Getting pads clean [Archive] - DetailingForums.com

Randyvous

11-01-2005, 11:48 AM

Guys, I need some suggestions on how to clean my LC blue FF pad.

I let my Natty's blue dry in it when I was doing my MIL's Explorer. My normal mixture of oxyclean and dawn didn't take it out. To make it worse, I thought it was clean and tried to re-use it to apply some Zaino to my wife's car. It spewed nattys dust all over the hood, so I stopped using it and took it back to the bucket to try and clean it again. (It gets worse!) I must have had some brake dust on my hands that transferred onto my pad while cleaning now that won't come out either!

:oops:

So I have a fininshing pad that has black brake dust, Zaino polymer and smells like bubble gum! Is it a goner?

Bob

11-01-2005, 01:30 PM

I spray mine with simple green, let it sit for a few and then hose and rinse it our really really good. Then I put the pad on the PC and spin it at speed one to get the water out.

Randyvous

11-01-2005, 01:57 PM

Thanks Bob, I thought about SG but I wasn't sure if it would touch that "Z" stuff! I'll give it a shot and if it doesn't work, I guess I know what to include on my next order! :)

BigLeegr

11-01-2005, 01:59 PM

I try to spray mine out right after I finish with them. I find they come clean fairly easily then.
As to your particular dilema, try an air hose to blow whatever dust is in there out. Once you feel you can't get anything else out that way, soak with an APC. After you get bored of letting it soak, take a brush (I have an OLD fuller nail brush that has a large side handle - like a giant toothbrush - that I like to use. It's sturdy, but not as rough as a brass brush would be.) and scrub it. Rinse and repeat. Sometimes just brushing the dried residue is enough to get most of it dislodged.

Good luck! (Oh, and maybe start watching for a sale on pads... :oops: )

awd330

11-01-2005, 02:05 PM

I use either Dawn dishwashing liquid or Murphy's Oil Soap (Dawn first followed by Murphy's if the Dawn alone doesn't do the job). I place used pads into a utility sink, soak with water, and then massage enough Dawn into the foam until it holds some suds. Then, I let the pads soak for a few minutes. Afterwards, I rinse thoroughly with water and wring or squeeze as much water out as possible. Lastly, I do the same as Bob and spin dry them at speed 1 on the PC for about 5 seconds.

Try cleaning your pad again using this method, then decide whether or not it's still usable. Even if you wouldn't want to re-use it on a car, you could use it to buff out something nastier like a riding lawn mower or snow blower. 8)

Randyvous

11-01-2005, 02:50 PM

Super! Thanks for the quick responses guys! I have TWO of every color LC pad known to mankind EXCEPT the blue final finishing pad! How's THAT for Karma? :oops:

Although I don't think Bob will mind TOO much if I'm forced to order replacements! :wink:

AWD330:
Snow Blower? What's that? :lol:

Bob

11-01-2005, 05:15 PM

AWD330:
Snow Blower? What's that? :lol: :x

awd330

11-01-2005, 05:54 PM

Super! Thanks for the quick responses guys! I have TWO of every color LC pad known to mankind EXCEPT the blue final finishing pad! How's THAT for Karma? :oops:

Although I don't think Bob will mind TOO much if I'm forced to order replacements! :wink:

AWD330:
Snow Blower? What's that? :lol:
It's that huge piece of machinery that takes up far too much room in my garage. I guess I better pull it out this weekend and get it ready for use. :cry:

Randyvous

11-01-2005, 08:17 PM

Thanks for the Simple Green suggestion, it worked wonderfully!

I'd be willing to bet the number of snow blower owners in Tennessee could be counted on one hand...I suspect they aren't much use for ice which is what we typically end up getting. On a positive note, we don't worry too much about salt trucks and the affects on our undercarriages, after all it's just one guy in the back of an Isuzu Pup with a shovel! :lol:

Bob

11-01-2005, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the Simple Green suggestion, it worked wonderfully!

I'd be willing to bet the number of snow blower owners in Tennessee could be counted on one hand...I suspect they aren't much use for ice which is what we typically end up getting. On a positive note, we don't worry too much about salt trucks and the affects on our undercarriages, after all it's just one guy in the back of an Isuzu Pup with a shovel! :lol:

Must be nice! :lol: