Pad Cleaning Using a Power Washer

I am always looking for ways to make detailing easier. For me, gone are the days of scrubbing pads in the sink with pad cleaner and a brush. I have enough pads now that I wait until I have a handful of dirty pads to clean, and then pull out the power washer. WHAT!?!

When DJ Mayo first told me to use a power washer I said, “DJ, you use a power washer to clean the pads!? The water pressure doesn’t blow apart the pads?” He assured me that it was the most effective way to get the pads perfectly clean. I was concerned about blowing pads away. After losing one pad I learned the exact process not to use anymore.

If you see the black pad below you can see the water beading on top of it. The sealant I used with this pad, actually caused the polymers to cross link into the pad. This used to be near impossible to get out in the sink with a brush.

Simply grab your power washer, I put them on  the top of a Rubbermaid container so the pads aren’t resting on the ground where debris and particles can get into the pad. I also have power washed the area around the top so there is nothing that can bounce up and contaminate the pad.

Don’t hold the nozzle close to the pad. I make sure that the water stream is about the width of the pad.  Also make sure the spray is straight down on the pad. You can then use the spray to release product from the pad using a back and forth motion. If you angle the stream that is when pads start flying.

I don’t just use this process on foam pads, Meguiar’s MF pads love a good pressure washing. All the product is easily removed from the pad.

What you’re left with is a perfectly clean pad. Simply wring out the pad and then rest it on a wire rack to dry.

If you’re lucky enough to have recently done a Single Stage paint you will then be able to see the paint residue left on the ground after power washing the pads. 🙂

Enjoy your new found pad cleaning procedure.  It will make cleaning faster and for me easier.