How to Remove Car Wax? DIY Easy Tips

Waxing your car is essential if you need to protect the paint from water, sunlight, and other damages. 

Car wax isn’t only to give your car a little extra shine, but also a protective layer that can help your car age better and last much longer. 

However, this layer usually loses its shine after a couple of months, which makes the paint look streaky and dull. This usually often happens while washing or leaving it out in the sun for too long. 

And this article here will help you learn how to remove car wax and put on a new layer of protectant to keep your car looking new once again.

Why Should You Remove the Car Wax?

Your car usually needs a new coat after approximately three months, which is usually when the paint starts to lose its spark and becomes a bit uneven to touch. 

Depending on the weather conditions of your usual commute or your area of residence, your car may need a protection upgrade. But remember to apply the new coat after fixing any existing damage to the old paint.

Water damage is usually the most determining factor for a change of car wax. Even rainwater contains specific toxins that eventually seep into the paint and damage it inside out for months on end. 

The wax can seal off the water by making the car surface hydrophobic. If the water can’t pollute the paint, neither can most other contaminants, so your car needs washing less often. 

Applying Pre-Wax Cleaners

There are two most common ways of removing wax, and most professionals swear by pre-wax cleaners. 

Pre-wax doesn’t only remove the wax but also oil residue and filling swirls. Wax doesn’t automatically layer over the car surface, pre-wax is used to help bond the new wax to the paint. 

Items You’ll Need: 

• All-purpose cleaner 
• Pre-wax cleaner 
• Water 
• Car shampoo 
• Cotton towels 
• Terry cloth

Step 1: Wash the Car 

Use car shampoo or non-drying soap to thoroughly wash your car. This will not only remove any grime or dirt residue but help the pre-wax cleaner easily access the old wax layer. 

Step 2: Apply the Pre-Wax 

Whether you use non-abrasive polish or pre-wax, you will get the desired effect and remove the old layer of wax. 

But pre-wax is only known to remove the wax, which doesn’t leave your car with a deep clean appearance. This cleaner can harbor some toxins on the paint, which might ultimately damage the protection. 

Non-abrasive polish is known to offer a much more thorough effect, which is perfect for cars that get a new layer of wax every so often. This also removes residue buildup from over a year. 

Step 3: Repeat and Clean 

Remember to apply the polish on the plastic or rubber trim to avoid any discoloration. Use a terry cloth to wipe away all the remaining wax and use long strokes on an even surface for a better result.

Apply an all-purpose cleaner that’s relatively mild and a terry cloth to clean off the excess wax remover, which might damage the trim if left alone for long. 

Put some even pressure on the trim to easily remove any of the old wax left behind, this will leave you with an even finish.    

Alternative Methods: Clay Bar 

A clay bar is perfect for removing pollutants from your car without ever damaging the paint. Its putty-like consistency can absorb any type of residue with its advanced detailing ability. 

If you’re using a clay bar to remove old wax layers, it’s best to only do this once in a while, as it can do a clean job with just one try.

Items You’ll Need

• Clay bar
• Clay lubricant 
• Microfiber cloth 
• Water 
• Sponges 

Step 1: Wash and Dry 

Wash your vehicle thoroughly before applying the clay, as the clay doesn’t have the ability to combat strong outside pollutants and chemicals. 

Use a cotton towel to remove any excess water, make sure it’s completely dry from top to bottom. 

Step 2: Apply Pressure and Lubricate 

Your clay bar should come with a lubricant, buy one separately if it’s not. Lubricate a small area and cover it with clay, make sure not to apply it where it’s not lubricated. 

The lubricant should make the surface smooth enough for you to apply proper pressure to the clay bar. Fold up the bar once it’s slightly worn out and cover all the edges and surfaces. 

Step 3: Clean up 

Use a microfiber cloth to clean up any residue of wax and apply some lubricant if necessary to remove any pieces of clay stuck to the surface. 

Learn How to Remove Car Wax Today!

Car wax doesn’t only work as a barrier from contaminants and toxins to enter and spoil your paint job, it’s also necessary to keep the car looking its best for as long as possible.

So, knowing how to remove car wax is an important part of keeping and maintaining your own car!