Squished flat pads - Help desired

[nanahachi]

Somehow in storage, my 2 Joe Grado era flat pads have gotten squished. Is there any way to help coax the foam to fill itself out? that is, to have the compressed foam become full and round again? I had kept the flats on my RS-1s while stored in a Pelican case. Previously, I had no problems, but I think by adding a soft cloth around the RS-1s, it took up some needed space within the case and cause some compression of the pads.

can i cry now?

I will try to post pics shortly, but I am having some probs with my pic. retrieval software right now.

thanks everyone, esp Joe Longwood and JMT, since I am truly hoping one of you will have some ideas.

Thanks

 

[nanahachi]

Here's a pic. i separated it from the main post just to simplify matters

I know the picture isnt too great, but I don't have too much time tonight to mess around a bit more. Please excuse the lack of skill.

 

[mclaren20]

let them air out for a few days?

also, maybe put them back on your phones to re 'strech' them out?

are the flats made out of the same stuff as the bowls?

 

[joelongwood]

A gentle washing with mild soap and water may help. Then try using a hairdryer on low setting. Hair fluffs up nicely.......why not Grado pads? Worth a shot.

 

[sacd lover]

Good thinking Joe.

 

[Beagle]

I give the following treatment to my flat pads about every three months...

I soak them in warm water, very gently squeezing them between my hands. I sometimes us a bit of dish soap in the water. This help remove any body oils or dirt that may have accumulated.

After doing this for about 30 seconds, I run clean warm water over the pads, again gently squeezing between hands until all the soapy water is out and the pads feel 'clean'. NEVER fold or squish the pads around in your hands...keep them flat and be gentle.

I place the pads on an open towel (2 ply) on a flat surface (basin counter top) and fold the other half of the towel over and press down. This absorbs most of the water (you'll see teh wet rings on the towel). You can do this twice, using another part of the towel if necessary.

To finish, you can either let them dry naturally out in the open, or put them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I find the microwave treatment seems to 'shrink' any stretching that has occured and tightens the pads up. Also seems to make them 'rise' back to original thickness.

I've had my two pairs of flat pads since 1997 and they are still like new.

Caveat: The 30-45 second treatment works for me using my microwave. Others may want to experiment with shorter times to feel it out. And don't forget them in the microwave.

 

[nanahachi]

Beagle, that was an amazing little Flat Pad Care post. I hope that's turned into a Sticky or Archived. I will try and get that inserted into my FAQ under Flat Pad Maintenance.

thanks man, you're a life safer.
Altough I think I'll be ordering some vwap pads soon...just in case.

 

[vwap]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but, yeah... warm water helps.. just don't wring the pads and you should be okay. It should puff back out soon enough.

 

[Hirsch]

A friend of mine who does lab work has shared his secrets of flat pad cleaning. Rinse carefully, as Beagle described. To dry, use a labratory centrifuge with flat holders (for spinning plates). Put Kimwipes down, then the flat pad, ear side down on the Kimwipes. You'll need to have one flat pad on each side of the centrifuge to balance centrifugal force. Spin at 600 RPM for 3 min. The water will spin out into the Kim wipe, and the pad is completely dry. The pads return to their original shape.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

labratory centrifuge

The next big Team Grado tweak

.

Get yours now!

 

[JMT]

Quote:

Originally posted by Hirsch: ...use a labratory centrifuge with flat holders (for spinning plates)...

Hmmm, no access to a centrifuge, but I do have a lettuce spinner.

 

[CD44hi]

That would probably work......., if you can spin it fast enough

. If you are going to attempt this, let me know, I am buying tickets in the next flight to CA. LOL, just imagining someone hitting 600 rpm on a lettuce spinner would be hilarious, but if achieved, would probably work just as well as the Sorvall.....

 

[vwap]

Quote:

Originally posted by nanahachi thanks everyone, esp Joe Longwood and JMT, since I am truly hoping one of you will have some ideas

Quote:

Originally posted by JMT Hmmm, no access to a centrifuge, but I do have a lettuce spinner.

I guess that's a wish granted?

 

[Leo]

You guys are scary - salad spinners, microwaves, centrifuge! All for headphone pads. Someone here's has seen too many MacGuyver episodes!

 

[nanahachi]

after 4 or 5 days of just sitting in the open, on my bookshelf, my flat pads have basically been restored to their normal shape. I guess I freaked out for nothing. but I'm sure you guys can sympathize, since they're so common and all....

But I am going to use Beagle's cleaning method to get rid of some of the grime age has put on them. and Hirsch, I'll fly back east to come use that centerfuge (and check out your tremendous gear collection )

thanks all, esp you vwap, since I'll be ordering some pads...*just in case* my flats do bite the big one some day.