10 Uses for Car Wax

Whether in paste or liquid form, car wax is formulated to fill scratches and give a high shine to nonporous surfaces like glass and metal, while protecting them from smudges and stains. It's handy in other ways, too, so grab a lint-free cloth and get to work.

By Jennifer Stimpson

Car Wax Shines, Protects, and Does a Whole Lot More

1. Keep appliances fingerprint-free

Apply a thin coat of car wax to stainless-steel fridges and stoves. Buff clean to resist fingerprints and smudges.

2. Give faucets a shine

Rub car wax onto kitchen and bathroom metal fixtures to keep them shiny and spot-free.

3. Unstick hinges

Use car wax to lubricate the hinges of garden shears and scissors.

4. Fix a skipping CD

Apply a small dab of car wax to a scratched CD and buff it clean using short strokes along the length of the scratch, not across it. Rinse the CD with water, and let it air-dry before playing.

5. Combat corrosion

Apply a thin coat of car wax to brass door knockers, mailboxes, and other outdoor fixtures to keep them from tarnishing.

6. Fight mildew

After using your regular cleanser, apply a layer of car wax to the inside and outside of a shower door and buff off with a dry cloth to stave off mildew growth.

7. Make drawers and windows easier to open

Rub a small dab of

car wax onto the tracks of drawers and windows so they'll slide more smoothly.

8. Prevent bumper-sticker residue

Before placing a sticker on your car's bumper, rub a tiny

bit of car wax onto the area the sticker will cover. Later, it

will peel off easily—no gummy mess to scrape off.

9. Keep snow from sticking

Shoveling is hard enough when snow is heavy and damp. Apply two thick coats of car wax to the head of a shovel (or to the inside of your snowblower's chute) to prevent the white stuff from sticking.

10. Make a mirror fog-free

Rub a thin layer of car wax onto a bathroom mirror and buff it clean. Next time you step out of the shower, you'll be able to see your reflection without having to wipe away condensation first.