FAQ – Expert Knowledge on Car Care

A vehicle should always be washed gently and with plenty of water to avoid scratches and damage to the paint surface.

The paintwork must remain wet at all times throughout the entire wash. Dry or only slightly dampened surfaces significantly increase the risk of micro-scratches. Coarse dirt should be removed before the actual wash, as sand and dust would otherwise act like abrasives.

A careful car wash is the foundation of all further care and serves not only the appearance but the long-term protection of the surfaces.

Detailed step-by-step instructions can be found in our Car Wash Tutorials.

All products for a paint-friendly car wash can be found in our Washing & Drying collection.

A car should not be washed or cared for in direct sunlight, as water and cleaning products dry too quickly on hot paint.

This leads to water spots, streaks and uneven results. At the same time, care products cannot fully develop their effect because they cannot be worked in evenly. In some cases, this can permanently impair sensitive surfaces.

For a clean and material-friendly result, it is recommended to always wash and care for the vehicle in the shade or on completely cooled surfaces.

Further instructions can be found in our Car Wash Tutorials.

Tips for the correct car wash can be found in the wash collection and the Car Wash Tutorials.

Detailed instructions in our Paint Care Tutorials.

The frequency of car washing depends on usage, weather conditions and where the vehicle is parked.

Regular care protects paint and surfaces from long-term environmental influences such as dirt, salt and UV exposure. Car care is therefore not just a cosmetic measure, but an important part of value preservation. Consistent care is particularly crucial in summer and winter to prevent damage at an early stage.

A well-maintained vehicle requires less intensive correction work in the long run.

Suitable care products can be found in our wash collection or as complete care sets.

Insect residues should always be softened first before they are removed.

To do this, soak a clean Swissvax cloth in lukewarm water and place it on the affected area for about five minutes. The softened residues can then be gently removed with SWISSVAX Car Bath and a Micro-Wash.

Insect residues must not be rubbed off. Insect sponges or similar tools should not be used, as they can cause micro-scratches in the paint finish.

Carnauba wax has been used for glossy surfaces since the 19th century. Pure, untreated carnauba wax, however, has one decisive disadvantage: it offers little mechanical resistance and can be wiped off relatively easily. This is precisely where the special nature of the SWISSVAX formulations comes in.

The secret of the exceptional durability of SWISSVAX carnauba waxes lies in the composition. Pure carnauba wax is deliberately combined with other waxes, fruit oils and natural components. This blend is processed in a controlled manufacturing process lasting several hours, carried out exclusively by hand in our manufactory. The result is a wax formulation that is significantly more durable than pure carnauba wax while preserving the typical deep gloss.

To this day, the waxes are crafted and filled by hand, tin by tin. Due to their complex composition, these formulations are not suitable for industrial mass production. The biological raw materials used also ensure that the waxes leave no white residues on rubber seals, plastic parts or body edges.

When applied correctly, a 200 ml tin is sufficient for up to 15 applications. A clean and prepared paint surface is essential for a perfect result. The paint must therefore be cleaned with Cleaner Fluid Regular before waxing so that the carnauba wax can adhere optimally and fully develop its protective effect.

Discover our complete wax collection as well as our exclusive luxury waxes. For optimal adhesion, always prepare the paint with Cleaner Fluid Regular.

Wax and ceramic coatings follow two different protection concepts and are not directly comparable.

A ceramic coating primarily offers very high hydrophobicity, i.e. strong beading of water and dirt. It forms a long-lasting, resistant protective layer on the paint surface. However, this layer is permanent and affects further care. Application is more demanding and carries greater risk, as mistakes cannot simply be corrected. Ceramic is not scratch-proof, but it is more resistant than wax. Any scratches that occur cannot simply be polished out. After repainting, the ceramic must be reapplied, which can lead to differences compared to surfaces already coated. In addition, the level of protection slowly decreases over time.

A SWISSVAX carnauba wax does not achieve the extreme hydrophobicity of a ceramic coating, but it is clearly superior in terms of gloss level, wet look and application. Depending on the carnauba content, different gloss characteristics can be achieved. Application is easy and succeeds even without prior experience. Wax can be reapplied at any time, including specifically on heavily stressed or repainted areas. This keeps the level of protection constant, as individual zones can be renewed at any time.

