Photo: Andrew Martin via Pixabay
Washing your vehicle by hand is a great way to thoroughly clean your car’s exterior — but don’t forget to give the license plate the attention it deserves. Here is the proper way to clean a license plate to keep it looking like new.
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Gather the right tools and products
Before you start cleaning your license plate (or plates, if your state of residence requires two), make sure you have everything you need to perform this task. Family Handyman’s Steve Maxwell recommends the following items: sponge, screwdriver or wrench, clean rag, automotive wax, petroleum jelly, warm soapy water, bug solvent, and sticker solvent.
Remove the license plate
Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the screws or bolts that fasten the license plate to your car. You’ll also want to remove the license plate frame if there is one.
Soak and scrub the plates
Photo: The News Wheel
Soak the license plates in a bucket of warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. Next, use a sponge to scrub both sides of the plate. If you need a bit of help removing residue from old stickers or bug splatters, try a sticker solvent or bug solvent.
Use the soapy water to clean the license plate frame, if there is one. (If it’s in bad shape, replace the frame with a new one or go without a frame.) Then use the clean rag to dry both the license plate and the frame.
Use wax
Once the plate is completely dry, apply automotive wax to both sides. Let it dry all the way, then buff the surfaces. This protective layer will make it easier to wipe the plate clean from dirt or bugs that accumulate during your drives. It also helps protect the plate from damage due to rust and UV exposure.
Put the plates back on
Before you put the license plate back on, inspect the bolts or screws to ensure that the heads aren’t stripped or rusty. Replace these fasteners with new ones, if need be.
Coat the fasteners with petroleum jelly then use a screwdriver or wrench to reattach the plate to your car. This product will help reduce corrosion and make it easier to remove the license plate down the road, for future cleanings.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.