I must have gotten some wax on my trim in a couple of spots, as there is some white residue which didn't come off when I used some of the MINI plastic and vinyl spray. Any one else have this, and if so, what is the best way to remove it? Would a Dawn solution work, since it's supposed to remove wax, or is there a sure-fire product out there which cleans the black trim up completely? Any info greatly appreciated .

 

If you check the 'Detailing 101' forum, you'll find a few threads about this .... one product mentioned alot is Back-to-Black - i think it is from Mother's ...

 

Peanut butter works great. No kidding. Seriously. Once you remove the residue, then wash the plastic and coat with the protectant of your choice.

See ya,
JS

 

Crazy but true, Peanut butter works wonders!

 

I found, instead of using peanut butter, go strait to the source, use peanut oil. The oil desolves the wax instead of a vynal/rubber spray that only gets it wet, so it doesn't show for a few hours. Griots Garage has a product called paint prep. It is supposed to get rid of all waxes and glazes prior to polishing.

MINIACK

 

I did the same thing as "fms".
Definately going to try the peanut butter but it will be so tempting to also jelly up the window and english muffin the headlights.

 

>>I did the same thing as "fms".
>>Definately going to try the peanut butter but it will be so tempting to also jelly up the window and english muffin the headlights.
>>
That was so hilarious that I laughed out loud. I really did - sitting right here at my desk at work. I'm just glad I have an office.

 

Will peanut butter take off the wax form the car too?

 

I'm sure it would, but I'd recommend Dawn dishwashing liquid for the paint.

See ya,
JS

 

>>If you check the 'Detailing 101' forum, you'll find a few threads about this .... one product mentioned alot is Back-to-Black - i think it is from Mother's ...<<

I think of AC/DC every time someone mentions it.

 

I used to love Mother's Back-to-Black. I've gotten over it. It's too greasey. I now prefer 303 Protectant. FAR superior stuff and it LASTS!!! Cleans, shines and protects. Whoo hooo!

As for removal, yup a good Dawn scrubbing or (crazy as it sounds) peanut oil.

R

 

I use this Stoner Solutions. I love it. But PLEASE do not use this or any product (shine) on your tires.

Alex

 

>>I did the same thing as "fms".
>>Definately going to try the peanut butter but it will be so tempting to also jelly up the window and english muffin the headlights.
>>
I'm picturing my MINI- after a good peanut butter cleaning, sidling slowly across the parking lot, carried off by legions of tiny ants, attracted by the wonderful aroma. In fact, this has probably already happened- the Weekly World News would even have the accompanying picture. Headline: "MINI carried off by millions of ants, tiny chants of "Let's Motor" heard by concerned bystanders, as Bat-boy watches."

 

Also check out the Lexol vynil and rubber cleaning products. these are supposed to be good as well.

Back to black is ok but it washes off if it rains. The product only works 50% of the time.

 

NOT AGAIN!!! It's all that wax.

 

I would be careful with the Dawn dishwashing liquid. It will dull the clear coat. If used repeatedly it will eventually remove the clear coat.

 

I've had good luck removing the white residue from wax off the black trim with wet vinyl protectorant wipes, Armor-all being the best. It dries shiney and black. Then, I also hit it with the aerosol spray called Trim Shine. It does a real nice job. I hope it works for you as well as it seems to work for me.

For What its worth

Keep motorin'

Dan

 

Isn't it safer to use regular car was soap? I heard somewhere that dish soap can be abrasive...

 

I used a vinyl cleaner I used to use for the top of my Miata. Works very well on the MINI's plastic trim! The brand is Simoniz, it gives it a deep, wet look!

~Joe

 

The only thing I've found which actually removes wax from plastic and rubber is WD40. Just spray a little on a shop towel and rub out the wax.

Of course, after you've removed the wax, you can dress the plastic and rubber bits with something like Vinylex.

 

I also love aerospace 303 on the trim, tires on interior vinyl. It gives a nice new look without being greasy and has lots of U.V. protection.. The only down side is the price.

 

>>Isn't it safer to use regular car was soap? I heard somewhere that dish soap can be abrasive...

Car Wash soap is a very mild mild soap - to cut through oils you need something stronger...that is where Dawn comes in. It works great...but yes after awhile it will dull your paint, but you should only be dawning your car once to twice a year tops so it won't matter....now if you were dawning it every week then yes it would dull it but with the amount that you will use it it won't matter.

 

Another vote for Back-To-Black, by Mothers.

I tried some last weekend and was very impressed with the results.

-CW

 

Stoner's Trim Cleaner. It's supposedly for interior surfaces, but with some light rubbing it cleans the dried white wax residue off, leaving the plastic trim nice and clean and black.

 

My body shop guy gave me a can of Wurth Rubber Care and it works perfectly. It is made for that purpose (lifts wax deposits from rubber, plastic trim, bumpers, etc.) It will not harm paint and contains no silicone. It protects rubber from getting brittle and colors are brightened up.