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  1. #1
    Super Member c5errr's Avatar
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    how to clean foam polishing pads

    hello there
    i just ordered a porter cable and ccs pads kit
    and im just wondering if ran out of pads cleaner
    what can i use as an alternative (especially in my country we dont have that pads cleaner !)

    and one more question
    do i have to clean the pad using the polisher (turned on) against a terry cloth after every section of the car ??

  2. #2
    Super Member oldmodman's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    For years I just used warm water and dishwashing soap. A couple of squirts of soap in a couple of inches of water than soak the pads and keep squeezing the soapy water through them.
    You may have to change the soapy water several times.
    Then rinse all the soap out my repeatedly squeezing the pads while in fresh water until no more soap come out.
    Squeeze as much water out as you can them press the pads while in a towel. The set them out to dry.

    Because this is so much trouble that is why I bought a pad washer.

  3. #3
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    I do not even buy foam pad cleaners because they are not needed. Also, you can save some major cash.
    Go to your local superstore or wherever and pick up so all purpose cleaner( preferably citrus based) and after your done polishing follow these steps.
    1. Rinse in sink
    2. Spray liberal amount of cleaner
    3.Allow to soak for a minute or so
    4. Spray more and agitate with your thumbs
    5. Rinse clean
    6. Wrap a drying towel around the pad and "squish" it to dry it
    7. Go buy something else off autogeek instead of more cleaner

    Secondly, if you can see some build up of product or anything else on the pad you should. Its not going to hurt anything if you do and it only takes like 10 seconds.

    Thanks
    Last edited by SheldonH; 04-23-2012 at 02:47 PM. Reason: Forgot something

  4. #4
    Super Member TimmyG's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    I use CG pad wash detergent mixed with 16oz lukewarm water. I have an old electric toothbrush that I agitate the with, rinse thoroughly, then dry. It's a pain, yes, but it's also cheaper than a $100+ pad washer.

    2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Torch Red

  5. #5
    Mike Phillips
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    Quote Originally Posted by c5errr View Post

    and one more question
    do i have to clean the pad using the polisher (turned on) against a terry cloth after every section of the car ??

    You want to work clean, you don't want any spent product or removed paint building up on the face of the pad. You certainly don't want to add fresh product to a pad with gunk on it.

    A good practice is to clean your pad on the fly every other section.


    See these articles,


    Pad Cleaning

    Why it's important to clean your pads often...

    How to clean your foam pad on the fly




    And in this video I demonstrate cleaning your pad on the fly...

    Video: How to remove shallow RIDS and how to machine apply both a paint sealant and a finishing wax

    Maybe this one too...

    Video: How to buff tight areas plus concave and convex curved panels by machine



  6. #6
    Super Member Webb's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    I just put them in the wash machine with the microfiber towels, I wash them hot/cold.Then let them sat to dry,they still look like new after 6 years.
    Wash day tomorrow? Nothing clean, right?

  7. #7
    Super Member RTexasF's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    Same here, in the washer they go but by themselves with cold water. If some time is going to pass before I wash them or if really stained they go in a bucket of Oxyclean & water first to soak.
    Rick....now in North Texas

  8. #8
    Super Member Danube's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    You may add a few drops of APC.
    Flex 3401 & PE14


  9. #9
    Super Member BobbyG's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    Since most of the compound and polishing products today are water based, most all purpose cleaners will do a pretty nice job and dissolving product residue. Saturate, kneed in, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

    A pad washer using a citrus cleaning solution does a great job cleaning up these pads. I got a Meguiar's Pad Washer for Christmas and picked it up on sale for $79.00. While this was still higher than it should be priced it was better than the $140.00 commonly seen..

    BobbyG - 2004 Millennium Yellow Z06 Corvette

  10. #10
    Super Member Webb's Avatar
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    Re: how to clean foam polishing pads

    Quote Originally Posted by BobbyG View Post
    Since most of the compound and polishing products today are water based, most all purpose cleaners will do a pretty nice job and dissolving product residue. Saturate, kneed in, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

    A pad washer using a citrus cleaning solution does a great job cleaning up these pads. I got a Meguiar's Pad Washer for Christmas and picked it up on sale for $79.00. While this was still higher than it should be priced it was better than the $140.00 commonly seen..
    Like I said before,I just wash mine with the MF towels,I don't think there a need to buy a special "Pad cleaner"
    Wash day tomorrow? Nothing clean, right?

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