Car wax isn’t just for keeping your vehicle shiny. It can also be used in several ways around your home, including polishing appliances and solving everyday problems. In this guide, we’ll explore creative ways to use car wax beyond your garage, whether you’re looking to protect surfaces, lubricate hinges, or add shine to household items.
Types of Car Wax
First, know that there are different types of car waxes, each with its own pros and cons.
- Carnauba wax: Derived from palm leaves, this type of car wax provides a deep, warm shine.
- Liquid wax: This wax is generally easy to apply but may not last as long as paste wax.
- Paste wax: This type of wax is more durable but requires more effort to apply.
- Synthetic wax: This is typically more durable and easier to apply than natural waxes.
With that in mind, here are some everyday ways to use car wax.
1. Protecting Household Appliances With Car Wax
Car wax can help maintain your appliances by boosting their shine and protecting them from daily wear and tear. Here are two ways to use car wax on your household appliances.
Keeping Stainless Steel Appliances Fingerprint-Free
Stainless steel appliances are notorious for showing fingerprints and smudges. Car wax can help solve this problem. Clean your appliance as normal, then apply a thin coat of car wax using a lint-free cloth. Buff the surface until it shines. This treatment will resist fingerprints and smudges, keeping your appliances looking pristine for longer.
Shining and Protecting Metal Fixtures
Car wax isn’t only for major appliances. You can also use it to enhance and protect smaller metal fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom. Just clean the fixture and buff a small amount of wax onto it with a soft cloth. This will keep your fixtures looking new and spot-free.
2. Using Car Wax to Improve Household Items
Car wax does more than make things look better. Its lubricating properties make it useful for several applications around the home.
Lubricating Hinges and Tracks
Squeaky hinges and sticky drawers can be frustrating. Car wax can help. Dab a small amount of car wax to the moving parts of your hinges and tracks and move them back and forth to distribute the wax. Afterward, you’ll notice smoother, quieter hinges and drawers.
Fixing Scratched CDs
If you still have a CD collection, car wax can help revive scratched discs. Follow these steps:
- Clean the CD with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Apply a tiny dab of car wax to the scratched area.
- Gently buff along the length of the scratch, not across it.
- Rinse the CD with water and let it air-dry before use.
3. Cleaning the Bathroom Using Car Wax
Car wax can be particularly useful in the bathroom due to moisture and frequent cleaning needs.
Mildew growth in the shower is a common problem, but car wax can help reduce your deep cleans. The barrier that car wax creates makes it harder for mildew to grow. Apply car wax to both sides of the shower door and buff it off with a dry cloth.
You can also use car wax to reduce foggy mirrors. This application will help prevent condensation from forming on your mirror, giving you a clearer view even after a steamy shower.
4. Protecting Outdoor Items With Car Wax
Car wax’s protective properties make it useful for outdoor applications as well. Car wax can help protect metal fixtures and mailboxes from corrosion due to exposure to the elements. Wax can also make your shovel or snowblower chute sleek enough that snow can’t stick to them and ice can’t form.
Using Car Wax to Prevent Bumper Sticker Residue
If you like bumper stickers but don’t want to deal with sticky residue if you ever decide to remove them, car wax can help. Apply a thin layer of wax before adhering the sticker. When you want to remove it, it should peel off easily without leaving residue.
Safety Considerations When Using Car Wax
While car wax is generally safe to use, take some precautions. Here are a few tips:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear gloves to protect your skin.
- Keep car wax away from children and pets.
- Test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying to larger surfaces.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and removal.
Our Conclusion
Car wax isn’t a cure-all for every household issue, but it can help keep surfaces clean, protected, and functioning smoothly. As with any product, use car wax safely and appropriately, always testing on a small area first. With these tips and creative applications, you can make the most of that can of car wax sitting in your garage.
