How to clean Meguiar's foam buffing pads [Archive] - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

Mike Phillips

Nov 8th, 2004, 02:09 PM

How to clean Meguiar's foam buffing pads (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3598)

Meguiar's does not recommend washing any of our foam buffing pads either by hand or by machine.

Meguiar's recommends,

* Tapping them when they are dry to knock loose any dried product
* Holding an absorbent terry cloth towel into them when they are wet to absorb excess product out of them.
* Storing them wet in a zip-lock bag for re-use later
* Turning the polisher on while holding the foam pad against an absorbent cotton terry cloth towel to transfer excess product into the towel
* Brushing dried, excess product from the face of the pad using a nylon bristle brush, like a toothbrush for example.
More to come...

Mike

Jeff Smith

Sep 18th, 2005, 11:19 PM

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
How to clean Meguiar's foam buffing pads

Meguiar's does not recommend washing any of our foam buffing pads either by hand or by machine.

Meguiar's recommends,
* Tapping them when they are dry to knock loose any dried product
* Holding an absorbent terry cloth towel into them when they are wet to absorb excess product out of them.
* Storing them wet in a zip-lock bag for re-use later
* Turning the polisher on while holding the foam pad against an absorbent cotton terry cloth towel to transfer excess product into the towel
* Brushing dried, excess product from the face of the pad using a nylon bristle brush, like a toothbrush for example.

More to come...

Mike

Mike,
I just got finished storing the pads I used this weekend and wanted to review the recommended cleaning instructions.

When you say, store them wet in a ziplock bag, Should this bag then be closed up or left open? I would think mold/mildew might be an consideration here. I have left mine open until I hear further.

Blr123

Sep 19th, 2005, 02:21 AM

Morning everyone,

I would like to know aswell :xyxthumbs

Bryan

Mike Phillips

Sep 19th, 2005, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by j333_76484
Mike,
I just got finished storing the pads I used this weekend and wanted to review the recommended cleaning instructions.

When you say, store them wet in a zip-lock bag, Should this bag then be closed up or left open? I would think mold/mildew might be an consideration here. I have left mine open until I hear further.

When I compiled the list your cite, I basically tried to think of every way I've ever heard of that people clean and store their foam pads that wouldn't do more harm than good. As far as the bag goes, I think some people have done both, (Store their foam pads wet in a closed bag and an open bag), but I think the idea is to leave them in an open bag where they can dry out but they are covered and thus not exposed to dirt and other contaminants in the air around them.

At Meguiar's we store our used foam pads on cupboards on shelves where they can dry and with the door closed they are not exposed to airborne dirt and other contaminants.

Cleaning foam pads used with dual action polishers is a problem. It's not just a problem for Meguiar's, it's a problem with any foam pad used on a dual action polisher. The reason for this is because when you place some product onto the face of the foam pad, and then place the face of the foam pad onto the surface of your car's finish, and then turn the polisher on, a majority of the product you just placed onto the face of the foam pad was just pushed into the foam pad.

Sure as you use the machine and move it around product is released over the finish, but as you continue to repeat the above steps you will continue to saturate your pad as you move around the car, then comes the question...

"How do you clean the foam pad?"

Since Meguiar's doesn't recommend washing the foam pad getting the product out of the inside of the pad is difficult and to date the best method is to draw it out using pressure with some type of absorbent material to force the excess liquids into the absorbent material.

Blr123

Sep 19th, 2005, 05:22 AM

Hello all,

Presumably that's why you would suggest "dedicated" pads ie 1 pad for 1 product yes?

Bryan

RDVT4ME

Sep 19th, 2005, 06:36 AM

Mike

What negatives have you or others seen from washing foam buffing pads. I know some have experienced separation of the foam from the felt. Any other issues?

Mike Phillips

Sep 19th, 2005, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by Blr123
Hello all,

Presumably that's why you would suggest "dedicated" pads ie 1 pad for 1 product yes?

Bryan

Yes, this prevents cross-contamination.

Mike Phillips

Sep 19th, 2005, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by RDVT4ME
Mike

What negatives have you or others seen from washing foam buffing pads. I know some have experienced separation of the foam from the felt. Any other issues?

The only issue I've ever seen caused by hand washing is de-lamination of the Velcro material from the foam, they tend not to stay their original color after washing, but the foam seems to work just the same.

We upgraded the adhesive used to hold the Velcro material onto the foam a couple of years ago so every pad being shipped today should have this new adhesive formula that is for sure water resistant and much more resistant to chemicals, heat and the wear and tear associated with the oscillating action of the dual action polisher on the 5.0 setting.

