How long is to long?

[JunkmansHomeboy]

How long is to long to wait before cleaning

Adams porter cable pads?

what period of time would ruin the pads?

Just wondering if they would ever ruin.

[BlueGenCoupe]

Pads should be washed after every use. set them to dry, and then place them in a freezer bag, but don't zip the bag up.

 

As for how long it would take to ruin the pads, I have no idea. I wont take the chance to let it get to that point

[MAYBEN]

with the Canuck.. eh

[blackws6ta]

I clean mine as soon as I am done. I have let them with without cleaning then overnight in order to finish the next day, but never longer than that.

 

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Stryker]

 

 

I clean all my tools (brushes,pads,etc) after EVERY use.

[Osok]

I think you'll find most folks clean them right after they're done with them. But maybe Dylan or one of the Adams team can give ya a specific answer on how long is too long.

[RedexInLA]

I clean mine as soon as I'm done using them.

I also get them to dry quickly using a high speed blower, dries in 2-3 hours.

Put the pad back on the PC and give it a quick run to remove a lot of the water, helps much for drying time.

[MacCool]

I wash them same day...a little APC, rinse, wring 'em out. Then in the front-load washer on rinse-and-mega-spin, then about 2 hours on the boot dryer and ready to go. White pad takes a little longer to dry, I notice.

 

[mbreyer]

like the put it back on the pc idea ill try that next time. Should i ask the wife to come watch when i turn it on:D

[Tru-Blu]

Only if you want to sleep on the couch!

[mrmsmop]

i already sleep on the couch so i'll have her watch ..... close up to tell me when there dry.

[xlr8rvette]

only if you want to sleep on the couch!

 

a l o n e ! !

[Grubrunner]

For some reason, based on the thread title, I was expecting a different discussion when I clicked.

[Chris@Adams]

The advantage of washing as soon as your done is they will be dry & clean so you can use them again.

[XQIZT]

I clean mine as soon as I'm done using them.

I also get them to dry quickly using a high speed blower, dries in 2-3 hours.

Put the pad back on the PC and give it a quick run to remove a lot of the water, helps much for drying time.

 

CAREFUL running the PC unloaded! You can damage it that way. Better off to "sling" the pad by hand to get most of the water out.

[Team Adam's]

This might be helpful: http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/machine-polishing/13171.htm

 

 

The next in my series of FAQ threads, addressing our most common questions and concerns with aspects of detailing.

 

Its time we put to rest a lot of the questions about proper pad and foam accessory care. Many people learn the hard way about some of the things they shouldn't do by destroying their first set of pads. As always the best place for you to start is the videos, the basic outline of proper accessory care is covered, and hopefully this thread can serve as a supplement to the video and provide further clarification.

 

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0PQabUpVZes?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

So the common concern usually comes to me something like this.

 

"I cleaned my pads just like in the video and put them in a plastic bag when I was done. When I went to use them the next time they were crumbling and falling apart. Did I get defective pads?"

 

This situation is pretty common, people assume that storing their pads and other foam accessories in a plastic bag is a good way to keep them safe. Why wouldn't it be right? You want to keep them completely clean and ready to use... but the problem comes from moisture. Even a small trace of moisture still trapped deep within the pads will lead to mildew when the pad is stored in a bag, this will cause the pad to weaken, deteriorate, and in some cases even completely turn to a pile of foam pad crumbs. Never EVER store a foam accessory in a sealed, air tight container. Even if you think its 100% dry, theres a good chance there is still some moisture in the pad.

 

There have even been cases where pads that were never used get sealed in a bag when the ambient humidity is extremely high, the results are the same. The moisture trapped in the bag destroyed the pad.

 

SOME TIPS FOR FOAM PAD & ACCESSORY CARE:

 

• Clean your pads using Adam's APC immediately after use. I know, its tempting to just toss them aside and wait until another day to do the pad cleaning, but the sooner you clean, the easier it will be. Also pads will clean more completely when the polish is still moist and hasn't dried deep inside the pores of the foam. A lot of times dusting happens with pad that haven't been cleaned well when the dried polish from deep in the pad starts to get flung out.
   
   
  
• If you absolutely cannot clean the pads when you're detail is done, prepare a bucket of clean water. Add approximately 3-4oz of APC and place the pads inside. To keep the pads submerged in the water place your grit guard, face down, on top of the pads to hold them down. It might be necessary to find something with some weight to keep it pressed downward, the Fender Brush works excellent for this (see pic at the bottom). This is only an overnight solution... we do not recommend letting it sit in this for any extended period of time. When you do have time to clean them use the standard methods, this is not a replacement method, just a way to buy time.
   
   
  
• Repeat cleanings as needed. Sometimes a pad or accessory won't come 100% clean on the first attempt... don't just put it back dirty. Clean it again! Some pad staining is normal, but the pads should be free of all polish or wax residue before considering them clean. The hex grip wax apps can tend to hold the wax and glaze even with repeat cleanings. If they don't come clean with your hose and APC, try washing in the sink with warm water and dawn dish soap, not just any dish soap, but DAWN and only straight soap, none of the kind with added moisturizers. Make sure to rinse extremely well when using this method.
   
   
  
• Dry your pads face down on a clean wire rack. Allowing sufficient airflow thru the pad will help with faster drying. In the case you don't have a wire rack or something similar to dry pads on, place them face down on a GWDT and press down repeatedly to work as much of the water as you can out of the pad and into the towel. Once this is completed place the pad on a fresh, dry towel to complete air drying.
   
   
  
• The "PC Free-spin" drying method is NOT recommended. When pads are wet they are substantially heavier, allowing the PC to 'free-spin' with a wet pad creates unnecessary stress on the machine as well as the pad backing and glue which holds it in place.
   
   
  
• Once you're confident that your pads are as dry as they can be store in an area that gets sufficient airflow, but will keep them protected from dust and debris. NEVER USE PLASTIC BAGS to store foam accessories. Office supply stores sell excellent storage solutions. Pictured below is an perfect option, the drawers are not air tight, but the pads are protected from all sides. Other options include drilling holes in the side of your plastic tote to use for pad storage.
  

 

[ATTACH]7564[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]7565[/ATTACH]

 

 

Proper foam accessory care ensures that your pads, applicators, and other items stay useful, effective and last you a long time. Nothing is more frustrating that being ready to detail and discovering that a lack of proper care has ruined your only pad or applicator for a certain purpose... spending a little time caring for the things that care for your car means they'll be ready to use when you need them.