Hey all my detailing kit has arrived and wanted some recommends on cleaning the pads. Is it a simple rinse with soap and water or is there a special solution required after each use? I've also heard some of you use more then one pad, I know for different levels of polishing you switch colors but for instance during the cutting stage if required do you use one pad for that whole stage... Any input appreciated.

 

Cleaning Pads

All pads have a performance cycle, meaning you will get the desired results only to a certain point on that curve. The point of declining performance is typically reached by polish / compound pad being overloaded with product; you should always be able to see the individual cells or texture of the pad, with proper, regular cleaning pad overload can be avoided.

Clean (or replace) you pads frequently: pads are easy to clean; the slotted pad face actually makes it easy to clean. Do not use the same pad to apply differing products as cross contamination will reduce the effectiveness or completely negate their purpose altogether. A new or freshly cleaned pad must be used with each type of car care product.
It is very important that you keep your working pad clean; as you go over the surface the removed polish and oxidation is being absorbed, which will become large abrasive fragments and will interfere with the cutting ability of the abrasives During the polishing process, trace amounts of paint and / or oxidation is removed; this can cause the debris and the polish to ‘load-up the foam’. This can cause a haze to the paint surface, or the hardened polish could cause scratches, a wipe-down or a paint cleaning product will eliminate this.

Most car care products contain polymer or oils that serve as surface lubricants. Even if you rinse the pad immediately after using it, the oily residue remains because oil and water are not miscible. To properly clean the wool or foam pads, you need to use a fairly strong cleaner that contains a degreaser; especially for pads that have been used for wax or sealant application as they are formulated to be detergent resistant

A common misconception is that a regular all purpose cleaner (APC) or detergents can be used to clean pads. While they do clean the pads but they also leave a soapy residue that doesn't completely rinse out. This residue will reactivate the next time you use the pad.
Using (P21S®® Total Auto Wash or Optimum™ Polymer Technologies - Power Clean diluted 2:1 (or stronger) soak the foam pads in hand-hot water for about an hour.

Then gently work the surface of your pads with your thumbs for a minute or two. Compress the pads individually (do not wring as this may damage the Velcro®) under the water with the flat of your palms a few times. Drain the water and rinse thoroughly with warm water and compress the pads to drain the excess water. Place pads between two terry cloth towels and compress to remove water. You can also put them in the dryer using the setting for air dry (no heat) or spin them on a rotary by placing the pad in an empty bucket until excess water is removed.


Foam Pads I - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...am-pads-i.html

Foam Pads II - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1451155

Foam Pads; Selection and Use - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1462115

 

^Sorry was looking for something a little more informative. Looks like I'm going to have to bust out my wallet again! Thanks for the info, hopefully

squeeze in a wash and polish in the next couple days.