I have collected up three large boxes of foam pads used during our Detailing classes on Saturday's to experiment with washing using different soaps, the problem like usual is carving out the time as with forum growth it's really all I can do to keep up with the current duties and behind the scenes work, so adding new projects is difficult.

I know one thing for sure however, washing compounds, paint cleaners, cleaner/polishes and pure polishes will wash out with soap and water fairly easily, however when it comes to removing wax, especially the NXT and the M21 Synthetic Sealant, it's always going to be very tough to remove these products as they are water and detergent resistant.

In fact if you've ever tried to rinse out a foam wax applicator after using either of these two product you will have noticed how difficult it is to get all of the wax out of the pad and when it does come out it's not breaking up in the water, just coming out as a slimy ooze.

Jason Rose

Sep 19th, 2005, 07:45 AM

I have some helpful input on this topic...

First, one of the reasons washing foam pads with detergents is not a good idea is due to the fact that some cleaning chemicals can change what is called "compression strengh." In simple terms, this means the bounce-back or resistance of the foam to compression. After washing, with altered compression strengh, the foam pad may not perform as it should.

Second, the best pad maintenance program is this...
- Use dedicated pads for each product
- Don't use too much product. Common mistake. We all use way too much product. A build up on a pad is counter-productive, and simply more to clean off later.
- To clean after use, place the pad face down on a microfiber towel. Roll up the towel really tight, kind of like your wringing out a chamois. The compression will squeeze out excess product and the microfiber towel will soak it out. (wash the mf towel)
- Place the foam pad in a clean dry cabinet or box FACE DOWN. Air tight is not neccassary, but free from airborn particulate is important. Plastic bags are good for the mobile detailer folks...not sealed. Need to allow any chemicals to out-gas off the pad. But again, in a box with a lid. Not an open crate.

Hope this information helps...

Jason "Waxman" Rose
Field Marketing Manager: Professional
Meguiar's, Inc.

gb387

Sep 19th, 2005, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by RDVT4ME
Mike

What negatives have you or others seen from washing foam buffing pads. I know some have experienced separation of the foam from the felt. Any other issues?

I have washed my pads many, many times with no problems that I can visually see.... I did have my oldest (3-4 years) pad separate from the Velcro but of the 6-7 I have that is the only failure.

As Jason Rose has posted it could be changing the pads "compression strength"... that I have no way of testing that but it is entirely possible.

Once I see a problem with a pad I will replace it. I just can't afford to have one pad for each product.... I do too much "experimenting" with Meguiars products.

How about this Meguiars.... one free 6.5" Polishing pad OR Finishing pad with the purchase of a pro line product. ;) ;)

Jason Rose

Sep 19th, 2005, 01:50 PM

Of course, having one pad for each product could get expensive for some, especially users that use 6.5inch AND 8inch pad systems.

The next best thing is to keep pad usage aligned with major product categories. For example, if you use a W8000 Polishing pad with a polish...dedicate that pad to the polish category, and not use it with a wax or paint cleaner/compound. Use that W8000 pad with a variety of polishes.

Paint cleaners/compounds...polishes...and waxes...all have different chemistry. Best to segregate pads used with each of these product categories.

Waxman

Mike Phillips

Sep 19th, 2005, 01:52 PM

Jason,

Not to go off-topic too far... how do you like your new Avatar?

Jason Rose

Sep 19th, 2005, 01:56 PM

To really thoroughly consider this Avatar...you need to send me the actual can for closer evaluation.
Waxman

Mike Phillips

Sep 19th, 2005, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Jason Rose
To really thoroughly consider this Avatar...you need to send me the actual can for closer evaluation.
Waxman

What can of wax?

Rusty Bumper

Sep 19th, 2005, 03:01 PM

Not sure if this is even an issue, but I wonder if it's possible for the felt to shrink up just a little after a pad's been washed & air dried.

If so, then that might have been part of the cause of certain pad/velcro failures in the past?.......Not to mention that it could cause a pad to look a little bowl shaped too.

Just thinking out loud. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Edit: I did have a pad to mold up on me one time. I washed it, then let it air dry (or so I thought it was dry), and then I stored it in a sealed bag.

The next time I went to use it, it was so moldy that my pad was destroyed.

It was one of those screw-on type pads.

gb387

Sep 19th, 2005, 04:28 PM

Originally posted by Jason Rose
Of course, having one pad for each product could get expensive for some, especially users that use 6.5inch AND 8inch pad systems.

The next best thing is to keep pad usage aligned with major product categories. For example, if you use a W8000 Polishing pad with a polish...dedicate that pad to the polish category, and not use it with a wax or paint cleaner/compound. Use that W8000 pad with a variety of polishes.

