I use Mother's Back to Black creme formula applied with a pad and buffed. I have never tried the aerosol, just the creme. It requires re-application periodically.
Read more here: Mothers® Back-to-Black® Trim & Plastic Restorer
Sadly, I think anything is almost an every other wash treatment. My biggest problem was getting it clean since I live on a dirt road, well mostly mud and snow right now. I can't remember who it was on the forum, but they suggested a soft bristle brush and Simple Green for cleaning the trim. That works well for me and then I either do the Trim and Plastic Restorer (cream) or I wax it with either Turtle Wax Ice or Mequiar's Paint Protect. I have found that the Paint Protect lasts a little longer. Neither of the waxes will leave a white residue on the trim. The Mequiar's Paint Protect is kind of hard to find anymore though.
Surprisingly, the one thing I've found to be a longer time solution to this is a product called "wipe new", as seen on TV. The stuff actually works and lasts almost two years. I use it on both our Santa Fes.
I used to use Turtle Wax Ice, It's a clear liguid wax that I applied with a sponge applicator and just let air dry. Worked well. Now I use "Wipe New" which was mentioned above, seems to last the longest.
To the OP.
The best and cheapest way to keep black plastic trim black (IMHO) is to properly paint it any color that you choose!
And by cheapest I am not including "Do nothing and live with it" but do include all of the time that you "will spend" on applying any of the other products and the product cost itself!
I have been there and done all of the listed products. By far the best are 2 by Chemical Guys, one is water based and one is oil based. Chemical Guys V.R.P Super Shine Dressing (water based) and Tire and Trim Gel for plastic and rubber (oil based). I wash my car at least 3x or more a week and I apply either product once and the black trim still looks good. If the weather is bad the trim will maintain up to a month. I know my next vehicle won't have any black plastic trim on it period. I like driving a clean vehicle.
Easy, I have a buddy who has a black Chevy Tahoe and buys an unlimited monthly wash pass at a touchless car wash. He washes his every day on his way home. A little much for me but doable.
I also use the "Wipe New" on all 3 of my vehicles. Love this stuff! Fast & easy to apply just wipe it on. Just have to be careful not to get it on glass or paint. Looks great. Dries and stays dust free. Dirt & mud washes off easier. Lasts about a year. I re-apply it every spring. I also like the "Tire Renew" by the same company. Wipe on does not attract dust not oily or sticky. Glossy but not too glossy. Lasts about 6 months.
Do you have a link for the "tire renew"? Is that Mothers?
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