Do you know? What is the best way to clean car covers? The car cover protects your car from the most dangerous threat, which is rust It is through washing and other methods. Most of the car’s paint is damaged due to dirty car covers; we leave this as an external part, but this can cause serious issues. A car cover saves your car from any dirt or debris. Car covers are of different materials, and a dirty car cover causes more damage than trapping dust, grime, and debris against your car’s exterior.
Car covers protect your car from dirt, environmental elements, and even minor scratches. However, anything on the cover needs to be cleaned. A clean car cover can maintain the paint quality and the overall appearance of the car. In this blog, we will discuss the details and the steps of what is the best way to clean car cover, which will help maintain the car’s overall look.
Car Cover Wash and Care Instructions: Do’s and Don’ts
Are you looking to learn how to wash a car cover? Here are some do’s and don’ts that could assist you before cleaning. Consider these important guidelines:
Do’s
- See the label: Before you start washing the cover, carefully read the cleaning instructions provided by the company that made it. This will indicate whether it should be washed by hand only or with a machine.
- Shake off: Please avoid loose dirt such as leaves, garbage, etc. Shake the cover well to remove all such particles.
- Choose Gentle Detergent: Make use of a mild cleanser or soap. If you want to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the material, then specialized vehicle cover detergents are recommended.
- Try using warm water: A car cover can be of sensitive cloth. Thus, using warm water can help it get shrunken or damaged.
- Keep it in a good place: After the car cover dries, you must keep it in a cool and dry place. This can help it preserve its durability.
Don’t’s
- Avoid using harmful detergents: While car cover washing, you must be aware of using the right detergent powder. Avoid using bleach or any strong detergents. It can damage the coatings on the cloth.
- Avoid harsh cleaning: please don’t give a rough cleaning to the cloth, especially as it can result in degrading the material.
- Do not overwash: If you wash the car cover too frequently, then it can reduce the quality and weaken the material. Your washing should depend on how long it is used and exposed; wash it only when it is essential.
- Don’t keep it wet: Do not store wet car covers, as they might grow moisture, which could harm the material and produce a bad stench.
Therefore, following these dos and don’ts can help you understand the best way of cleaning a car cover.
Types of Car Covers
Car covers are coming out of various types. Selecting the type is the best way to clean the car cover. Types like indoor car covers, outdoor car covers, lightweight car covers, and custom-made car covers—all of these covers come with another material. You need to identify the best way to clean the car cover to ensure its safety.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Car Covers
Indoor car covers are made of cotton or some cotton blend materials. These are lightweight and breathable materials. Indoor covers are made to protect the car from minor scratches and dents. These types of covers do not need frequent washing.
Outdoor covers are made of tough materials like polyester or polypropylene. These covers not only protect the car from the dirt, they also save the exterior of the car from harmful UV rays. These types of covers need washing regularly as they are in direct contact with the birds pooping, rainwater, tree sap, and dirt.
Fabric Material (Polyester, Cotton, Waterproof, etc.)
Covers are made of different materials to serve a wide range of purposes. The best way to clean car cover includes material identification.
- Polyester: These are lightweight and machine-washed materials. Polystar is used on the outdoor cover, and this material is waterproof.
- Cotton: Cotton covers are indoor covers. These covers can protect the vehicle from dirt, and these cotton covers are washed by hand for better durability.
- Waterproof Covers: Some custom-made covers are also made by the owners for better waterproofing. This type of cover is made with polypropylene with a waterproof coating. These covers are highly recommended to wash by hand.
Preparing to Wash Your Car Cover
Proper preparation is the best way to clean the car cover. Follow these steps:
Checking the Lebel for Washing Instruction
So how to wash a car cover? The first step before washing is to check the label of the cover. The label itself gives information about whether the cover is hand-washed or machine-washed. The label also indicates the detergent type, water type, and drying methods.
Inspecting the Car Cover for Damage
Before washing, make sure to check the cover to see if it is damaged or torn out in some places. During washing, this damage can increase. It is advisable to repatch or stitch the damage for better washing. If the fabric is cotton, then stitch the part of the fabric that is polyester, then use a sealer. This is the best way to clean car cover.
Shaking off loose dirt and debris
Once you have done the inspection, shake the car cover well to remove any loose dirt from it. Using a soft brush can do this job easily. If the loose dirt gets off the cover, then it will be easy to wash. Shaking off the dirt first is the best way to clean the car cover.
How to Wash Car Body Cover?
Now you need to find What is the best way to clean car cover. Two methods are used for washing; one is using a washing machine, and the other is hand washing.
Washing Machine Method
Do you know how to wash car covers through machines? If the car cover has machine washing material, then follow these steps:
- It is advisable to use a front-loading machine because this type of machine is useful to wash the materials carefully.
- Set the water temperature according to the label on the cover.
- Choose a mild detergent for washing. Harsh chemicals and detergents can damage the cover material.
- Then set the machine for a clean and safe cycle rotation.
Hand-Washing Method
Do you know how to wash car covers at home? That is the Hand-washing method. Waterproof covers are often washed by hand.