Ceramic and wax are therefore two different systems. If you opt for a ceramic coating, the top layer should also be ceramic so that hydrophobicity and hardness are not compromised. If you opt for carnauba wax, the top layer should also remain carnauba, otherwise the typical wet-look gloss and the pleasant insensitivity to water droplets are lost.

Combinations

Wax on ceramic is possible, but lasts considerably shorter, usually a maximum of about two months.

Ceramic on wax works technically, as the chemistry of the ceramic dissolves the wax.

The recommended solution for the combination of maximum gloss and high hydrophobicity is a high-quality carnauba wax in conjunction with SWISSVAX KERAMIQ9, the water-based ceramic coating from SWISSVAX.

All waxes can be found in the wax collection, the ceramic coating as Keramiq9 Carnauba Booster.

Our recommendation for maximum gloss: Carat (81 Vol.%) carnauba wax – our flagship with the highest carnauba content.

Yes. A second coat of wax is worthwhile and reinforces the existing protection. The additional application makes the protective layer thicker, which has two effects: the light refraction on the paint surface is intensified and the gloss appears deeper, while at the same time the durability of the protection increases.

You should wait at least three hours between the first and second coat of wax. During this time, the first coat can fully bond with the paint surface. Only then should the second coat be applied to build up the protective effect optimally.

The depth effect is particularly impressive with our luxury waxes such as Crystal Rock (76 Vol.%) or Mystery (55 Vol.%).

Particularly impressive with multi-layer application: Crystal Rock (76 Vol.%) carnauba wax.

PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. It is a synthetic high-performance polymer from the group of paraffinic polymers in which hydrogen atoms are completely or partially replaced by fluorine. This chemical structure gives PTFE exceptional material properties.

The original PTFE resin was developed in 1938 by DuPont and became known under the brand name Teflon. PTFE is characterized by extremely high resistance to chemicals as well as one of the lowest coefficients of friction of all known materials.

Thanks to these properties, PTFE is highly dirt-repellent, reduces adhesion and friction and provides a very durable protective film. This is why PTFE is used specifically in car care, for example in wheel sealants, to significantly reduce the adhesion of brake dust, dirt and salt.

Swissvax uses PTFE, among others, in Autobahn wheel wax and in Shield carnauba wax. All PTFE waxes at a glance.

Yes. SWISSVAX Lotos Speed can be applied in addition to an existing wax protection. This makes the surface even more water-repellent and extends the durability of the protective layer.

At least three hours should pass between waxing and applying Lotos Speed. During this time, the wax can fully bond with the paint surface. Only then does Lotos Speed achieve the desired additional protection.

SWISSVAX KERAMIQ9 does not change the gloss level. The coating settles transparently on the surface without adding extra color depth or gloss. This is why KERAMIQ9 is also suitable for matte paints and matte films, where the original gloss level must remain unchanged.

Gloss fundamentally results from reflection and saturation. Both factors are not created by the ceramic coating itself, but by a perfectly prepared surface beforehand. An intensive paint preparation with Cleaner Fluid followed by wax increases gloss and color depth. KERAMIQ9 preserves this condition but does not create it on its own.

The complete Keramiq9 series can be found in our Keramiq9 collection.

Yes. SWISSVAX KERAMIQ9 is an infused, water-based ceramic coating for private and professional users. It is easy to apply, highly water-repellent and removable if required.

KERAMIQ9 extends the durability of paint surfaces treated with SWISSVAX polishes and waxes by several months. The coating preserves the previously achieved condition but does not create additional gloss without appropriate pre-treatment.

Available as Keramiq9 Carnauba Booster or in the complete Keramiq9 Set with all accessories.

Available as an individual booster or as a complete Keramiq9 Set with accessories.

Wax is not used for polishing. Polishing is done exclusively with a polish, not with a wax.

In everyday language, the term "car wax" is often mistakenly used for polishes. Technically, however, these are two clearly different product categories with different tasks.

A polish is used for paint correction. It is usually liquid and contains water, solvents and finely tuned abrasives. When applied and worked in, paint defects such as fine scratches, holograms or clouding are reduced and the surface is smoothed. Polishes can be worked by hand or with a polishing machine. The SWISSVAX polishes, known as Cleaner Fluids, are formulated to work in a controlled way and avoid overly aggressive polishing.

