How long to PC polishing pads last? can they be re-washed? (with regular detergent?)

...same question for microfiber towels used for final wipes, detailing spray, and polishing.

 

i usually keep my pads almost as long as i keep my cars!!
i mark the backs of the pads with the car that they go to-
the only pads i have ever had to replace were ones that i blew apart when trying to dry them on the pc... early on i did not realize that you cannot just set the machine on 10 and turn it on to get the water out of the pad. the result of that is the pad blows apart too!! (... just set the machine at a low speed to get most of the water out)

i should admit that over time the pads will disintegrate, but its not a matter of months but, in my experience, its a matter of years. you will know when the pad is gone (it begins to fall apart). i usually replace them long before they are "gone" cause i like to try different pads every once in awhile.

pads should be washed each time they are used. and i wash mine by hand (or with a fairly soft brush). lotsa rinsing involved.

and the same answer for mfs!! really depends on what they are used for though. my towels that i use for buffing will last forever, i assume. those that i use with product will have a shorter life, but they still last a really long time. be sure to care for them properly- such as washing them in mf shampoo and dont wash or dry with high heat.

 

It depends on how you take care of them but aggressive pads with aggressive polishes on a rotary don't last that long for me.

 

What those guys said.

It depends on what kind of action they see. I've blown through two 4" yellow spot pads on the PC because they tend to see heavy polishing, heavy pressure and relatively high heat.

On the other hand, after 15-20 cars this past summer, my spring set of PC pads (also seen some rotary use) are still going strong if not as pretty as they once were.

I'd say a set of pads should last the casual user (working on 1-2 cars/season) for a couple of years, at least.

 

My pads,LC and sonus have lasted me through two summers.(20 or 30 full polishes on different cars) I always wash them right away and let them air dry. As long as you don't hit any sharp objects and rip them they should last three or more years.

 

What about Microfiber towels that have already been neglected? I have allowed others (who will remain nameless) to wash the towels with fabric softener and bleach. Should I just start from scratch?

 

wash them REALLY good (maybe 3-4x?) with either a regular detergent or some of that microfiber-specific detergent and rinse each cycle with 1/4 cup of white vinegar (in the rinse cycle... make sure the cup is clean!).

That may help a good bit.

 

Another trick....buy some more....

 

That was my first thought, but I'll try to wash if it means saving a couple of bucks.