Brent asks some questions about cleaning the pads used for applying waxes and sealants:

Just wondering if there is an easy way to clean foam pads that have hard to remove sealants/wax on them?

Hi Brent.

Due to the chemical makeup of some waxes and sealants, they can be challenging to thoroughly remove from foam pads.

The first method I would try is to use any products you have in your arsenal that are good for removing waxes and sealants from the painted surfaces…products like P21S Total Auto Wash, Chemical Guys Citrus Wash, or Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner Plus. If you don’t have any of those items on hand, then soak them in a bucket with a product like Dawn dishwashing liquid. You may have to let them soak for several hours, or even overnight.  Another good option is Lake Country Snappy Clean.  It’s a citrus based cleaner designed to help restore your pads to a like new condition after each detail.

You may find that the sealant or wax that you’re using simply doesn’t want to completely come out of the pad. If that is the case, then you can do like I do and designate that particular pad for that particular product. After you’ve washed the pad and allowed it to dry, just put it in a plastic baggie and mark it accordingly. For example: “Blackfire Wet Diamond Only”.

If you have any additional comments or questions, please submit your reply in the comment box below.