Pad cleaning?

[soapboxpreacher]

How and what do you use for pad cleaning? And is it worth it or dump the pads when you are done?

[soapboxpreacher]

Oh and do you need a dedicated pad cleaning solutions or can something I have around the house to clean these?

[Hermes1]

I like the powder versions that are mixed with water so I can soak the pads as they become loaded, then scrub them with a pad brush when done. The ones I have used are McKee's & Blackfire which have worked well. Also after thoroughly scrubbing and rinsing, I throw them in the washing machine.

[Dr Oldz]

I don’t care for any powdered type cleaner. Problem is that powders don’t always dissolve properly. That can create a problem next time you buff if one of those particles get dislodged from the pad.

I use an APC with a nylon pad conditioning brush with lots of free flowing water followed by a trip in the washing machine. Finally followed by drying on a rack velcro side up.

[ducksfan]

D-limonene @ 10 percent.

So, however you buy it, dilute it with distilled water to get a 10 percent solution. I have had great results with Citra-solv (probably 90 percent d-limonene) . But, usually I use Citra-Blast (50 percent d-limonene) because you don't need the quality of a citra-solv type product to clean pads. You do have to shake Citra-Blast prior to use. But, that's really no big deal.

You can use pad cleaner (or IPA ?) as a final step if you don't trust leaving possible d-limonene residue in your pads.

Keep in mind, a product like this is probably only needed if a type of sealer is in the pads. Compounds and polishes can be cleaned with a lot cheaper products.

[custmsprty]

I dump mine in the HE washing machine on a long cycle with steam. I pre-spray with an APC and toss them in. I use 3D Towel Kleen.

They come out good as new.

Yeah, the machine smells like car products after but I then run the same cycle with Tide washer cleaner and all is good. Been doing it this way for years.

[PaulMys]

I spray mine with McKee's polishing pad cleaner, agitate with a stiff brush, then plop them in a bucket of 3D Towel Kleen solution until I'm all done polishing.

After that, they come clean in the sink with little effort.

[Ed Abbondanzio]

I've had good results with Blackfire's pad cleaner. The smell is harsh but it's the only thing I've found that'll remove HD speed. I spray it on, and let it soak for a few minutes then wash them by hand under hot water.

[Whipped500]

Is there a product that works on microfiber towels as well as the foam pads?

I see custmsprty and PaulMys use the 3D towel clean but it's not the only product. I'm a weekend warrior and trying not to have a bunch of products is why I ask. I was wondering if one could get away with just the 3d towel clean but would need a little extra effort with the pads when using it?

[nrengle]

Of note, I tried a way to dry my pads quickly over the weekend. Air fluff in my dryer on the drying rack. Just blows room temp airnover them. 45 minutes later all 6 pads I had in there were dry. Even put them back on the rotary at full speed to see if any water would fly off, nothing.