Which product for which application?


22.02.2023

Pad sponges and pads are ideal for thorough and time-saving removal of very stubborn dirt. In this post, you will find three golden rules of hygiene for using pad sponges and pads, an overview of the applications for different pad sponge and pad types as well as free method instructions.

Compared to microfibre cloths, pad sponges offer numerous advantages: They are more absorbent, which makes them ideal for cleaning situations in which a lot of water or cleaning solution is required. In addition, pad sponges & pads remove stubborn dirt (e.g. greasy encrustations or heavy limescale) more quickly and more thoroughly than microfibre cloths.

Does that mean microfibre cloths should be replaced by pad sponges or pads? No! These two products have different applications. Pad sponges, pads and microfibre cloths are not competitors: instead, they complement one another.

Nevertheless, you should observe three rules of hygiene when using pad sponges and pads.

3 golden rules of hygiene:

  • Thoroughly rinse out pad sponges and pads after each use.
  • Let pad sponges and pads dry fully afterwards.
  • Regularly replace pad sponges and pads.

 

PAD SPONGES & HAND PADS:
TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

Apart from the pad sponge, there is also the related hand pad. The areas of application overlap to a certain degree. Here we will present you with the most useful products in practice, including their applications:

Pad sponge

The pad sponge is a classic sponge with fleece pad used for cleaning – but in professional quality. Compared with household sponges, the Wetrok pad sponge is made of higher-quality material (polyester-polyamide fleece pad and premium PUR foam), features a handle, and is also more absorbent, sturdier, longer-lasting and more resistant to chemicals.

The pad sponge is ideally suited for efficient removal of stubborn dirt for which a microfibre cloth is too weak. It outperforms a microfibre cloth in this application due to its higher abrasiveness (fleece pad surface) and greater water absorption capacity. The pad sponge is versatile and ensures thorough removal of dirt from smooth surfaces (not suitable for high-gloss finishes, paint and acrylic glass).

The Wetrok pad sponge is available in the colours blue (surfaces), yellow (sanitary) and red (WC/urinals) – as a result, you can make optimal use of the colour system with pad sponges as well. In addition, the pad sponge is produced by a supplier that uses 100% certified green electricity for production. In addition, the foams are sustainably produced and processed.

Ideal areas of use:

  • Desks/lecterns with dried-up stains (e.g. stains from food or drink) –>blue
  • Washbasin with stubborn residues (e.g. heavy soap residues in sink) –> yellow
  • Toilet seats with dried-up stains (e.g. faecal residues) –> red

 

 

Combination sponge

The combination sponge is an absorbent all-rounder sponge with fleece made of high-quality material (polyester-polyamide fleece pad and PUR foam). Compared to the pad sponge, the combination sponge is longer, wider and thicker. It is therefore optimal for handling larger soiled surfaces.

The combination sponge is ideally suited for efficient removal of stubborn dirt for which a microfibre cloth is too weak. It outperforms a microfibre cloth in this application due to its higher abrasiveness (fleece pad surface) and greater water absorption capacity. It is versatile and ensures thorough yet gentle removal of dirt from smooth surfaces (not suitable for high-gloss finishes, paint and acrylic glass).

The Wetrok combination sponge is available with a white fleece pad surface (low abrasiveness) and green fleece pad surface (moderate abrasiveness). Important: Only use the green combination sponge on scratch-resistant surfaces. In addition, the combination sponge is produced by a supplier that uses 100% certified green electricity for production. In addition, the foams are sustainably produced and processed.

Ideal areas of use:

  • Blinds (e.g. residues from weather) –> white
  • Unglazed tiles in bath (e.g. stubborn splashes) –> white
  • Stainless steel surfaces in the kitchen (e.g. burnt-on liquids) –> white/green
  • Kitchen utensils made of stainless steel (e.g. food residues on base of pan) –> white/green

Mini-Pads

The Mini-Pad is a robust and hygienic pad sponge alternative made of high-quality materials. Compared to the sponge, it is thinner, more flexible and adapts better to the shape of the cleaning area (corners, edges). The Mini-Pad is less absorbent than a pad sponge, which makes it can be rinsed more thoroughly, easier and faster after cleaning. Another advantage of the thin Mini-Pad: Fold the Mini-Pad once down the middle and you have four clean surfaces to use.  Or cut the pad into four pieces with scissors and use eight clean partial surfaces.

The Mini-Pad is ideally suited for efficient removal of stubborn dirt for which a microfibre cloth is too weak or sticks too quickly (e.g. dried-on toothpaste or soap residues). It is versatile and ensures thorough removal of dirt from smooth surfaces (not suitable for high-gloss finishes, paint and acrylic glass).

The Mini-Pad is available in the colours white (low abrasiveness), green (moderate abrasiveness) and black (high abrasiveness). Important: To prevent damages, exclusively use the Mini-Pad Green and Black for deep cleaning of scratch-resistant surfaces. Particular caution is required with the black Mini-Pad: It is only suitable for absolutely scratch-resistant surfaces.

Ideal areas of use:

  • Washbasin, commode –> white
  • Unglazed tiles in bath (e.g. stubborn splashes) –> white
  • Glass ceramic stove (e.g. burnt-on dirt) –> white
  • Steel stove in large kitchens (e.g. burnt-on dirt) –> white/green
  • Kitchen utensils made of stainless steel (e.g. food residues on base of pan) –>white/green

Melamine hand pad (special pad)

The Melamine hand pad is a highly efficient dirt eraser made of open-pored
Melamine resin foam, universal and very highly abrasive. The main advantage compared to other pads: The Melamine pad only requires moistening with water (no cleaning product required). It’s important for it to be only moist (and not wet!). However, with very stubborn dirt or for even faster cleaning, we recommend the use of cleaning products.

The Melamine hand pad is ideally suited for efficient removal of stubborn dirt for which a microfibre cloth is too weak. It is versatile and ensures thorough removal of dirt from smooth, hard surfaces (not suitable for gloss and matt plastic finishes or painted surfaces).

Ideal areas of use:

  • Marks left by pens and shoes
  • Difficult to remove finger marks on stainless steel (e.g. lift)
  • Moss residues on outside furniture
  • White shoes/sneakers (tip for private use)

Microsol fibre pad glove (special pad)
The soft Microsol fibre pad glove made of polyester is the gentle alternative for smooth und textured surfaces that are very sensitive to scratching. Thanks to the rectangular form of the glove, you can even reach stubborn dirt in the farthest corners.

The rule of thumb: Use the Microsol fibre pad glove as a precautionary solution. This means: anywhere where you are concerned that other pads could leave scratches. In case you are uncertain, start with the Microsol fibre pad glove and only choose a more abrasive pad if the dirt cannot be removed with the glove.

The Microsol fibre pad glove is ideally suited for efficient yet gentle removal of stubborn dirt from sensitive surfaces (low abrasiveness).

Ideal areas of use:

  • Fittings
  • Shower cabins
  • Silicone joints
  • Sensitive tiles (e.g. glazed tiles)

DOWNLOAD CLEANING METHOD FOR FREE
Would you like to learn the procedure for manual wet scrubbing with a sponge or pad, and what you need to keep in mind with this cleaning method? Download the method description here:
Manual wet scrubbing with pad or pad sponge

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCTS:
Sponges
Mini-Pad
Microsol Fibre Pad Glove