DetailingWiki Newsletter
    Get free and automatic updates on new articles
    We respect your privacy. No data is used for anything other than sending the newsletter!

    Advertisement

What is a pad washer

Written by:

A pad washer (or pad washer) is a tool that helps to clean polishing pads without removing them from the backing plate. The tool rinses out the pad so it can be used again while detailing. This is often quicker than changing the pad and eliminates the need for a second set of polishing pads.

Contents

Why use a pad washer

During polishing, the pad you are using will get dirty. This is due to paint particles that accumulate in the polishing liquid, the broken down polish particles and any oils that are used in the polishing product. When a polishing pad is “dirty” or “clogged”, the polish will just sit at the top. During polishing, the material of the pad will not touch the paintwork and the polishing pad will simply glide over the paintwork with the polish as a lubrication agent. The polish itself is not worked into the paintwork either, because there is to little friction and motion to truly break down the polish. This means you will hardly get any result. The best fix for this is to clean the polishing pad. The padwasher cleans the polishing pad and rinses out the dirty and wasted polish. The clean polishing pad can then be used to continue polishing with more effect.

What is a pad washer

The pad washer is a bucket-like tool that is filled with water (some people also use shampoo or APC in the water) and has a inner system that sprays up water when you push it down. The lid-like top opens up to allow the insertion the pad (still attached to the machine). The pad can then be cleaned with the system. The top prevents the splashing of water and the inner workings provide the cleaning effect. Most materials are made from plastic and the padwasher can be used several times. There are a few different variations on the way the inner system works, or how it looks like, but the basic principle is the same: water rinses out the pads, the turning motion then spins out the water and the pad is ready to be used again. In some cases you might need to repeat the steps to get a properly cleaned pad.

How to use a pad washer

The use of a pad washer is very simple, which is part of its success. It also simplifies a step during correction and needs little maintenance.

  • The padwasher is filled with water (cleaning agent is optional)
  • The top is opened (often by moving the 2 large parts to the side)
  • The pad (still attached to the machine) is put into the pad washer
  • The top is closed by moving the 2 parts back inwards again
  • You push down the machine (slightly depends on the system, always read the manual) to wet the polishing pad
  • PRess the machine down and turn the machine on (medium speed)
  • Move the machine around while you press down and release the machine
  • Keep doing this till you feel the pad is clean again
  • Stop the machine when the pad is clean
  • Lift the machine up a little bit so the pad is just out of the water (don’t lift it out of the bucket)
  • Set the machine to a high setting and let it spin, this will spin out any water that is left in the pad
  • Open the top and take out the machine

Different related articles

  • Auto-detailing explained
    Detailing Miscellaneous
    Auto detailing is the performance of thorough cleaning, restoration, and finishing of an automobile, both inside and out, to produce a show-quality level of detail....
  • The best snowfoam
    Detailing Miscellaneous
    It is often asked on detailing fora and social media: "what is the best snowfoam". Off course there is a difference between certain products and brands, but it is important to know what you are asking. In this guide I will try to explain what the problem is with this question unless it is asked more in-depth....
  • Wheel cleaning – Basic
    Guides
    Cleaning the wheels on a car or bike can make a big difference. The wheels come into contact with various types of grime and dirt that might prove to be very difficult to remove. A simple guide will give insight into cleaning the wheels with less risk of damage or swirls....
  • The problem with using a QD
    Maintenance
    Many detailers will post up pictures of their vehicle showing great beads, and then claim their layer of protection is very old. However, that doesn't add up. When a wax is a few months old, it doesn't bead very good anymore, and that is normal. So how did this person manage to use a normal wax and get such great beads after all that time? Because he used a QD!...
  • What is road spray
    Detailing Miscellaneous
    Road spray is a dirty mist of contaminants in the air, thrown up by a vehicle driving over the road. Road spray is partly the cause for traffic film and can cause dirt and grime, even when the weather has been dry and there is no obvious origin for dirt on a vehicle....
  • How to remove waterspots
    Detailing Miscellaneous
    Waterspots are mineral deposits left behind after a liquid (such as water) evaporated. During evaporation, only the water molecules will evaporate. The contamination in the water will be left behind. Minerals are a very common contamination in water....

Links to this article

There are no external links to this article. Yet.
Sidebar



Stay up to date with our free newsletter
Always be the first to know about new updates, articles and other informative content.
Don't miss out, opt in!
We respect your privacy. No data is used for anything other than sending the newsletter!