I recently bought an 06 Cooper S, who ever had it before me, waxed it and got wax on the plastic fender flares, Does anyone out there know how to clean it off? I have big white places on the flares where the wax got on it.

 

Try THIS...

 

Rumors have it that peanut butter works. I tried rubbing in Griot's plastic and rubber dressing with some success.

But you still have to go in with a soft cloth and pretty well buff it out.

 

I tried the pb on mine and had no luck. The dealer has even tried to clean with no luck and the dealer is the only one that has ever waxed her

 

I use Griot's Garage Paint Prep. I use it before I use any trim dressing. Most dressings just cover the old wax. This takes the dried wax out of the plastic allowing the dressing to soak in.

 

Use

 

Octane Guy's Black Wow will do the trickl...check out Detailing forum.

 

Try the easiest way (IMHO) first - an pink (or white) eraser. Erase away with medium pressure, and rinse off the eraser dust. It took off all of my "over-waxing".

- Al

 

From Meguiar's FAQ

22. How do I remove wax from vinyl trim, plastic cladding, and rubber parts?


The best way to remove wax from vinyl or rubber is to use Meguiar's #39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner. #39 will emulsify and breakdown the dry wax residue. If you have a tough time locating #39, any all-purpose cleaner should also do the job. Agitating the cleaner by gently scrubbing the surface with a soft bristle brush, like a toothbrush, can help break up the wax
Once you have cleaned the vinyl and/or rubber surface, bring back the natural color and help protect it with an application of a vinyl/rubber conditioner and protectant like NXT Tech ProtectantTM, Natural Shine, M-40 Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner, or Gold Class Trim Detailer.


$6.50 for #39 here http://www.monstronix.com/megm3916-p-54797.html

Gold Class™ Trim Detailer™

Innovative technology pioneered by Meguiar’s® to instantly restore color and richness to faded and discolored trim and molding. Trims are protected so well that the “like new” appearance lasts for weeks, not days. Trim Detailer™ also helps remove unwanted contaminants and wax residue. Apply Trim Detailer with our High-Tech Applicator Pad for best results.

G10810 ..........10 oz. (296 ml) $3.29 Add To Cart$3.29...cheap!

 

No matter what cleaner you use, you can use one of those foam chisel-tipped paint brushes from the hardware store to scrub at the wax residue... Costs about a buck apeice tops, and allow for a bit of gentle scrubbing action with very tight control. SHould get into the cranny between the trim and the paint (where the residue is likely embedded) much easier than a fingertip. I use several of them all over the car with Nero (stereo nooks and crannies, blower vents, bumper panels, etc. etc.) for tight spaces...

 

Or you could just use WD40.
Works like a champ, and won't hurt a thing.
Just be sure to re-dress with something like Meguiars Back to Black.

 

The best thing I have found is sold at the Dollar Store and is called AWESOME, and it comes in a spray bottle. Spray it on and with minimal scrubbing it takes off the wax residue.

Oh, and guess how much it costs?