wax vs cleaner wax

[h1k3rb]

I’ve always used turtle wash with wax. Nothing more.
My 2021 Bronco Sport in shadow black looked great at four years when I traded it in.

Had my Hot Pepper Red Maverick nine months now. I’ve washed it five times with my
Turtle wash n wax soap. Still looks new.

Somebody said use peanut butter to get the plastic bed edge trim clean. It gets dirt dirty and won’t wash out with the soap.

+1 for the Turtle wash/wax, my mainstay too. I only hand wax with the Maguiar's cleaner wax once every year or two, if that often.

I used to wash my vehicles after every rain, whenever they got a little dust on them, waxed them often, etc. Then I learned to buy neutral colors that don't show dirt/dust and released myself from that prison.

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[Vettereddie]

I wasn't aware cleaner wax as a term before looking at this post, is that the same as soap & wax in the same product? I would think that would be less effective than separate soap and wax for initial application, but good to maintain the finish throughout the year.

For doing a twice a year (spring, fall) wax, I start with a higher pH wash to remove old wax and surface stains, followed by a paste wax.

Turtle Wax Max Power Car Wash Soap (pH 8.5 - 10)

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic + Graphene Paste Wax

For normal washing in between, I use a combined wash & wax followed by a detailer spray to get rid of any residual water sports.

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wash & Wax

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic 3-in-1 Detailer

 

[h1k3rb]

I wasn't aware cleaner wax as a term before looking at this post, is that the same as soap & wax in the same product? I would think that would be less effective than separate soap and wax for initial application, but good to maintain the finish throughout the year.

No, cleaner wax has a very mild abrasive in it. It's basically a light polishing compound and wax in one.

 

[Tim d]

So I read that the Mavericks come over to the Great USA by rail and then trucked to the dealers after setting in yards and collecting dirt grim rain ect...so when receiving your brand new Maverick which is better to do after washing well...Use a good wax or a cleaner wax...No ceramic coating comments please just wax or Cleaner Wax discussions, thanks

The dealer should have it cleaned up before you purchase it. That said, I use a plain wax, it's brand new, no cleaner needed.

 

[VICKY]

So I read that the Mavericks come over to the Great USA by rail and then trucked to the dealers after setting in yards and collecting dirt grim rain ect...so when receiving your brand new Maverick which is better to do after washing well...Use a good wax or a cleaner wax...No ceramic coating comments please just wax or Cleaner Wax discussions, thanks

 

[Tbone91]

So I read that the Mavericks come over to the Great USA by rail and then trucked to the dealers after setting in yards and collecting dirt grim rain ect...so when receiving your brand new Maverick which is better to do after washing well...Use a good wax or a cleaner wax...No ceramic coating comments please just wax or Cleaner Wax discussions, thanks

I use Vitreo but getting harder to find. It's a polymeric shield. Easy on, easy off, doesn't stain black plastics. I did clay bar mine but it was already super clean and smooth finish. I even put the Vitreo on my wheels

 

[Bobby Chapman]

I love meguires Gold Class wax, really shows the deep brilliance of the color of your paint, especially if it has metallic in it.

 

[Old Young Man]

I’ve always used turtle wash with wax. Nothing more.
My 2021 Bronco Sport in shadow black looked great at four years when I traded it in.

Had my Hot Pepper Red Maverick nine months now. I’ve washed it five times with my
Turtle wash n wax soap. Still looks new.

Somebody said use peanut butter to get the plastic bed edge trim clean. It gets dirt dirty and won’t wash out with the soap.

I would be afraid squirrels would start eating the trim.

 

[Vettereddie]

No, cleaner wax has a very mild abrasive in it. It's basically a light polishing compound and wax in one.

Thanks for the clarification, learned something new today.

 

[Red Eyes - Wide Shut]

I wouldn't use cleaner wax everything, just wash and wax. Why would you continually use an abrasive on your paint, just when needed. Like using comet on a tub, until you have black wear spots. Why risk damaging the clearcoat. I use wash and wax soap with Ceramic every couple of months. No abrasives unless required.
Automobile soap only that doesn't strip the wax off like dawn will.
As for plastic, I've had excellent results with 303 protectant

 

[dwinch53]

I wouldn't use cleaner wax everything, just wash and wax. Why would you continually use an abrasive on your paint, just when needed. Like using comet on a tub, until you have black wear spots. Why risk damaging the clearcoat. I use wash and wax soap with Ceramic every couple of months. No abrasives unless required.
Automobile soap only that doesn't strip the wax off like dawn will.
As for plastic, I've had excellent results with 303 protectant

Yes thanks, I will use it the cleaner
first time then straight Good ole wax

 

[h1k3rb]

I wouldn't use cleaner wax everything, just wash and wax. Why would you continually use an abrasive on your paint, just when needed. Like using comet on a tub, until you have black wear spots. Why risk damaging the clearcoat. I use wash and wax soap with Ceramic every couple of months. No abrasives unless required.
Automobile soap only that doesn't strip the wax off like dawn will.
As for plastic, I've had excellent results with 303 protectant

Sure, but useful if the paint feels a bit grimy or rough. Even so, I don't think waxing with cleaner wax a couple times a year is going to hurt anything. During use it's clear the abrasion is extremely subtle, nothing like actual polishing compound. It's great for removing those little bits of tar, baked-on bug 'glub', etc while waxing at the same time. Win-win for me.

 

[Maverick123]

... It's great for removing those little bits of tar, baked-on bug 'glub', etc while waxing at the same time. Win-win for me.

That's what pre-wax cleaner is for. Just hit the grimy spots locally, then do your wax.

 

[h1k3rb]

That's what pre-wax cleaner is for. Just hit the grimy spots locally, then do your wax.

Sure, whatever works for you. I used to spot treat but if you're lazy like me when it comes to waxing (not that I'm actually lazy, I just don't care that much anymore) there's a good chance a lot of 'detritus' has built up over much of the surface area of the vehicle during the year or two since the last wax job. ;-) For me it's just easier to do a comprehensive wax on/wax off and call it good. YMMV

Want to also add that compared to the paint jobs we dealt with in the old days the new clear coats hold up infinitely longer by comparison. Had my last 2 vehicles 7 and 5.5 years - my late wife's (garage kept) 2017 Forester I only waxed once and it looked like new when I gave it to her sister in late January this year (with only 26K miles). Turtle Wax Car Wash mentioned above did it's job during that time. The 2019 RAM Promaster that I traded in for the Maverick only saw the turtle wash-wax treatment (no way I was going to hand wax that beast!) and it looked great too.

One thing the cleaner wax works great on is those areas of various colored paint left by other peoples doors when they get out of their car next to you. Depending on how hard the hit it usually comes right off, while waxing too. (remember, lazy) In my 70's now I've been using it as long as I can remember. Guess I qualify as an 'old dog' but if it's doing exactly what I want cheaply and efficiently, why mess with 'new tricks'...

 

[dwinch53]

That's what pre-wax cleaner is for. Just hit the grimy spots locally, then do your wax.

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