How do you wash your rags/pads that you use for waxing/buffing your boat? What type of detergent do you use? Any products that work really well? I don't seem to be able to get the wax/polish off the rags. I also worry about it coating my washing machine and then having it get on my other clothes when I wash them.
How to clean waxing and buffing pads
- Thread starter Sailoff
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an industrial type cleaner.... something like purple power at walmart/sams club....there are others as well. you dont want to use it in your machine cuz it will suds away the water..... use it in a bucket and soak them for and hour then agitate them a bit then rinse them out..... then you can launder them as usual if you want to....
Pads should be used only for compounding, polishing & glazing (creating the shine). Wax is applied by hand and removed by hand. Wax is a Protective layer only, it is never intended to "create shine" only to enhance and protect. Machine removal actually "re-melts" it and leaves you with less protection. Waxes, most all contain silicone, will RUIN good wool pads. Best to just not go there.
If you only use "body shop safe" polishes & waxes, such as those made by Presta, not the amateur level products sold at marine stores, you'll find they are water based and don't contain any of the "cheater oils" that also ruin pads.
Simply hand wash the pad in a 5 gal bucket then apply to the machine and spin in the bucket at high speed to dry it..
If you absolutely have to launder them, front loader, cold water, Dreft, Ivory Snow or Woolite only. DO NOT machine dry......
You sure it's not from eating food with Olestra(TM)?That's why my underwear is soooooo shiny.
All U Get
and nothing sticks to them either..That's why my underwear is soooooo shiny.
All U Get
I was using 3M compound on our topsides today to buff off oxidizing (this is our year to make her all purty), part by hand, part with an orbital polisher. I was using some terrycloth pads and lint-free cloths.
After, I hand-washed and rinsed the pads and cloths a few times in a bucket using dish soap, they're on their last soak now. Then I may toss them in the wash with jeans and workclothes. I've done this before without problems. The terrycloth pads don't seem to last that long anyway.
After, I hand-washed and rinsed the pads and cloths a few times in a bucket using dish soap, they're on their last soak now. Then I may toss them in the wash with jeans and workclothes. I've done this before without problems. The terrycloth pads don't seem to last that long anyway.
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