Tried-and-Tested Tips for Removing Wax on Plastic Trim

Have you noticed wax leaving residue on your car’s plastic trim? This typically occurs because some plastics are porous, allowing wax particles to get trapped on the surface. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to remove with just soap and water, especially when the wax dries.

Thankfully, there are a handful of proven ways to remove car wax from plastic trims.

How to Get Car Wax Off Plastic Trim

There are several products you can use to remove wax from plastic trim: wax removers, clay bars, microfiber towels, erasers, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and baking soda. How to use each can differ, but the general process is similar: clean the affected area, apply the product, gently scrub, and wipe off the residue.

Wax Remover

Car wax removers are designed to break down wax coatings, making it easier to wash away residue. They won’t damage plastic and can be used both on interior and exterior car surfaces.

You can purchase wax removers at auto shops or hardware stores. Different brands might have specific instructions for proper use, but they typically involve the following steps.

• Step 1: Clean the trim and dry it to get rid of dirt and grime, which can reduce the remover’s effectiveness.
• Step 2: Spray the product on the affected area and scrub it with a microfiber towel to remove the wax.
• Step 3: Use a toothbrush for stubborn wax residues, but be careful to avoid scratching the surface.
• Step 4: Dry the plastic trim with a clean towel. Repeat the process if any residue remains.

Clay Bar

Clay bars are more versatile than wax removers because they can get rid of other contaminants besides wax residue, like water spots, brake dust, metal dust, and grime. They also prevent scratches and maintain the integrity of any protective coating you apply to the finish.

To use clay bars to remove wax, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Wash and dry the affected trim to remove dirt and grime that can reduce the clay bar’s effectiveness.
• Step 2: Take a piece of the clay bar (a 2oz/57g bar is typically enough) and knead it into a circular shape to make it easier to use.
• Step 3: Spray clay lubricant or water mixed with car wash soap onto the affected area. This will help the clay glide over the surface without scratching it.
• Step 4: Rub the clay over the lubricated area in straight lights. If the clay gets too dirty, fold it to expose a cleaner section and continue.
• Step 5: Use a microfiber towel to wipe the clayed area. Inspect the surface and ensure it is smooth.

Microfiber Towel

Microfiber towels are made from polyester and polyamide fibers specially used for cleaning. Compared to other towels, they are more absorbent, can be used wet or dry, and are less likely to scratch surfaces.

If you plan to use a microfiber towel to remove wax on plastic trims, be sure to use ones that are designed for waxing or detailing. These towels have weaves for wax removal. Once you have one, you can follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Fold the towel three times to create 16 clean sections you can use to wipe. Make sure the towel is dry and clean to prevent leaving marks on the trim.
• Step 2: Place the first towel section on the area and wipe in one direction. Flip the towel and wipe in the opposite direction to ensure complete residue removal.
• Step 3: Unfold the towel to expose two new sections and continue wiping.
• Step 4: Repeat the steps until you use up all the sections or have removed the wax residue.

Eraser

Yes, you can use these handy writing tools to “erase” wax residue from your plastic car trim. White erasers and pencil erasers work great, but magic erasers are arguably the most effective at this task.

Magic erasers are a brand of melamine sponge that can remove stains and smudges. They have a foam that traps and lifts dirt while having an abrasive texture similar to sandpaper. To use an eraser to remove wax residue, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Lightly dampen the eraser with water to further activate its cleaning properties.
• Step 2: Rub the eraser over the affected area to “lift” the wax off the plastic trim. Do so lightly to avoid damaging the surface.
• Step 3: Use a microfiber towel to wipe off the lifted residue and the eraser shavings.
• Step 4: Repeat the process until the trim is wax-free.
• Step 5: Consider using a plastic trim cleaner or mild soap to clean the area afterward.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is arguably the easiest wax removal product out of everything on this list. It’ll save you from a trip to the store for more specialized cleaners. However, do note that it’s not as effective as other products. There’s also a risk that this household chemical could damage the paint.

As for the process, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth or the plastic trim.
• Step 2: Rub the affected area with the cloth to dissolve the wax. If the wax is stubborn, use a toothbrush to lift it from the surface.
• Step 3: Wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth after removing the residue.
• Step 4: Use a plastic trim restorer if the plastic trim looks dull after the process.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a good cleaning agent because its acidity is mild enough not to damage fabric and surfaces but strong enough to remove stains and wax residue. Here’s how to use it to remove wax residue:

• Step 1: Pour a couple of drops into a clean cloth.
• Step 2: Scrub lightly to remove the residue.

Baking Soda

You can also use baking soda to remove wax from the plastic trim because it’s a mild abrasive that can lift dirt and grime. To do so, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Mix three parts baking soda to one part water to create a paste.
• Step 2: Apply the mixture to the surface using a toothbrush.
• Step 3: Let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
• Step 4: Wipe the surface with a microfiber towel.

Why You Need To Remove Wax on Plastic Rims

Removing car wax from plastic is a must if you want to preserve your vehicle’s look. Wax residue gets harder to remove the longer you leave it on a surface, which can deteriorate your plastic trim.

The leftover wax will make the plastic more vulnerable to scratches and damages, which could cost you avoidable repair bills. Something as simple as removing residual wax could have positive long-term effects on your car.