Paint cleaners/compounds...polishes...and waxes...all have different chemistry. Best to segregate pads used with each of these product categories.

Waxman

That is one thing that I keep track of all mine are numbered... #1 is my cleaner pad... #2 is my polish pad... and so on.

Blr123

Sep 19th, 2005, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Jason,

Not to go off-topic too far... how do you like your new Avatar?

Hey Mike..............tut tut tut...............going off topic..............tut tut :rolleyes:

Now back on topic..............I understood that we should store pads in zip lock bags, is it OK to store in a box which I have that has a lid which could (not absolutely sure) well be airtight yeah?

Bryan

amg/md

Sep 21st, 2005, 10:20 AM

Does the same go for the High Tech applicator pads?

I am keeping them in a plastic bag with the bottle of the product I use it for (cleaner, polish, or wax, etc.), along with whatever I use to wipe it off with.

Can I wash these small hand pads out in the sink?

Ric

Mike Phillips

Sep 21st, 2005, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by amg/md
Can I wash these small hand pads out in the sink?

Ric

Yes.

You can also throw these in the washing machine. Best results come from washing in the sink first, and then run them through a load in the washing machine.

amg/md

Sep 21st, 2005, 08:10 PM

Mike,

As always, thanks for the quick response.

Ric

inthedetails

Nov 3rd, 2005, 08:26 PM

I have had great success cleaning my pads with Dawn and hot water. Even my NXT pad, although it does take a bit more effort.

Pit-lane.dk

Nov 4th, 2005, 01:20 AM

Machine washing pads works well for me although Velcro lifting from foam, does occur occasionally, especially with LC pads and not that often with Meguiars pads…….

Just my experiences…..

Pit-lane.dk

PS How many times (hours) in average can a pad be used if it is not washed once in a while?

What’s that avatar thing, you’re talking about, earlier in this thread?

Jeff Smith

Nov 4th, 2005, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by inthedetails
I have had great success cleaning my pads with Dawn and hot water. Even my NXT pad, although it does take a bit more effort.

I have some of white, stackable plastic lawn chairs. I lay a pad, face up on the edge of the seat. I hit it full force with the garden hose. I found all the polishes and glazes seem to be water soluable. I can get the pads extremely clean this way. I tend to hit it in the middle first then slowly spin it with one hand while making an ever increasing circle toward the outer rim of the pad. Then I hit the flip the pad, Hit the outer rim again then hit the outside side of the pad. This has been going very well for me. I used the dawn before. Had one pads velcro basically fall off so I changed. Maybe I used to much Dawn as I usually suspect I do.

I do spin the pads on the rotary before laying out to dry. I have 4 of the grit guard inserts and find them to be great drying racks for pads.

For my wax pads I don't clean. I have a separate pad for every wax and play around with so many that none of them are in serious need of help yet. All are still in great shape.

For the polish and glaze pads, I seem to be having such luck with my method that I non longer keep a separate pad for each product. I simply hose them down after each use, dry then store.

This is working well for me "at this time". The long term results have yet to be seen.

BTW, refrain from drying with the PC set on 6. Weeee. Had to go fetch a pad out of my neighbors hedge. Then after getting it realized the vecro had tore away from the pad. Trashed my first pad this way.

Also been figuring out just how far the rotary can sling wax. I use it to get the bulk of my wax off by running it on high. My hedges have quite the colorful array of stripes on them. Plus my driveway has a few that have been there for a few months. People probably think I am ome sort of artist here or something.

inthedetails

Nov 5th, 2005, 02:45 AM

Originally posted by Jeff Smith
I do spin the pads on the rotary before laying out to dry. I have 4 of the grit guard inserts and find them to be great drying racks for pads.

BTW, refrain from drying with the PC set on 6. Weeee. Had to go fetch a pad out of my neighbors hedge. Then after getting it realized the vecro had tore away from the pad. Trashed my first pad this way.

It happened to me twice yesterday, I used 6 becuase I had cleaned the pad in the middle of a car (gummy), I was "too lazy" to grab a bucket, so the thing shot across the garage. We could probably develop some kind of sporting event.

Another key in my cleaning is HOT! water.

rgarza

Mar 25th, 2007, 02:37 PM

Hello all experts :), What's your opinion about products like this:

http://i12.ebayimg.com/05/i/08/59/eb/84_1.JPG

I recently bought some of this but i haven't received yet. I will test and share my opinions, but your comments are very important to me.

Greetings from this side or the river, jeje, Mexico.

