Firstly, using a wax remover can easily remove the wax. Secondly, using a microfiber cloth along with some spray lubricant can work. Thirdly, rolling clay bars over the wax-affected area will cause the wax to come off. Fourthly, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove the wax. Finally, you can use an eraser to take off the wax.
This information is only the summed-up version of the methods of how to remove carnauba wax from plastic. To know the details, read the full article.
Key Takeaways
- Wax removers and lubricants work their way into the Carnauba wax, and ultimately weaken it for easy removal.
- Using simple tools such as erasers and clay bars can go a long way when removing Carnauba wax.
5 Effective Methods to Remove Carnauba Wax from Plastic
There are many ways to remove Carnauba wax from plastic. Among them, I’ve mentioned the 5 most effective ways of removing Carnauba wax below. Give it a good read and follow the instructions step-by-step.
Method 1: Use a Wax Remover
Whether you have Carnauba wax while transferring wax from carts or simply cleaning the plastic, wax removers can easily get rid of it.
Shake and spray a good amount of the wax remover on the affected area and wait for 1 minute. The remover will penetrate through the wax within 1 minute and cause it to weaken. Finally, remove the wax using a cotton terrycloth or nylon brush!
Note that. using wax removers that aren’t plastic-safe is discouraged. Although these removers will get the job done, they might stain the paint or cause deformity on the plastic surface! So make sure the wax remover you intend to use is plastic-free.
Method 2: Use a Microfiber Tower or Brush
By using a microfiber towel or a brush, you can scrape off the wax. Here are the tools needed for this method:
- Spray lubricant
- Microfiber towel or brush
| Product Name | Features |
| Silicone Lubricant | Safe to use on plastic, metal, and rubber Quick drying formula |
| Microfiber Brush | Streak and scratch-free Comfortable grip handle |
| Microfiber Towel | Lasts 1200+ washes Great soaking qualities |
Here are the steps to use microfiber cloths/brushes and spray lubricant to remove Carnauba wax:
First, using a spray lubricant, lightly lubricate the wax surface. This will weaken the adhesive strength of the Carnauba wax, causing it to easily come off. After spraying, keep rubbing on the Carnauba wax until it comes off.
You can use a microfiber towel or brush to clean the wax. Use a circular motion to clean all the wax off and go over the entire surface multiple times.
Although microfiber products are great for cleaning, they might damage the plastic surface. The key is to not apply too much pressure, and maintain a gentle force throughout the cleaning process.
After cleaning the wax, spray some more lubricant and buff over the surface again. This will end the cleaning process with a shine and make the plastic look as good as new.
Method 3: Using a Clay Bar
Clay bars are excellent for providing protection when cleaning soft and easily scratch able surfaces. Plastic trims on your cars and appliances are a great example of this.
To do it, take a moderate chunk of clay bar, depending on the size of the Canauba wax patch. After that keep rubbing the clay bar on top of the Carnauba wax in a back-and-forth motion. The clay bar will pick up the residues of the wax slowly.
After the wax is removed, wipe the area with a towel and warm water. This will clean the small particles and make the plastic look shiny!
Method 4: Use Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works great when it comes to wax removal, it’s a dirt cheap and effective option as well!
To use rubbing alcohol to remove Carnauba wax, apply some of it on the wax. Then, use a sponge or a toothbrush to gently rub the wax. The wax will loosen up, and eventually come off by rubbing.
Remember to not be generous with the amount of rubbing alcohol, use the minimal amount. Also, don’t use rubbing alcohol on plastic surfaces made out of polycarbonate, vinyl, and acetate.
After the wax is removed, you can use a buffer to wax your car for a nice and shiny finishing touch.
Method 5: Use an Eraser
Although it may seem sketchy, utilities as simple as an eraser can be a great help in removing Carnauba wax from plastic surfaces.
Use a big eraser and gently rub over the wax to remove it. After removing the wax, use a fiber cloth to wipe off the excess residues of wax and eraser.
Note that, if you’ve managed to scrape off a lot of Carnauba wax, you can repurpose the wax.
For instance, you can heat the Carnauba wax, melt it, and wax your skis using the Carnauba wax. It’s safe to do so because Carnauba wax is a natural plant wax.
What Happens When You Leave Carnauba Wax on Plastic for Too Long?
Leaving Carnauba wax on plastic surfaces for a long amount of time can create a series of problems. Here are the potential issues you may run into:
- It’ll take more work to take off. Since the Carnauba wax will dry off completely, it will take more time to remove it. You may even have to heat the wax using wax heaters and hairdryers to melt it.
- It’ll leave dry wax particles stuck on the plastic surface. After all, you don’t want flaky and dry Carnauba wax on any surface.
To avoid these situations, avoid dense coatings and apply a thin coat of Carnauba wax on a plastic surface. Carnauba wax takes around 10 minutes to harden and 1-24 hours to cure. Keep the timing in mind and it’ll make the cleaning of the wax easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does Carnauba Wax Wash off?
No, Carnauba wax does not wash off. Carnauba wax is not water-soluble, therefore water does not affect it; especially when the wax is hardened.
Can Vaseline Remove Wax?
Yes, vaseline can remove the wax by creating a slippery base. This is helpful when the wax is on a softer surface, such as your skin. Natural oil and petroleum can also come in handy when removing wax from your skin.
Can You Remove the Wax with Dish Soap?
Yes, dish soap can be used to remove wax, but it’s not recommended. Dish soap can harm hard surfaces and stain paint. For instance, using dish soap to remove wax from car trims can damage the trim and dry out the trim paint.
The Final Words
That’s everything you need to know about how to remove carnauba wax from plastic. Hopefully, the methods came in handy for you.
To never spill wax on plastic surfaces in the future, you can use cloth or paper sheets under the area you’re working on. These sheets can protect the plastic surface from the wax. Have a great day.
