Waxing your car helps protect the paint job, and waxing at home instead of paying for a professional wax job can save you a lot of money. Choose a day when the outside temperature is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and wax your car in a shady area. Waxing in the shade and with the right temperature will ensure that your wax wipes off cleanly. It may take you several tries to get a perfectly streak-free wax job, and if you do end up with swirl marks there are several ways to clean them off your car.

Things You'll Need:

• Car
• Microfiber towel (optional)
• Car wax
• Waxing sponge
• Soft toothbrush (optional)
• Soft towel
• Detail spray or detail cloth

Wash and dry your car thoroughly. Make sure your car is completely dry before you begin waxing. If you dry your car by hand, choose a microfiber towel that will not leave any lint behind.

• Step 2

  Put a quarter-sized amount of wax on your waxing sponge. Choose a section of the car, like the trunk or hood, and spread a thin layer of wax over the car's surface, using circular motions. The goal is to create a very thin, even layer. Remember where you start and finish, because you will wipe wax off in the same order it went on.

• Step 3

  Avoid getting wax in cracks around the trunk, hood or doors, and do not get wax on rubber window trim or plastic. If you do get wax in any of these places, use a very soft toothbrush to remove it as quickly as possible. Do not apply wax to windows, license plates or wheels.

• Step 4

  Wipe away dried wax with a clean soft towel. The wax will turn whiter when it dries, which will take one to two minutes. Rotate the towel frequently so you are always using clean cloth. Wipe the wax in circular motions until all the residue is gone and the paint looks shiny.

• Step 5

  Repeat steps two through four on each area of your car, until the entire car has been waxed. Working in small areas will help prevent swirl marks.

• Step 6

  Examine your car for streaks or swirl marks. If there are any marks, use a detailing spray to remove them. Spray the liquid on the swirl mark, and wipe it away with your clean cloth. You can also use a detailing cloth to wipe streaks away, but stubborn marks may require detail spray. Both products are available at car shops or wherever car wax is sold.

• Step 7

  Re-wax your car every three to five months for the best appearance and protection. Frequent maintenance can help extend the life of your paint job and keep your car looking new.