A wax, on the other hand, is completely free of abrasives. It does not correct the paint, it seals it. Pure carnauba waxes protect the previously prepared paint surface, intensify the gloss and provide a natural, long-lasting protective layer.

SWISSVAX paint care therefore always follows a clear sequence. First the paint is washed, then cleaned and, if necessary, polished, and only in the final step sealed with a carnauba wax. Wax is never used for paint correction, but always applied to an already clean and smooth surface.

All Swissvax polishes can be found in the car polish collection, all waxes in the wax collection. Step-by-step instructions can be found in our Paint Care Tutorials.

The SWISSVAX Cleaner Fluid polishes and the SWISSVAX Cleaner Fluid Professional polishes differ significantly in their viscosity and processing design. Hand polishes are formulated to be considerably more liquid, while machine polishes are firmer and more stable.

Cleaner Fluid Regular is therefore not suitable for machine polishing. Due to the high rotation speed of the polishing machine, the product, being too liquid, would splatter heavily, be distributed unevenly and fail to deliver a controlled polishing result. For working with the polishing machine, Cleaner Fluid Professional Regular is intended, as this formulation was developed for machine use, controlled release and clean working.

The cut performance describes the abrasive power of a machine polish on a scale of 0 to 100.

0 stands for no removal, 100 for maximum removal.

For the SWISSVAX Cleaner Fluid Professional polishes, this results in the following classification:

Cleaner Fluid Professional Regular has a cut value of 22. This polish is very finely tuned and allows 1-step polishing, as it offers sufficient paint correction while achieving a clean finish at the same time.

Cleaner Fluid Professional Medium has a cut value of 30. Here too, 1-step polishing is possible, as the cut is still below the threshold at which a separate finish becomes mandatory.

Cleaner Fluid Professional Strong reaches a cut value of 51. From this range onwards, 2-step polishing is necessary, as the cut lies above the finish threshold. The finish cut starts at about 55, which is why a finer polish must be used for the finish after correction with Strong.

One important point is the working method: the longer you work with a polish in the so-called start cut, the finer and more even the resulting finish will be. Nevertheless, a polish with a high base cut cannot replace a true finish.

The Professional Regular version is not comparable to the hand polish. It is an independent nano polish, developed specifically for machine use and the softest of the three Professional polishes. It is aimed specifically at machine users who want to achieve as much correction and finish as possible in one step.

SWISSVAX offers three detailing sprays with clearly separated tasks. They are not interchangeable, but cover different situations.

SWISSVAX Quick Finish is used for quick cleaning in between. It removes light dust in the showroom or garage as well as fresh insect residues, bird droppings, resin, water spots or similar light soiling. Quick Finish is used on paint, glass, chrome, wheels and plastics, except textiles. It cleans, but does not seal.

SWISSVAX Nano Express is a paint and plastic refresher. It is used when a complete paint preparation is not possible, for example after car washes, with used cars, rental vehicles or auction vehicles. Nano Express refreshes the color depth and conceals car wash marks and fine micro-scratches temporarily for about one month. It is also excellently suited for the care of plastics, acrylic windows, vinyl rear windows, door jambs and sill panels. The typical application time per vehicle is around 30 minutes.

SWISSVAX Lotos Speed is a quick sealant for already cleaned surfaces. It is ideally applied directly after washing and drying the vehicle. Lotos Speed creates a very smooth and highly water-repellent surface on exterior paint and glass for around one month. It can also be used on selected smooth surfaces in the interior, such as high-gloss lacquered woods. Lotos Speed is not combinable with KERAMIQ9.

In the vehicle interior, different types of leather and leather-like materials are used, which differ clearly in structure, appearance and care requirements. Smooth leather is surface-sealed, resistant and easy to care for. Open-pore leather such as aniline leather is natural, breathable and particularly sensitive to moisture, dirt and abrasion. Vegan leather is a synthetic material that visually resembles leather, but ages differently and requires gentle, material-appropriate care. Alcantara is not leather, but an artificial velour material with a fine fiber structure and requires a completely different cleaning method.

