Cleaning your model

I tried using them after priming, but sharp parts of molded plastic catch on the pads leaving strands of fine cotton like material to remove.

I would suggest, as you have already discovered to use the soapy water and a new soft toothbrush to clean the parts. If it aint broke, why bother fixing...

Cotton balls and Polly S Plastic Prep when I do need to wipe down the surface. 

I don't.I know many say it's a must,but I have not washed a model other then resin parts and metal tracks,and have had no paint adhesion problems.I do prime my models however.

I used to wash each kit, but find today that most kits do not have appreciable mold release agents left on kit parts.  There are a few that still do, but fortunately I have been warned on those kits by fellow modelers and was able to wash them (I use water and hand soap in a dishpan).  Thorough rinsing is mandatory, however, since soap residue is as much a problem with paint adhesion as mold release oils.

I have washed in soap and water but our water is so hard it's probably useless. I've switched to using the blue shop style paper towel and IPA to wipe them down first. Use it before painting as well. Nice because it dries quickly 

AC, The makeup cleaning pads should work just fine. The solution might be a little strong for some clear parts, but I'm not sure. The main concern has already been voiced. You'll need to make sure you don't get the pad snagged on a point and pull out some fibers. They can be hard to see--until you've painted, that is!! I've had times when soap and water didn't get the job done. I use alcohol and previously washed shop rags that have had most of the lose/broken fibers washed out of them. Rags from old bed sheets can work very well for this, too. They tend to have very few lose fibers in them. You still want to prime before using acrylics, though. Barrett

damouav

sharp parts of molded plastic catch on the pads leaving strands of fine cotton like material to remove.

This is my experience as well. Before paint I will use IPA and a balled up piece of paper towel. Doing this can leave some lint too, but it seems less of a problem. Usually, it blows off easily with canned air, or by using the AB.

I use a dilute solution of simple green degreaser and a semi stiff paint brush to scrub down parts on the sprues. Then I dip them in luke warm soapy water and brush again before rinseing.