Anyone have tips for keeping the pads clean

[Heavy-_-Metal]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to keep my new pd 7's and pd 9's looking new.
and also how to make the used pads with stickmarks come clean.
-Should i use different sticks? (i use easton Ahead)
-Should i put covers on the pads?

[Boingo]

Originally posted by Heavy-_-Metal:
I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to keep my new pd 7's and pd 9's looking new.
and also how to make the used pads with stickmarks come clean.
-Should i use different sticks? (i use easton Ahead)
-Should i put covers on the pads?

Some like ArmorAll but it leaves a slick finish from the silicone in it. Others have recommended wet cotton cloth or a cloth and soapy water.

I think the overwhelming answer on this site to changing sticks is to switch to electric sticks.

Cleaning and Covers? Personally, I think no self respecting Heavy Metal dude would ask such a question or even care about having pristine looking pads. Perhaps you should do some real soul searching or see a shrink to find out why you have these feelings.

God, this job doesn't pay much but I love it anyways. Oh, yea, RTFM and use the search engine (UTSE). Now your initiation is complete. Welcome aboard HeavyM.

[clymore]

I bought a "slightly used" PD-5 last year that looked like it had been slightly used as an ashtray. I wiped the rubber surface several times with a cloth soaked with laquer thinner, being careful not to get it in the plastic. After about the 3rd time, I couldn't tell it from the rest of the pads. Recommended for extreme cases only.

I have also used that orange hand cleaner from the automotive section of you favorite department store. It is probably easier on the rubber.

[Jaay]

According to the promo material on the Ahead stick-boxes, Aheads will supposedly keep your materials cleaner than with wood sticks. Granted, the promo's say they will keep your cymbals cleaner, but if one, why not the other? I think the principle would remain the same.

[IndustrialDrummer]

there was a post about using those glad food cover bags on your pads while they're not being played to keep dust off them. Check it out.

[Thrak]

What about keeping V-Cymbals purty? I want to make sure the rubber on them stays healthy, and I wouldn't mind a little more of a shine to them instead of the flat grey/black.

Elsewhere in this folder their is a thread about not using Armor-All, and using 303 instead. Anyone think that would work well for the V-Cymbals?

[Rythmstik]

My brother used to work as an auto painter and detailer and he would not touch Armour All due to the white film. For detailing rubber, he used baby oil (mineral oil) thinly applied. I swtched to that on his recommendation and it seemed to work really well on tires and trim. I haven't tried it on my CY6s, PD6s or SE102, tho...

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