Each of these surfaces reacts differently to cleaners, moisture and mechanical stress. Tailored care is therefore essential to permanently preserve appearance, feel and durability.

All products can be found in our leather care collection. Detailed instructions on our leather care page and in the leather tutorials.

Whether leather is open-pore or coated can be determined with a simple water test on an inconspicuous spot. If a small drop of water is absorbed into the leather within a short time and the spot darkens, it is open-pore leather such as aniline leather. If the drop remains on the surface and can be wiped off, the leather is surface-sealed and therefore coated smooth leather.

Open-pore leather is natural, breathable and particularly sensitive to moisture and dirt. Coated smooth leather has a protective color layer, is more resistant and easier to care for.

More on this on our leather care page.

For gentle cleaning of both leather types, Leather Cleaner is suitable.

Depending on the degree of soiling, smooth leather is cleaned with SWISSVAX Leather Cleaner or SWISSVAX Leather Cleaner Forte. The cleaner is applied gently and the dissolved dirt is then removed with a soft, clean cloth.

Light to normal soiling can be removed with Leather Cleaner. For heavier dirt, discoloration or heavily used contact zones, Leather Cleaner Forte is used. In both cases, the surface remains supple and is not attacked, as cleaning takes place without aggressive solvents.

New smooth leather requires no care, as it is sufficiently re-greased at the factory. However, it should be protected from the start to prevent premature wear, abrasion and denim dye transfer. For this, SWISSVAX Leather Glaze is used.

Leather Glaze forms an invisible protective layer on the leather surface that reduces friction and makes it considerably harder for dyes to penetrate. The leather thus stays clean, even and visually like new for longer, without changing its feel.

Used or dry smooth leather is cared for after cleaning with SWISSVAX Leather Milk. The leather care product is applied sparingly, absorbs into the material and keeps the leather supple. At the same time, the leather is protected from further drying out and premature wear.

Leather Milk replenishes stressed leather with moisture, improves the feel and supports natural elasticity without over-greasing the surface or making it look greasy.

SWISSVAX leather products for smooth leather must not be used on buffalo leather or suede. These leather types have a different fiber structure and react sensitively to smooth leather cleaners and care products.

Open-pore leather such as aniline leather must also not be treated with strong cleaning products such as SWISSVAX Leather Cleaner Forte or with brushes. Overly intensive cleaning can damage the open structure, cause stains or permanently alter the surface.

For sensitive leather types, the rule is therefore always: clean appropriately for the material, work without pressure and only use products intended for the purpose.

All suitable products in the leather care collection.

For all compatible leather types, suitable Leather Care Sets are available.

Vegan leather is cleaned and protected if necessary, but requires no nourishing emulsions such as those used on genuine leather. For material-appropriate cleaning, SWISSVAX Vegan Leather Cleaner is used.

The cleaner gently removes dirt, preserves the elasticity of the material and protects against drying out and cracking. The surface is cleaned without over-conditioning it or making it look greasy. Depending on the surface structure, application is carried out with a soft cleaning brush or a sponge, followed by wiping with a clean cloth.

Vegan leather is a synthetic material with a different aging behavior than genuine leather. Classic leather care products are therefore unsuitable and can negatively affect the surface in the long term.

Interior cleaning always begins with thoroughly vacuuming loose dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle; ideally, floor mats and loose carpets are removed beforehand.

Textile surfaces such as seats, carpets, headliners or floor mats are then cleaned with SWISSVAX Fabric . The textile cleaner removes dirt gently without leaving cleaning edges and is suitable for all textile materials in the interior.

Plastics and vinyl surfaces are then cleaned with SWISSVAX Plastic Wash. This provides deep-pore cleaning and forms the basis for subsequent care or sealing, without attacking the surface or making it look greasy.

This sequence keeps the interior hygienically clean, cared for appropriately for each material and visually even.

All products and instructions on our interior care page.

Sensitive surfaces such as piano lacquer, displays and high-gloss interior parts are gently cleaned with SWISSVAX Quick Interior Finish and a SWISSVAX Micro Polish. Fingerprints, dust and light soiling can be removed streak-free without causing micro-scratches.

