Pad Cleaning

[HCF]

I toss them in a 5 gallon bucket along with mf rags with Mckee`s polishing pad rejuvenator powder as I use them. As much as I hate it and I`m usually beat after a day of detailing I force myself to clean them in the sink using pad brush an Mckee`s spray cleaner an hot water.

[Accumulator]

When I need to brush something in this context, I use a Denture Brush rather than the Pad Cleaning Brush.

It`s just what I have found that takes most everything out... It works, so until I find something better...

Hey, I`m all in favor of not fixing what isn`t broken!

[Swanicyouth]

1. I`ve left pads sit months without cleaning them. They are fine. You don`t have to clean your pads as soon as you are done - almost all of these polishes are somewhat water soluble.

2. LA Awesome is as good or better than any pad cleaner out there. I`ve tried several pad cleaners - so I`m qualified.

[pdqgp]

For foam (and other) pads, do I really need one of those little handheld wire brush things to condition or clean them? I want to use water and some soap. And when I`m about to buff, do I put a few drops if water in the pad first?

No need for water, etc. I do use and keep a small spray bottle of waterless wash mixed up and handy for really hot days or if product is suffering a low work time. However, follow instructions on your products. Some will tell you specifically "no priming of pad" needed.

In terms of cleaning I love and use 3D Towel clean. Mix up a 5 gal bucket with a 1/4 cup and warm water and when you`re done with a towel or a pad, toss them in the bucket. This will allow really tough products like HD Speed to soak up and soften. Most all products come right out with a little working of the pad in the solution. Rinse thoroughly and either lay flat to dry or dry on ultra-low/delicate.

Been using the above for years and the pads are all great and going strong. Just literally about to dry a load of them now