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How do I remove car wax from plastic?

I was waxing my car and I accidentally got some wax on the plastic trim. I tried to remove it with soap and water, but it wouldn’t come out. How do I get wax off plastic surfaces?

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Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Using soap and water is a common go-to method to help us remove stains; however, when it comes to cleaning car wax from
plastic
, this dynamic duo will not work. Wax and sealants are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. But there are remedies available to remove car wax from the plastic trim.
Some DIY remedies that may work for you:
  • Square white eraser: This is an easy and affordable method to remove wax. Take the eraser and rub it in circular motions around the target area.
  • Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: This may be a surprising option, but The Magic Eraser can work wonders on any surface because it is slightly abrasive.
  • McKee’s 37 Wax Remover: Just as the name states, this product is designed to remove wax. It also comes with a nylon brush. To use this Wax Remover, simply spray the bottle over the targeted area and use the nylon brush to scrub any built-up and tough-to-reach places.
While trim restorers or trim detailers are available and designed specifically to improve the appearance of the trim, it is best to avoid these products as they will not effectively remove the wax. Instead, it will give the illusion of fixing this problem by restoring the appearance and temporarily covering the wax. But after a few days, you may notice that the trim restorer will wear off, and the wax will become visible again.
To prevent getting wax on the plastic trim again in the future, try using painter’s tape to tape off areas you want to protect.
Another way you can protect your vehicle is by having the proper coverage for any situation. Try using the
Jerry
app to compare personalized rates from more than 50 top providers, including Nationwide, Allstate, and Travelers. Jerry will send you the best deals to your phone in minutes for free. The average Jerry driver saves $879 a year on car insurance!
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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