Quick Interior Finish has an antistatic effect and is formulated solvent-free. This means the sensitive surface is not attacked, new dust attraction is reduced and the original finish of piano lacquer and screens is preserved.

Plastic and vinyl surfaces in the interior are first thoroughly cleaned with SWISSVAX Plastic Wash. This deep-pore cleaning removes dirt, skin oils and deposits and creates the necessary basis for even care.

After cleaning, SWISSVAX Protecton provides intensive deep care and rich, even protection. For matte surfaces, or when a matte finish is desired, SWISSVAX Protecton Matt is used. Both products protect against drying out, discoloration and premature material wear.

For long-term protection, SWISSVAX Autobahn wheel wax is used. It forms a heat-resistant protective layer based on carnauba wax, enriched with PTFE. This protective layer makes it harder for brake dust, salt and road grime to adhere and makes subsequent cleaning considerably easier.

Thanks to its high temperature resistance, Autobahn wheel wax is also suitable for heavily stressed wheels. Brake dust adheres less, salt and moisture do not penetrate the surface, and existing wheel coatings are preserved. The protection helps prevent corrosion and permanent surface damage.

Tires are cared for with SWISSVAX Pneu . The tire care product supplies the rubber compound with moisture, protects against drying out and cracking and ensures an even, deep black appearance. It is applied to clean and dry tire sidewalls by spraying or targeted application with a brush or hand puck.

Whitewall tires are first cleaned with SWISSVAX Pneu White . The special cleaner reliably removes yellowing and stubborn dirt without attacking the material. After cleaning and drying, the Swissvax Pneu care product can also be applied to the black rubber areas of whitewall tires for protection and gloss.

Matte-painted wheels are sealed in several short steps to preserve the matte appearance while building up protection against dirt and brake dust.

First, the wheels are washed thoroughly and dried completely. Then a small section is sprayed with Pre Cleaner Opaque and gently wiped off within about 10 to 15 seconds. This step is repeated section by section so that the surface is clean and optimally prepared for the sealant.

For the actual sealing, Autobahn wax is applied to a small section. After a short flash-off time of around 10 to 15 seconds, the wax is carefully buffed off. Then the next section follows until the entire wheel is evenly protected.

This procedure fully preserves the matte effect, while the wheel becomes more resistant to soiling and easier to clean in the future.

SWISSVAX offers two wheel cleaners because wheels have different requirements depending on use, care condition and degree of soiling. Wheel and Wheel Spray Forte deliberately follow two different cleaning approaches.

SWISSVAX Wheel is a classic wheel cleaner concentrate based on natural active ingredients such as peppermint oil. It is diluted with water depending on the degree of soiling and is particularly suitable for regularly maintained or only lightly to normally soiled wheels. Thanks to the individually selectable concentration, only as much cleaning power is used as necessary, which preserves the existing wax protection. Wheel is also very economical and space-saving when traveling, as only the concentrate needs to be carried.

With heavily neglected wheels with baked-on brake dust, however, Wheel can reach its limits. Due to the thin mixture, it is also necessary to re-spray several times during cleaning.

For these cases, SWISSVAX Wheel Spray Forte was developed. This modern wheel cleaner is acid- and phosphate-free, based on sulfur capolate, and can be used on all wheel surfaces, including painted or magnesium wheels. An integrated color indicator shows when the cleaning action starts and is complete. Thanks to its higher cleaning activity and thicker consistency, Wheel Spray Forte adheres better and reliably removes even stubborn dirt.

The disadvantage of Wheel Spray Forte lies in its lower economy and fixed concentration. The product also has a slight sulfur odor, which is technically unavoidable. Due to the higher cleaning power, the durability of an existing wax protection can be somewhat shorter than with regular cleaning with Wheel.

In practice, Wheel is ideal for regular everyday use, especially with well-maintained vehicles and moderate driving conditions. Wheel Spray Forte is the right choice for heavily soiled wheels, after long highway journeys or when wheels have not been cleaned for an extended period.

Wheel cleaning should always be done before washing the car, as brake dust, metal particles and heavy soiling could otherwise reach already cleaned paint surfaces. Brake dust is highly adhesive and can permanently damage the wheel surface if it is not removed regularly and thoroughly.

