How should I prepare the surface to reapply wax on my cast iron?

[Michael Yadfar]

When I first bought my woodworking equipment two years ago, the table tops rusted up. I used WD-40 and the back of a kitchen sponge to clean the rust, and applied Johnsons Paste Wax. Its been about a year and a half since I applied the past wax, so I'm going to reapply although I have no rust. I don't really think it's necessary to scrub down again, so I was thinking maybe mineral spirits and a rag?

[David Zaret]

or... nothing. just wax them again. i keep a rag in a can of wax, and every week or so rub it on the tables. no preparation required...

[Anthony Whitesell]

Either nothing or clean with lacquer thinner then rewax. Not mineral spirits as it will leave behind a reside that may/will prevent the wax from taking (ie., the reside will dissolve the wax on you)

[Bruce Page]

I re-wax my cast iron about every 6 months. The new wax will amalgamate with the old. I don't see any point in stripping the old wax first.

[Art Mann]

I do the same thing as Bruce and I don't have rust problems.