Regards...

matrixowner

Mar 27th, 2007, 06:34 AM

I saw a mechanical pad cleaner advertised on the ADS website. Cost around $130 and removed dried wax and polisher from pads.

gauchoy2k

Dec 16th, 2007, 08:00 PM

Thats alot of money to clean a 15dollar pad.

navyblue2000

Apr 8th, 2008, 08:29 AM

I tried something last night that seemed to work. Put a little dish soap in hot water in a bowl, and set a pad that had been used, and rinsed as best as I could into that bowl overnight. Looked at it this morning and it appears all it needs to do is dry and it's good to go!

andyo

Apr 12th, 2008, 11:19 AM

i spray them with a garden hose to get product out and let them air dry.

Mless5

May 2nd, 2008, 10:42 AM

Hi, thought I'd share. I like removing as much as I can with a MF towel trick and hitting pad with compressed air to force dry polish out once the pad dries.

Joenok

May 3rd, 2008, 03:45 PM

Joenok

May 4th, 2008, 05:50 PM

Eh, Bump?

Don

May 5th, 2008, 05:18 AM

So. Those of you who do clean your pads, HOW OFTEN do you do so?
How long do they take to dry?
Just did hood of a car and dropped a pad on the garage floor...

I ordered the DP cleaner above, but Autogeek sent me the wrong product, Pinnacle something... I guess i`ll try that..?

I have been using Murphy's Oil Soap to clean all of my detailing-related cloths, pads, etc. It really seems to cut through all of the cleaners and polishes easily and rinses out completely using the garden hose...unlike products like DAWN, which seem to suds up forever. I just soak the pads with a Murphy's/water mix 3-4:1, manually aggitate the pads, then rinse them with a strong stream of water.

Mike's right in that NXT (especially the NXT 2.0), is more than a bit stubborn when it comes to cleaning it's appicator, whether it's a PC/G-100 pad or one of the little round hand-applicator pads - usually requiring more than one cleaning application, and sometimes even then, only the main bulk of the product is cleaned out. The only other products that show this much difficulty in removing from foam pads are the ones from Collinite

Joenok

May 5th, 2008, 04:43 PM

How many cars do you do before you wash the pads, Don?

I used the Pinnacle product mentioned above just now to clean some really dirty mfs, seemed to work just fine!
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/pin620.html
Says here that it can be used with pads, guess I´ll give it a go.
Espesially for the pads I´ve used with #83, the remains in the foam of the pad turns hard after a few hours. Guess I should have dried them better :/

Don

May 5th, 2008, 07:22 PM

agentm

Jun 6th, 2008, 07:56 PM

Mike Phillips

Jun 6th, 2008, 10:31 PM

Every time I use my yellow pad with compound it always build up after use. I can't understand the MF towel method. When its dried the pad is so hard and the only way I took the product off is water. Can someone explain? thanks

What compound?

How are you using the pad? Which pad ours? The big one or the little one?

What kind of machine?

Have you read this?

Cleaning Your Pad On The Fly (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21413)

The pictures are missing until our Webmaster is feeling better and back to work but the words are still there and not it recommends using terry cloth not microfiber.

:)

agentm

Jun 7th, 2008, 05:30 PM

I have use m83, m80 and few more other brand. I use a medium pressure. Sometimes I use my Flex and sometime I use my rotory. By the time I finished half of the car the pad is already have nugget of compound on it with a hard dried looking pad. I started out with 2 lines of product.

theamcguy

Jun 8th, 2008, 08:23 AM

I stopped washing my pads in water years ago. I noticed two things:

1st Washing caused the Velcro to separate from the pad

2nd After washing the pad never stuck to the backing plate as well as a pad that had
not been washed

Before putting the away I hold a towel against while spinning to remove the excess product. I let it dry then repeat with the towel. I use a separate pad per product. Works for me no more separation and the pads stick like new every time.

agentm

Jun 8th, 2008, 08:18 PM

I like to know how many times do you wash the pad before it won't stick. I've been washing my pad over and over about 10 times and it still stick to my backing plate.

cheffi

Jul 23rd, 2008, 02:09 AM

Everytime I use my yellow pad with compound it always build up after use. I can't understand the MF towel method. When its dried the pad is so hard and the only way I took the product off is water. Can someone explain? thanks

this on the fly method only works with not dried product. you should do this right after compounding when the pad is "wet"

Jokeman

Jul 23rd, 2008, 09:10 AM

I usually hit the pad with the airgun from my compressor. It blows most of the product right out.

kty10

Jul 23rd, 2008, 12:49 PM

cheffi

Jul 24th, 2008, 05:20 AM

There was either a Saturday class or Thursday open garage where there was a pad washer that was used. If I remember correctly, there was supposed to be a review, but I never saw one? Anyone have any experience with these?

take a look here:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=76952&highlight=padwasher

they have a really nice video there which shows all necessary steps