Wheel cleaning involves more intensive cleaning agents, brushes and plenty of water. If the wheels were only cleaned after the paint wash, dissolved dirt particles, cleaner residues and splash water could reach the paint again and impair the wash result. There is also an increased risk of micro-scratches if dirt is transferred from the wheels onto already clean paint surfaces.

The sequence of wheels first, paint afterwards keeps the result of the car wash clean, even and protected in the long term. At the same time, it ensures that brake dust does not cause lasting damage to the wheel surface and that existing wax protection is optimally preserved.

All products and instructions on our wheel care page and in the Wheel Care Tutorials.

Insect residues should always be softened first before they are removed.

To do this, soak a clean Swissvax cloth in lukewarm water and place it on the affected area for about five minutes. The softened residues can then be gently removed with SWISSVAX Car Bath and a Micro-Wash.

Insect residues must not be rubbed off. Insect sponges or similar tools should not be used, as they can cause micro-scratches in the paint finish.

No conventional polishes, waxes, insect removers or insect sponges may be used on matte-painted or matte-wrapped surfaces. Such products smooth the surface and permanently change the matte appearance towards gloss.

So that matte paints and matte films retain their characteristic finish, the SWISSVAX products of the line Opaque were developed specifically for these surfaces. They are precisely matched to the structure and sensitivity of matte surfaces and do not attack the finish.

The Opaque premium wax contains 40 percent by volume of pure Brazilian Grade One carnauba wax. It reliably protects matte surfaces against fingerprints, dirt, water spots and insect residues without altering the matte effect. The appearance remains evenly matte, while the surface becomes more resistant and easier to clean. Thanks to its very easy application, the Opaque wax is suitable for both private and professional users.

For an even and lasting result, the surface must be prepared with the Pre Cleaner Opaque before waxing. Only then can the wax adhere correctly and fully develop its protective effect.

No. Matte paints and matte films must not be polished, as polishing smooths the surface structure and permanently changes the matte appearance towards gloss. For this reason, there is no polish for matte surfaces.

Before sealing, the surface must still be cleaned and properly prepared. For this, the paint is gently cleaned with Swissvax Pre Cleaner Opaque and prepared to accept the wax, without changing the matte finish.

Complete matte paint care sets can be found in our Opaque Sets collection.

A matte-painted or matte-wrapped vehicle is washed exclusively with Car Bath Opaque, as this shampoo contains no gloss enhancers or brighteners. The matte appearance is thus fully preserved. After washing, the vehicle is gently dried with the Ultra-Dry.

Conventional car shampoos and care products are unsuitable for matte surfaces, as they may contain abrasive components or gloss additives. These would attack the silky matte structure or create unwanted gloss. For this reason, there are also no classic polishes for matte paints.

Car Bath Opaque is dosed sparingly in the wash water and the vehicle is washed from top to bottom. Regular cleaning removes dirt, dust and environmental deposits without altering the sensitive surface, and forms the basis for any further care or sealing within the Opaque series.

For matte-painted and matte-wrapped surfaces, the SWISSVAX Opaque wax is suitable. It was developed specifically for matte surfaces and protects against micro-scratches and rapid re-soiling without changing the matte effect or creating gloss.

The Opaque wax forms an even protective layer that makes the surface more resistant and easier to clean. The matte appearance is fully preserved. Prior cleaning and preparation with the Pre Cleaner Opaque is a prerequisite for an optimal result.

Light soiling and fingerprints on matte-painted or matte-wrapped surfaces are removed with SWISSVAX Quick Finish Opaque. The product is sprayed on and then gently wiped with the Micro Polish cloth.

Quick Finish Opaque is specially formulated for matte surfaces and removes light soiling without creating gloss or attacking the sensitive surface structure. The matte appearance is fully preserved and the surface looks evenly cared for.

PPF protection films need regular care because they are permanently exposed to UV radiation, dirt, environmental deposits and chemical stress. Without care, the material can lose elasticity over time, become brittle and forfeit its protective effect.

Paint protection films reliably protect the paint against stone chips and external influences, particularly at the front of the vehicle. Regardless of whether they are transparent, glossy, colored or matte films, all PPF materials age due to sunlight, air pollution, insect residues and limescale deposits. These influences attack the surface of the film and can promote water spots, adhesion problems and reduced self-healing capability.