- Get a big bucket, fill this with lukewarm water, and fully submerge the cover.
- Choose a mild detergent that is free from chemicals and mix it with the water.
- Submerge the cover fully and ensure that all sides of the cover are fully soaked in the water.
- Then left it for a couple of minutes to get off the dirt from the cover.
- Then remove the detergent water and fill it with clean water. Then gently dip the cover and repeat this process until the dirt and the soap are not removed.
Spot-Cleaning Stains
If you need to clean specific spots, then spot cleaning can save you time and effort. Marking out the spot helps to have the best way to clean the car cover. Check the steps:
- Oil Stains: Use a detergent or mild dish soap to clean the oil spots. Gently rub over the stains and then rinse it off.
- Bird droppings: Soak the area of the bird poop with mild detergent. Then rub it with other soft fabric to remove the stain.
- Tree Sap: You need to get tree sap remover, or you can use rubbing alcohol to rub over it and leave it for some minutes. Then wipe gently with a cloth.
Drying Your Car Cover Step-By-Step Guide
Once you have followed the best way to clean a car cover, then you need to dry the cover for reuse.
Air Drying
Air drying is the best option for the car cover. Lay down the cover on a flat, clean surface or the clothesline. This prevents scratching over the cover. Keep the cover flat, and don’t fold during drying. Make sure the sunlight is proper and the airflow is enough to make this cover dry.
Using a Dryer
The dryer is also another method to make the cover dry. Before using the dryer, it is advisable to read the cover manufacturer’s guide about the temperature the cover can withstand. Set the dryer to a low temperature and periodically check whether it is overheated or not.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
While drying the car cover outside, always check the cover is not in contact with the direct sunlight. This can damage the materials and will lose the strength of the product. Avoiding direct sunlight is the best way to clean the car cover.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Car Cover
Properly maintaining the cover is also another practice of excellence. Regular cleaning and proper folding methods can save the cover from damage.
How Often to Wash a Car Cover?
The use of the car cover, the types, and the materials are the key factors in how frequently you need to find the best way to clean car cover. Indoor covers don’t need to be washed regularly; wash these covers when there is dirt or debris. Outdoor covers need frequent washing, and it depends on the weather and the condition of the cover.
Storing the Car Cover Properly
- Properly store the cover after drying it. Properly fold the cover to avoid any wrinkles and damage. Keep the cover in a cool and dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Use a handy bag to put the cover inside it.
Applying Fabric Protectant
- This is an optional task but effective. After washing the cover, use a fabric protector to keep the cover as a new one over time. Please read the manufacturer’s label before using the protectant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The best way to clean a car cover is to avoid mistakes during washing, drying, and storing. In our minds, we can have that, Can we machine wash the car body cover? So what are the mistakes you need to avoid? Some mistakes not to do, like:
Using Harsh Detergents or Bleech
- Don’t use harsh detergents or bleach on the fabric of the cover. It will damage the property and will make the cover damaged after washing.
Not Rinsing Thoroughly
- If you do not wash it properly, then the cover will have soap or detergent contamination, and this will catch the dirt. This can damage the cover.
Scrubbing Too Hard
- Scrubbing hard on the cover can lose the property of the fabric. In the washing machine, also use a small cycle to wash the cover properly.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Way to Clean Car Cover?
Now, you have the idea of what is the best way to clean car cover. Cleaning is important to increase the life of the cover. Proper washing with hands, washing machine, spot washing, and avoiding common mistakes can help the cover maintain the fabric over a long time. To save the car from any rust, damage, scratch, or dirt, then follow the cleaning steps and make the car cover cleaning a consistent part of your car care routine. This is how you can enjoy the long life of your car’s paint and the longevity of the car cover.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
What Is the Best Way to Clean Car Cover?
The best way to clean a car cover is by hand-washing it using mild detergent and lukewarm water. Gently scrub any stained or dirty areas with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Can I wash my car cover in a washing machine?
Yes, most car covers can be machine-washed. However, check the manufacturer’s care label first. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water.
Should I air dry or machine dry my car cover?
It’s best to air dry your car cover. Machine drying can damage the fabric, causing shrinkage or weakening its waterproof properties.
How often should I clean my car cover?
You should clean your car cover at least once every 2-3 months or whenever it becomes noticeably dirty to maintain its longevity.
Can I use bleach to clean a car cover?
No, bleach can be too harsh and may damage the fabric or waterproofing of your car cover.
How do I remove tough stains from my car cover?
For tough stains, use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, and gently scrub with a soft brush. For stubborn stains, you may use a fabric-safe stain remover.
Is it safe to clean my car cover with a pressure washer?
It’s not recommended. Pressure washers can tear or weaken the fabric, especially if it’s a lightweight or soft material.
What precautions should I take before washing my car cover?
Before washing, remove all debris, shake off loose dirt, and ensure that any metal parts, like buckles or zippers, are securely closed to avoid damage.
Can I use fabric softeners when washing my car cover?
Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce the water-resistant properties of the car cover.
What is the best way to store my car cover after cleaning?
Once the car cover is completely dry, fold it neatly and store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent mold and mildew growth.
