This is going to be long, and for most people, it won't even be informative, but I got nothing else to do right now, and I'm sure it's bound to help someone! LOL

I can't say for sure that this has ever been brought up, but I know I've seen many other chemicals and expensive products (back to black) mentioned that have not been too appealing to me on removing the patches of wax from my plastic trim and bumpers.


If you're like me, you're overly obsessive about keeping the "bling" in your paint. I just picked up my E a little over a week ago and waxed it last week and have been staring at places where my pad ran over into the plastic areas.

Now, I have never been a fan of using any chemical on plastic. I've heard too many stories. Nor do I want to go out and spend 7 bucks on a HUGE bottle of something that I only need, at the most, a teaspoon of, so I passed on that.

Here's the problem:

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/jwoodsie06/waxoff/element1.jpg

This is the worst place that I could find on the truck to use for this demonstration.

Obviously, you can't wipe it off, nor can you let the weather take care of it (which is what I've been letting happen for the past week but nothing happened). Nothing left to do but to use this handy little tool.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/jwoodsie06/waxoff/element12.jpg

Yes people, that is infact a toothbrush. For this one I used a "medium". I'm guessing you can probably pick up a new one for under a buck, but I get a couple free ones every time I go to the dentist, so I've got a collection. I used this one last week to clean out the wax that had made it's way into the hard to reach areas. (also a good trick)

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/jwoodsie06/waxoff/element13.jpg

Simply press that bad boy on there (dry, no water, chemicals) and scrub in a circular motion (such as if you were reapplying the wax). You might have to try this from different angles, but eventually, it will come off.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/jwoodsie06/waxoff/element14.jpg

And that's how it's done. I had overrun in about 12 places on the truck, each about 1/2" tall and 2-3" long and I managed to sweep the whole truck in about 45 minutes. Sure, it takes a while, but it saves money, and like I said, I don't like chemicals.

It wasn't too long. Good tip. 45 minutes...My are you patient

It wasn't too long. Good tip. 45 minutes...My are you patient

I don't imagine it would take anyone else that long, but I made sure i got every little bit of it off of the plastic, then out of the crevaces.

The only thing I hate about waxing cars is the leftovers. It's more work than actually waxing the vehicle IMO. I did a REALLY crappy job on my E last week so I gotta make it up sometime soon.

Another tip... Don't wax over the water spots in hopes they'll dissappear. This next job is going to be a PITA. :-( I read somewhere today where a 50/50 vinegar/water bath will fix that, and take off the wax. I might jump on that, cleaner wax, then Meguiar's Gold Class (I only use Meguairs on everything, BTW) sometime soon.

or you could just use peanut butter

Your going to thing I'm joking, But thats not the case. I have used a tooth brush and tooth paste to remove wax on the panels. It works fine! It's faster than with no tooth paste. Before someone asks, I think it was Crest .

Dom

I am going to try your toothbrush method.

If it doesnt work, can I get a refund?:D

Refund? Refund? Just brush your teeth with it, you silly goose! Unless, of course you are too good for your E.....:razz: