How to Wax a Car: DIY Car Care

Given the choice, almost no one would prefer a dull, dirty car over a spotless, glossy one with a sleek, wet-look finish. Keeping your vehicle in top shape requires time, effort, and a small investment—whether you're driving a high-end sports car or a reliable, older daily driver. One essential part of that maintenance routine is waxing your car.

Does waxing your car do anything?

Yes! While automotive paint may seem like a tough protective layer, it’s not immune to damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause oxidation, dulling its appearance over time. Additionally, environmental contaminants like bird droppings and tree sap can penetrate and damage the paint if left unprotected. Perhaps the most rewarding benefit of waxing is that water and dirt effortlessly bead up and roll off, keeping your car cleaner for longer.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced, we recommend these simples steps to lay down a coat of wax or spray wax on your car that lasts.

Invest in high-quality wax and application products

By choosing well-tested, highly-rated products with proven durability, you’ll only need to wax your car once a year. Invest in a quality wax that delivers the results you want—water spot resistance, a stunning shine, and strong protection against the elements.

Ethos Ceramic Wax PRO does all of those things, and the ceramic-infused compound bonds at a molecular level. It’s much harder than a carnauba wax, which is why it can last for a year or more. 

Don’t skimp on applicator pads and towels, either. Use microfiber cloths, also available at Ethos, to avoid scratches and to work gently. Avoid anything abrasive that could negate all the good you’re doing with a wax job, and launder your towels after every waxing.

Start with a clean car

The effectiveness of your wax application relies on applying the product directly to clean paint. Start by thoroughly washing your car, focusing on areas where dirt tends to build up. Whenever possible, opt for a hand wash, as automatic car washes often miss certain spots.  

Once the car is washed and thoroughly rinsed, dry it using microfiber cloths. Wax adheres better and lasts longer when applied to a completely dry surface.

Remove contaminants and road grime

Think you’re ready after a wash? Guess again. It could work to just slap on a quick wax coating, sure, but you’ll be trapping dirt and grime against the paint. Run your hand over the hood, the lower portions of the doors, the rockers and the bumpers. If you feel ANY little bumps, they need to be removed. It could be road tar, road paint, rail dust – you name it – but it needs to come off. Use a clay bar to safely lift and trap those bits. Whats the difference between a Clay bar and Clay Mitt?

Once it’s clean and clay-barred, decontaminate any surfaces you plan to wax. Ethos DETOX is an alcohol-based spray that’s perfect for doing the final wipe-down prior to applying your wax. Simply mist it on, then wipe it off with a clean towel.

Work in a cool, dry area

While it's possible to wax your car in the sun, it's not ideal. Direct sunlight and heat can lead to uneven results and cause you to use more wax than necessary. Additionally, if it starts to drizzle during the process, you may end up with water spots that are difficult to remove. For the best outcome, apply wax in a clean, cool, and dry environment. A well-lit garage is a great option, but outdoor waxing can be acceptable under the right conditions.

Apply wax in small sections

Squeeze a small amount of liquid wax onto an applicator pad rather than directly onto the paint. This allows for better control over the coverage and helps you use less wax.

Apply the wax in small sections, such as half the hood at a time, to maintain even coverage. While some may recommend using a circular motion, what's more important is ensuring consistent coverage, not the direction. You don’t need to apply a thick layer—just a thin, even coat across the paint will suffice.

Continue applying the wax until the entire vehicle is covered. For a midsize car, this process may take about 15 minutes, while a full-size truck might take around 30 minutes or more.

Let the wax dry

Wax doesn’t take long to dry, so there’s no need to leave it on the paint for more than the recommended 20 to 30 minutes of curing time. During this period, you can work on detailing the interior of your car or take a quick break. When you swipe your finger across the wax and it no longer streaks, you’re good to go. It should leave a powdery residue on your finger. 

Wipe off the film

The hard part is over! Removing the wax is quick and satisfying. Using a clean microfiber cloth, gently wipe away the cloudy wax from the paint. If you need to apply pressure, it could mean the wax isn’t fully dry or you may have applied a thicker layer than necessary. The first swipe may feel slightly resistant, but it should turn smooth and slippery once the wax residue is gone.

If you notice buildup on your towel, fold it to a clean section. Always use a fresh part of the cloth to buff off the wax film.

Touch up any streaks

If you’ve applied too much wax in certain areas or it wasn’t fully dry, you might see streaks. Don’t worry – they’re easy to fix. Simply use your applicator with a small amount of wax, go over the area again, and then wipe it off immediately.

For textured, unpainted plastic, as well as badges and emblems, wax can discolor them. They’ll usually buff out with a clean towel, and stubborn stuck-on streaks on plastic might require a quick touch of DETOX or all-purpose cleaner.

To sum it up… 

Waxing a car can be a chore, but it’s well worth the effort. Everything you need to detail your car, including its annual wax application can be found at Ethos, from microfiber towels to a clay bar or new clay mitt to detailing sprays and our Ceramic Wax PRO.