pikkashoe

Whats the best way to clean the pads after using them.
I have 3 hydro tech pads and don't want to damage them.
I used them for polishing.

Any help is appreciated.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

http://www.autogeek.net/dp730.html

Coal is King

I Picked up the griots 6" and cobra pads from autogeek recently, and was wondering the same thing. I hate to sound cheap, but the thought of buying pad cleaner packs hurts. I found some sites that reconmmended an APC (mr. Clean with gain), so I tried it and seemed to work the first time. I hope it doesn't ruin the pads long term.....

Anyone else using something other than pad cleanser packets?

pikkashoe

hey Killr, how long are these pads supposed to last (lc hydrotech orange).
Ive used them twice, I have three of them, and two of them are tearing already?

Let me know.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

depends on how hard you are on pads and how many vehicles you've used them on. Generally most pads should last for many uses especially if cleaned properly and stored dry. Often times tearing is associated with the pad coming into contact with something sharp like corners and trim. Do you tape these areas before buffing ????

Otherslost

I have been using the original powdered Tide with a couple cups of Simple Green and do 2 rinses. So far all of my Meguiers pads and MF towels have been turning out good.

Thrash

When I'm all set and using my DA, I'll need 10 pads for cutting & 10 pads for polishing, so I need them cleaned quick. I use a large 10 gallon tub (Dillon case cleaner tub), set a smaller 2 gallon bucket inside, fill both with water, then attach a circulating emersion heater (sous-vide type water heater) to the larger bucket's water (no hot water supply in garage), which heats-up the smaller bucket & solution. Add liquid JOY or POLMOLIVE detergent to the smaller bucket to soak & clean the pads (better than Dawn). Chuck the used pads in the small bucket as they are changed and soak the pads for a good hour or so, wringing them out every so often (not pouring any wax or solvents down any drains).

When ready to finish up, do a clean water swap and final rinsing using the warm water from the tub, then spin dry on my DA inside a 5 gallon bucket. Clean pads and ready to use!