adhesives that mate the pad and contact patch. To answer your question on pad life, it is really up to your discretion, but if the pad is deteriorating and the microfiber/foam begins to fall apart under use, time to replace them. Hope this helps.

[originalgoods13]

For more porous foam pad like the yellow conditioning foam pad, sometimes it is tough to get rid of the wax or sealant residue even after washing.

You can replace or just wash them a couple of times on a natural dish detergent or your preferred foam pad cleanser (works better)

[pj.rodriguez]

I definitely recommend a foam pad cleaner. It is a solvent that will just eat away the sealant or waxes or compounds that are stuck in the foam pad. After that, use warm water and a brush to get the cleaner and all of the residuals out of the pad. Rinse super thoroughly and place face down to dry. This allows the water and any other residuals to come to the face of the pad and not be stuck deep down in the pad where it would be more difficult to see and you'll wonder why the pad doesn't work that well anymore. Face down is the best tip I can give when drying the pads.

[Zombie1]

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Microfib..._p/cws_201.htm

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Foam_Woo...buf_333_16.htm

[moosey]

I've had good luck w/ Dawn Power Dissolver

[bNks334]

What pads are you guys using in general? I used some cheap ones from harbor freight on my DA and they are pretty much a 1 time use thing. They start to deteriorate instantly. Cant see reusing a pad anyway as dirt, compound, and wax tend to be pretty hard to clean off.

[Zombie1]

Originally Posted by bNks334

What pads are you guys using in general? I used some cheap ones from harbor freight on my DA and they are pretty much a 1 time use thing. They start to deteriorate instantly. Cant see reusing a pad anyway as dirt, compound, and wax tend to be pretty hard to clean off.

Please don't use those pads on your car sir. It's worth it to invest in a nice set of pads they'll last a LONG LONG time. The fist set of pads are used by a lot of car care pros. The second and third links show Microfiber polishing/cutting pads that are newer to the market. I have used them and I love them for my BMW jet black paint(known to be a very soft clear). hope this helps

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Hex_Logi..._hexkits_8.htm

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Black_Op...bufx_305_6.htm

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Black_Op...bufx_304_6.htm

[cmac49]

Originally Posted by Zombie1

Please don't use those pads on your car sir. It's worth it to invest in a nice set of pads they'll last a LONG LONG time. The fist set of pads are used by a lot of car care pros. The second and third links show Microfiber polishing/cutting pads that are newer to the market. I have used them and I love them for my BMW jet black paint(known to be a very soft clear). hope this helps

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Hex_Logi..._hexkits_8.htm

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Black_Op...bufx_305_6.htm

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Black_Op...bufx_304_6.htm

Thanks for the links. I just bought a '12 black 135i and am determined to maintain the current state of the clear coat as it looks fantastic ATM.

[bNks334]

I need hook and loop type pads... any suggestions on those?

[Zombie1]

Originally Posted by bNks334

I need hook and loop type pads... any suggestions on those?

Yes they have those style pads on chemical guys in their hex logic pads and lake country.

[Killswitch]

Thanks for the helpful hints and suggestions guys. Definitely will utilize those tips. I have used pads stacked and its time to clean and reuse. I have an old e30 thats begging to be polish.