A clay pad for car washing is a tool used in car detailing to remove contaminants from the surface of a vehicle's paint. It is a flat pad made of a clay-like material that is attached to a machine polisher or a backing plate. The clay pad is used in conjunction with detailing clay lubricant to glide over the paint surface, picking up contaminants like dirt, grime, and other particles that have bonded to the paint.

Clay pads offer the convenience of attaching to machine polishers, making the decontamination process faster and more efficient compared to traditional clay bars. They are reusable and come in various grades to suit different levels of abrasiveness for specific detailing needs. Clay pads are effective in achieving a smooth and clean finish on the car's exterior by removing embedded contaminants that regular washing may not eliminate.