You should periodically remove the old wax from the car body and put a new layer on it to make it look its best. The wax may not have streaks, but if the paint is starting to look dull and not smooth, then it's time for a treatment. Old wax usually takes off every three months or even more often if the car is subjected to extreme weather conditions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Spray Cleaners
Step 1. Start by washing and drying the car
Remove any dirt from the exterior using water and a soap that does not dry the surfaces. Dry the bodywork with soft cotton cloths or in the air. Try to remove as much dirt as possible to allow the chemicals in the spray cleaner to work directly on the wax layer and not on the dirt and grease layer.
Step 2. Choose the right cleaner
Liquid ones can be divided into two categories: sprays and non-abrasive polishes. If we want to be really fussy, the spray products for wax removal are the only ones that can be defined as "cleaners".
- Sprays get rid of the wax layer and not much else. They do not clean the bodywork in depth and do not remove the contaminants that lurk beneath the surface. However, precisely because they are not that aggressive, they are the best solution for those who remove old wax very often.
- Non-abrasive polishes perform a deeper action. They are used for less frequent cleaning and are able to remove dirt that has penetrated under the surface of the paint. Their main action is not to remove the wax, which is only a secondary effect.
Step 3. Spray the cleaner directly onto the bodywork
Apply as much as you like, but make sure it stays only on the painted areas and doesn't wet the rubber seals or plastic parts. If you let it penetrate these areas, it will cause them to lose color.
Step 4. Scrub the surface
Use an absorbent microfiber cloth and scrub the entire body with horizontal and vertical movements. Distribute the cleanser in long, even strokes.
Step 5. Reapply as needed
If your first application of the product didn't remove all of the wax, you can give it a second coat. However, avoid overdoing it as too much product on the unprotected paint could gradually ruin it.
Step 6. To clean the seals, use a universal car cleaner sprayed on a rag
Since plastic and rubber parts lose their color if you use wax removers, a mild detergent is your best bet. Spray it directly onto a clean microfiber cloth.
Step 7. Gently scrub the seals
Apply gentle pressure along the length of the gasket to remove the largest amount of old wax.
Method 2 of 2: Using the Clay Bar
Step 1. Wash the car and dry it before using the bar
It is best to remove any dirt before proceeding. The fewer dirt particles are present on the bodywork, the more effective the action of the clay will be to remove the old wax.
Step 2. Work on small areas at a time
You should use the bar on surfaces no larger than 60 cm2, by doing so you can focus on each part for even removal.
Step 3. Spray the lubricant directly on the surface of the car
Some bars are sold with the appropriate lubricating liquid but, in other cases, you must purchase it separately. This product allows the bar to slide better without leaving untreated areas of the bodywork. The lubricant should be sprayed evenly on the paint.
Step 4. Run the clay stick along the areas you have moistened
Use horizontal or vertical movements with light pressure, letting the clay do most of the work. Sometimes you can feel the clay that lifts the contaminants and the wax. Other times you may feel some resistance, but there is no problem if no traces of clay are left on the car.
Keep scrubbing the area until the bar no longer creates any resistance, which means all the wax has been removed
Step 5. Use more lubricant to remove any clay residues
If the bar has broken in some places and has left traces of material on the body, spray these areas with the lubricant to facilitate removal.
Step 6. Clean the area with a microfiber cloth to remove excess lubricant and clay particles
Step 7. Repeat the process only if necessary
Gently run your fingers over the bodywork, if it's smooth to the touch, the finger has done its job. If you perceive "rough" spots you need to focus on these areas.
Step 8. Clean the whole car following the same procedure
Continue to work in areas of 60 cm2 at a time until all the wax is removed.