I cannot figure out how to wipe my Mac

Start in recovery mode, then use disk utilities to erase the drive. Follow this to make it like it was new:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065

Awesome! If you follow this link: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212749, you should be able to wipe your MacBook Air. If you don't want to follow the article, here are the steps.

1. Go to the Apple Logo in the top left of your screen and click System Preferences. It should be the second button from the top.
2. Next, once you have opened System Preferences, click on the System Preferences text right next to the Apple Logo and click Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Enter your password to confirm that you want to erase all content and settings and you should be good to go!

PS: You might want to back up your files using Time Machine before you do this.

What model do you have? If you have a MacBook Air 2020 M1, follow this article: Erase all content and settings on Mac - Apple Support

I tried to set up my new macbook air and have totally messed it up. How do I erase everything I've done and start over?

I don't want to strip it of anything that came with the macbook air. Obviously, not tech savvy in anyway.

I have the new MacBook Air M1 chip 8 gb 256. Is that link what I need? Thanks so much for your quick reply!

Yes follow the link and erase. It will keep your OS intact.

Thanks so much! I appreciate the help! :)

No problem!