HELP. Let a friend use my buffer/pads.

**72Malibu** · 03-01-2020, 06:36 PM

Allowed a friend use my buffer and LC pads a couple weeks ago. Just got them back, uncleaned! Are the pads salvageable or does my friend need to cough up some green and buy me new pads? I have no idea what products he used as he didn't use my WG. Probably WM specials, but at least his car looks better.
If salvageable, how?

Thanks in advance.

**Billy Baldone** · 03-01-2020, 06:45 PM

You’re overreacting. Just clean them

**Eldorado2k** · 03-01-2020, 07:01 PM

I’ve got some dirty pads that have been sitting outside on a table for a couple of months... No worries, they should clean right up.

**72Malibu** · 03-01-2020, 07:07 PM

Thanks folks. The only bad part is ya'll said what the Queen said. She'll mever let me hear the end of it.

Thanks again.

**Eldorado2k** · 03-01-2020, 07:09 PM

How do you plan on cleaning them?

**72Malibu** · 03-01-2020, 07:18 PM

Pad cleaning brush first to get off what I can. Throw them in bucket of water overnight to hopefully soften up some of whats left, put them back on the polisher and run it in a towel. Finally use WG pad cleaner as prescribed.

Anyone have a better way, chime in. Won't hurt my feelin's to learn something new.

**2black1s** · 03-01-2020, 07:44 PM

I'm not keen on loaning tools and have only done it on rare occasions. And certain tools are completely off limits - (spray guns, torque wrenches, etc., come to mind).

In your case, loaning a buffer, I would have told the user they need to buy their own pads, or pay for replacements. Pads are expendables - even if used and cleaned properly they only have so much life in them.

I've found the best way to clean foam pads is to simply run them under a faucet (water as hot as your hands can take), scrub with your hand, wring out... then repeat as necessary until they are clean. Once clean I put them on the polisher at high speed to sling out the remaining water. Then let them dry overnight or longer before sealing them in zip-lock bags.

If the pads have been used for wax or very oily polishes I then add a little detergent to the process to break down the wax/oil. Tide and/or Dawn, or the like, have always worked for me.

**72Malibu** · 03-01-2020, 07:50 PM

2black1s, I agree. I rarely loan tools. My friend has been my friend for decades, has borrowed before with no problems ever. We were going to do his car at my place, but schedules just never could get lined up. If it comes up again, I'll tell 'em get their own pads, buffer I don't mind (depends on who it is of course).

Thanks for the tips using detergent. I presume Dawn? Or another you recommend?

**Big Dave** · 03-01-2020, 08:16 PM

Can anyone tell me why doing this bit:

"Once clean I put them on the polisher at high speed to sling out the remaining water."

Is just so much fun, I always look forward to doing this bit.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

**Eldorado2k** · 03-01-2020, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Can anyone tell me why doing this bit:

"Once clean I put them on the polisher at high speed to sling out the remaining water."

Is just so much fun, I always look forward to doing this bit.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

That’s the part that’s a chore for me... Probably the main reason I’ve got dirty pads I haven’t cleaned. Lol