How To Clean Wool Buffing Pads: 4 Helpful Tips (Easy Guide)
Your wool buffing pad looks matted and filled with buildup right now. Fortunately, cleaning it won’t require too much effort.
You can choose several methods, such as a degreaser, buffing spur, or other specialized cleaning solution.
Stick around to learn more about how to clean wool buffing pads.
Method 1 – Use a Buffing Spur
A buffing spur tool is highly efficient when removing all the built-up dust in your wool pad. It also works exceptionally well if your pad has matted fibers. The spurs will help separate them.
Step 1: Position the Pad
You’ll need the buffing spur and a soft-bristled brush for this method. Face the pad away from the vehicle or any space you don’t want the dust to spread onto.
Step 2: Use a Brush
Then, grab a soft-bristled brush and apply some pressure on the pad. Turn the polisher on and let the residual dust and debris fly off the wool pads.
Step 3: Use the Spur
Next, place the buffing spur inside the pad area and turn the polisher on. Work from the inside, then gradually move outward until you remove all the dust. That can take anywhere between a minute or two.
Method 2 – Use a Specialized Cleaning Solution
This method is best if your wool buffing pads need a deeper cleanse from the polish.
Step 1: Unplug the Tool
Start by unplugging the polishing tool. That way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally turning it on when removing the wool buffing pad.
Step 2: Take Out the Pad
Detach the wool buffing pads from the polishing device of the locking mechanism. Turn it to the left. It should fall off after. Check your manufacturer’s manual if it’s not working since your tool might have a different locking mechanism.
Step 3: Wet the Pad
Place the pad in an empty utility sink and spray it with a specialized buffing pad cleaning solution or degreaser. Make sure to focus on the polishing side of the pad.
Wait to spray the pad until it drips. Keep it slightly wet. Then, allow the pad to soak in the agent for about three to five minutes.
The cleaning solution may emit strong odors, so it’d be a good idea to open up a few windows to let the stench out.
Step 4: Rub the Pad
After leaving it to soak, hold and rub it for 10 to 15 seconds or until the solution is fully incorporated into the pad. Use your thumb during this process. Be gentle while kneading the solution.
Step 5: Rinse the Pad
Place the pad under running water for a minute while still rubbing it. The polishing side should face the facet.
Afterward, while the water is still running, squeeze the pad. All the dirt should be coming out. Continue this process until you wash most of the dirt off.
Step 6: Dry the Pad
Once the pad is all clean, you can lay it face down to dry out for about 12 to 24 hours. Keeping it face down is essential because if you lay it the other way, the excess water can seep into the attachment layer and weaken the adhesive attachment.
Before laying it, if it’s dripping, you can use a microfiber towel to squeeze out the extra moisture. Besides that, you can dry it faster by reattaching it to the polishing machine and allowing it to run for 20 to 30 seconds on a medium-speed setting.
While doing so, keep the pad facing the sink. Otherwise, you’ll end up with water everywhere. Another option is to use a dryer. Please place it in there for 10 to 20 minutes on low heat. This method can shrink the pad, so working with the other alternatives is best.
Method 3 – Use Cleaning Solution and Buffing Spur
You’ll use the buffing spur and cleaning solution or degreaser in this method. It’ll give you the deepest clean out of all other methods.
Step 1: Apply the Solution
Begin by placing the wool buffing pad in your utility sink and wetting it slightly. Spray the cleaning solution or degreaser on it and massage it until you get through all the dust and debris in the wool.
Step 2: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the pad while still massaging it until the water runs clear. Leave it out to dry using your preferred method. You could air-dry it, use a dryer, or affix it to the polishing machine and spin it to make it dry quicker.
Step 3: Press the Spur Onto the Pad
Once fully dries, grab your buffing spur and gently apply it on the buffing pad while it’s spinning. If it slightly darkens, don’t worry. It’s likely the aluminum residue from the spur itself. It won’t cause any damage.
Method 4 – Use Compressed Air
Using compressed air is likely the easiest method. All you have to do is attach a nozzle to the air hose. Next, keep your buffing pad stationary against the polishing machine as you blast it with the air.
Alternatively, you can spin the machine to get faster results, but be careful not to fluff it too much. Otherwise, the wool might lose its structure.
4 Tips to Clean Wool Buffing Pads
Check out a few helpful tips when cleaning your wool buffing pads.
- Be gentle when using the buffing spurs.
- Don’t throw the pad in a washing machine.
- Clean your pad regularly after polishing two car hoods.
- Keep your distance away from any polished vehicles when cleaning the buffing pads.
Key Takeaways
Leaving your buffing pad gunked up with wax and other polishing agents will make your job much harder. An unclean pad can ruin your finish by digging dirt onto the car.
For this reason, a regular clean-up with a buffing spur or degreaser after every two car sections will ensure a shinier finish in less time.