Regular care with specially developed SWISSVAX PPF products preserves the flexibility of the film, stabilizes the surface and supports the original protective properties. At the same time, water and dirt repellency is improved, making deposits easier to remove and significantly reducing the risk of limescale and water spots.

SWISSVAX has developed special care, wax and sealing solutions for PPF that are matched to the chemical structure of protection films. This keeps the film visually premium, functionally resilient and protected in the long term, without impairing its material properties.

For PPF protection films, the SWISSVAX PPF wax with 40 percent carnauba wax is suitable. It was developed specifically for wrapped vehicles and is matched to the chemical structure of paint protection films.

The wax preserves the gloss of the film, supports its elasticity and offers additional protection against UV exposure. When applied correctly, durability is around 6 to 9 months. This can be longer or shorter depending on use, environmental influences and regular care with suitable SWISSVAX products. If unsuitable cleaners or aggressive wash chemicals are used, durability can be reduced accordingly.

The high content of natural carnauba wax protects the surface of the film without impairing its material structure or function.

Complete PPF care sets can be found in our PPF collection.

Yes. PPF protection films can be worked on with specially developed SWISSVAX products, both by hand and with the polishing machine. Suitable polishes make it possible to reduce fine scratches, light scuffs and holograms without impairing the structure or protective function of the film.

It is important to use only products designed for PPF. Unsuitable or overly aggressive polishes can damage the surface of the film, impair its self-healing properties or lead to differences in gloss. When applied correctly, the film remains functional, visually even and protected in the long term.

Suitable polishes: Cleaner Fluid Regular for hand application, CF Professional Regular for the machine. For matte PPF: Pre-Cleaner Opaque instead of polishing.

For PPF protection films, KERAMIQ⁹ is suitable. The ceramic coating offers up to 12 months of protection and is compatible with PPF films. It can be applied one day after waxing and reinforces the existing wax protection without impairing the film structure.

KERAMIQ⁹ creates a very smooth, water-repellent surface and additionally protects the film against environmental influences. Application is safe for private users, free of toxic fumes and possible across different materials. If required, the coating can be removed easily and without residue with SWISSVAX Prep Fluid.

Microfiber cloths, polishing pads and applicators are washed at 40 degrees, without fabric softener.

Fabric softener clogs the microfibers and reduces cleaning performance, absorbency and service life. Excessive temperatures or unsuitable wash programs can permanently damage Velcro surfaces, foam structure and fiber bonding.

Always wash microfiber cloths and textiles such as white cleaner pads, wax pads, polishing pads and hand pucks separately from other textiles, in particular separately from drying towels and glass microfiber cloths. Do not mix textiles with wax or polish residues with normal cleaning cloths.

For polishing pads, if available, select a machine program with extra or additional water so that residues are completely rinsed out and the pad retains its original performance.

All microfiber cloths and replacements can be found in our microfiber collection.

For gentle machine washing, we recommend our Laundry wash emulsion for microfiber cloths – specially developed for microfiber, without fabric softeners or surfactants that clog the fibers.

Microfiber cloths differ considerably in quality and performance. What matters is not the appearance, but fiber structure, material blend and workmanship.

High-quality microfiber cloths can absorb seven to eight times their own weight in liquid. This is only possible if the fibers are split. This elaborate manufacturing process creates a significantly larger absorption surface. Cheap mass-produced goods usually use unsplit fibers, as the splitting process is expensive. Their absorbency is correspondingly much lower.

Another quality factor is the fineness of the microfiber. High-quality cloths consist of genuine microfibers with a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.02 denier. The finer the fiber and the higher the fiber density in the fabric, the better the cleaning performance and dirt pickup. Cheap cloths work with considerably thicker fibers of up to 0.5 denier or more, roughly equivalent to the thickness of a normal polyester thread.

The fabric itself is also decisive. A blend of 80 percent polyester and 20 percent polyamide is considered today's quality standard. The SWISSVAX 70/30 blend can absorb liquids even faster and more effectively, as the polyamide content is significantly higher. Polyamide is considerably more expensive than polyester, which is why cheap cloths often consist of 100 percent polyester or contain only very small amounts of polyamide. This noticeably reduces absorption capacity.

