Found 2 ways to remove wax from plastic molding trim

[kylecolb]

Hey guys,

After spending quite a bit of time on google and this forum looking for a product to take dried was off plastic trim on our Explorers, I finally figured it out today on my (kind of).

Well the first way I read about was WD-40. Spray the WD-40 on a paper towel or cotton rag and rub it on the trim. The wax should come right off. Try to keep the WD-40 away from the paint on the body as I am not sure how it will affect it.

The 2nd way uses a common household cleaner which looks to clean up any stains on the plastic trim and the wax. This product is Goo-Gone. I am sure many people here are familiar with this. I had a sticker I took off my back driver side window today and had to use the Goo-Gone. I got some crazy idea in my head to use this stuff on the trim. I tried a foot-ling strip where I had some wax I couldn't get off the trim and it worked!

I then used the Goo-Gone to clean some stains on the back side of the rear wheel wells and it took those oil spots/stains off as well! I was super excited to finally find something to take the was off.

Hope others can benefit from this thread as well!

 

[RickM]

Yup Goo-gone is a solvent designed to remove wax, crayon, grease etc. Many readily available citrus based cleaners / solvent are effective as well.

Back in the day I used to use a product called Prepsol. Body guys use this to remove wax, tar and other residues before prepping a car for body work / paint.

FYI, a great way to remove grease stains from upholstery is to use Brake Kleen. Spray on the stain and blot. The stain almost disappears on contact. Good on clothes too.

 

[irocdupi]

what else works that isnt bad, is just a plain old eraser. I like the ones with the angled edges, works perfect just a little rubbing and its gone

 

[BigRondo]

WD-40 is also a great adhesive remover and works great to remove bugs and tar!!

 

[irocdupi]

WD-40 is also a great adhesive remover and works great to remove bugs and tar!!

Yup works nice when its time to remove thhe old registration and inspection.

 

[Joe Dirt]

what else works that isnt bad, is just a plain old eraser. I like the ones with the angled edges, works perfect just a little rubbing and its gone

Rock on... From my "Dirt tips" series... No mess, no fuss!

 

[xtoolmaker]

What I found works best is using Zaino or P-21-S wax both don't affect the trim by leaving that chalky residue.

 

[BigRondo]

Rock on... From my "Dirt tips" series... No mess, no fuss!

"Detail tip, shop tip, dirt tip", classic!! Put this on the list of Dirt Tips that I had no idea about. Going to try this today.

Once again, thanks Joe for an excellent tip.