Abstract: A disposable, hand-held, single-use applicator for applying waxes, polishes, medicines and other chemical compounds has a base piece and a chemically-impregnated pad attached to the lower surface of the base piece. The handle of the applicator has a first handle piece that is hingedly attached to the upper surface of the base piece, and a second handle piece that is not attached to the base piece. A swivel gap separates the second handle piece from the base piece. The base piece and pad may swivel at least somewhat relative to the first handle piece to adjust to the contour of the surface to which the chemical is being applied. The first and second handle pieces are collapsibly interconnected with one another such that the second handle piece may be rotated to a collapsed position in which the second handle piece is substantially juxtaposed to the first handle piece, with both handle pieces extending almost within the same plane.