For use on automotive paint, the finishing of the edges also plays a central role. Suitable are microfiber cloths without a hem, with a sealed edge or with an edge made of silk fabric. Cloths with a sewn hem can cause scratches or streaks on sensitive paint surfaces and are therefore not recommended for car care.

All Swissvax microfiber cloths – laser-cut and with a 70/30 blend – in our microfiber collection.

All Swissvax microfiber cloths with 70/30 polyamide content in our microfiber collection.

Seal Feed is used when rubber seals or plastic parts have already aged, dried out or weathered. For new seals and new plastic parts, Protecton is the suitable initial protection.

Seal Feed is an intensive care product that preserves elasticity, reduces drying out and supports the regeneration of existing materials. New components do not yet need this intensive care; they benefit from preventive protection instead.

The frequency of application depends heavily on the climate. In Central and Northern Europe, application once or twice a year is sufficient. In regions with high UV exposure and extreme heat, such as Texas, Arizona or the Middle East, Seal Feed should be applied considerably more often, usually monthly.

The shelf life of SWISSVAX products depends on the product category and proper storage. SWISSVAX waxes keep for about seven to ten years when stored correctly closed and undamaged. For the rest of the range, a minimum shelf life of two years applies, provided the products are stored properly.

Storage temperature has a significant influence on shelf life. Cool, dry storage at around 10 to 14 degrees, for example in the cellar, is ideal. Products should be protected from frost as well as from temperatures above 30 degrees, as extreme temperatures can impair the formulation.

For liquid products, it is recommended to shake them well before each use to ensure even distribution of the active ingredients.

Our care sets are an ideal starting point, and our tutorials show the optimal application.

In the flagship store and car detailing center of Swissvax AG, we advise you personally and offer the direct purchase of our products at our headquarters.

You can obtain a free quote for vehicle detailing directly on site from our experts. No appointment is required for this.

Address
Tämperlistrasse 3
8117 Fällanden

Contact
Phone: +41 840 851 851
E-mail: customerservice@swissvax.com

Opening hours
Monday to Friday
08:00 – 12:00
13:00 – 17:30

More about our OEM partnerships on the partner page.

The cost of a vehicle detailing is individual and depends on the vehicle type, condition, desired scope of services and care objective. We therefore do not provide flat rates, but a quote tailored to your vehicle.

At the car detailing center of Swissvax AG, we take time for personal advice, even during a spontaneous visit. After a brief inspection of your vehicle, you will receive a free, non-binding quote.

Address
Tämperlistrasse 3
8117 Fällanden

Contact
Phone: +41 840 851 851
E-mail: customerservice@swissvax.com

Opening hours
Monday to Friday
08:00 – 12:00
13:00 – 17:30

Our premium carnauba waxes, which are also used in professional detailing, can be found in our luxury wax collection.

SWISSVAX products are as natural and environmentally compatible as possible, without compromising on effectiveness and material protection. We deliberately call this approach "best natural", meaning as natural as is technically sensible.

This philosophy dates back to 1930, when Hans Anwander initially developed care products for his own use. From the very beginning, the goal was to create products that are safe for users and the environment, long before terms such as ecological or sustainable were established.

Today, SWISSVAX products even meet strict international GHS standards and are classified neither as dangerous goods nor as harmful to health. They are used worldwide in more than 30 countries.

When it comes to ingredients, we deliberately rely on natural components. Our wheel cleaner Wheel is based, among other things, on peppermint oil. Our waxes consist largely of high-quality carnauba wax, beeswax and natural fruit oils. We use exclusively Grade One carnauba wax of cosmetic quality. It is scraped by hand from carnauba palm leaves and not chemically leached.

As with all everyday cleaning products, including hair shampoos or detergents, soaps, surfactants and phosphates are used. These are fundamentally biodegradable. What matters, however, is the quantity used. Excessive concentrations can pollute waterways and impair water quality. SWISSVAX products are therefore highly concentrated and designed for maximum effect at minimal dosage, recognizable by their comparatively small containers.

More about our philosophy on the About Swissvax page.