How Do You Clean Tire Shine Applicators?

Marc08EX

Marc08EX

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Do you guys even clean your tire shine applicators after use? If so, how do you guys do it? Mine doesn't come out clean after washing it with Dawn. More so after the fifth use or so. It's just black, greasy and dirty.

The main reason I ask is because I'm wondering whether you guys use a dedicated applicator pad per product? Or do you guys just use one for all your tire shines.

Thanks!
 
I just keep on using mine until they are too dirty and begin to effect the look of the tire then I toss them in the trash. Most of the tire shines I use get sprayed on so I don't go through many. I use UTTG on the higher end work that I do and by the time the applicator becomes an issue, the bottle is almost used up anyway so it gets tossed when I purchase a new bottle.
 
I use a dedicated Cobra applicator per tire product and they seem to last a long time. Just make sure you start with a clean tire and the applicators should last a good while.
 
I use micro fiber applicator pads from Walmart, a minimum of 4 times up to 8 times before tossing them. As cheap as they are I really don't bother with cleaning them. I do have some SM Arnold applicators similar to the blue foam that I just started using, haven't thought about cleaning until now. Think I'll try some OPC or maybe CG pad cleaner since I mostly use water based dressings.
 
Thanks for the input guys!

So it seems that the consensus is using a dedicated applicator pad per product and not washing them after use.
 
Marc08EX said:
So it seems that the consensus is using a dedicated applicator pad per product and not washing them after use.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's what I do, and throw them out when the foam starts to break down. I used to try to clean them...but what a mess and as you've found, they never really come clean anyway. Still looking for the perfect applicator.
 
I never wash mine. Ive even switched dressing using the same applicator without washing it.

I have noticed no ill effects.

I use the cobra applicators btw. I forget if I tossed one yet. But I got two over a year ago and they are still holding up.
 
I spray mine with 1z einzett blitz, then rinse it out with the hose. About every 3 application tho.
 
timaishu said:
I've even switched dressing using the same applicator without washing it. I have noticed no ill effects.
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Yeah, there's not a lot of potential for problems, but I'm always comparing dressings to try to find what I like best, so I try not to cross-contaminate. Problem is by the time I find one I like they've already got a new version of it and all the other ones I was comparing it to so I have to start over :(
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Yeah, there's not a lot of potential for problems, but I'm always comparing dressings to try to find what I like best, so I try not to cross-contaminate. Problem is by the time I find one I like they've already got a new version of it and all the other ones I was comparing it to so I have to start over :(
Click to expand...

Isn't that the truth? Have you tried CG VRP2? So far that is my favorite followed by SV Pneu, with new Blackfire gel in 3rd.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Yeah, there's not a lot of potential for problems, but I'm always comparing dressings to try to find what I like best, so I try not to cross-contaminate. Problem is by the time I find one I like they've already got a new version of it and all the other ones I was comparing it to so I have to start over :(
Click to expand...

So true!!! In addition, it doesn't really take a whole ko of product to dress 4 tires. So 16oz of product lasts a very long time.
 
rwright said:
Want a sample?
Click to expand...

Thanks very much for the offer, but I really have tons to use up, even some old Tropicare stuff that they don't make any more but same idea as Tuf Shine.

EDIT: You know, out of curiosity I had to look up that CG VRP2 and it sounds great but why does all the website copy say VRP but in all the pictures the label on the bottle says VRT? That's why I have trouble getting excited over these products, even THEY can't figure out what to call them. Eh, I guess I shouldn't be surprised when CG burst into forum consciousness in 2005 they still had pictures on their website of Warner Chemical bottles.
 
I use pieces from a cut up sponge, and just soak it in a bit of degreaser then hit it with a strong blast of water. Doesn't get it completely clean, but it's pretty cheap, and I just toss it out when it starts fraying at the edges or looking too grimy.
 
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