How To Wash And Clean Your Car Cover Correctly

A car cover is a large sheet used to cover a car. It is designed to withstand wind, rain, and frost, and is shaped to fit the proportions of a vehicle correctly. This ensures that it remains in place and protects all vehicle sections from exposure to the elements that may cause weathering or damage.

When it comes to washing a car cover, the cleaning method largely depends on how dirty it is. If the cover is dusty, you can simply brush it down. But if it has encrusted dirt and stains, you may need to use a bucket, hose, and sponge with mild detergent. In some cases, laundering the dirty cover may be necessary, especially if you have a machine-washable car cover.

There are a few things to avoid to prevent damage to the delicate car cover while cleaning:

• Do not use hot water
• Avoid using domestic washing machines
• Never use an aggressive detergent
• Never use a fabric softener
• Do not put your car cover in a clothes dryer

Always read the label or check with your cover’s manufacturer before washing. This will ensure you don’t do anything that might damage it.

Washing your car cover is essential to maintain its top condition and prolong its lifespan. Regular washing will also prevent the cover from appearing scruffy and messy over time.

At Car Covers Factory, we have a wide variety of car covers that offer different levels of protection against outdoor and indoor hazards. Just as these covers take care of you, they require your care in return.

Failure to regularly wash a car cover can compromise its integrity. There are certain elements it may come into contact with that can damage the material, such as:

• Bird droppings
• Dust
• Rainwater
• Tree Sap

With prolonged exposure, these hazards can wear down the fabric. Once they penetrate the cover, they can cause damage to your car's surface and paint.

Educate yourself on how to wash a car cover to prevent such issues. Regular washing will remove harmful contaminants, ensuring the cover remains in good condition. This will maintain the cover's appearance, prolong its lifespan, and protect the vehicle underneath from the outside world.

Contrary to popular belief, washing a car cover is indeed possible. In fact, there are various methods available to accomplish this task. With a few precautions, you can restore your cover to its original condition without compromising its integrity. Several factors come into play when determining the best approach to washing a car cover, including:

• The material it is made from
• Car cover size
• Manufacturer care instructions

Always make sure to read the manufacturer's care instructions, which can be found on a label or in the accompanying documentation. If you are uncertain, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer directly and exercise caution when choosing your washing methods.

There are numerous approaches to washing your car cover. The choice of method is at your discretion, but you should take all the factors into account when making your choice. The goal of car cover washing is to extend its lifespan, so it would be counterproductive to do something that damages it.

With that in mind, let’s look at hand washing, machine washing, and professional cleaning services.

Hand Washing Your Car Cover

Can you wash a car cover by hand? Yes, you certainly can! In fact, hand washing is often the safest approach to prevent damage to the cover. Here is a method you can use to hand wash your dirty cover:

1. Place the cover over your car.
2. Fill a bucket with warm or cold water and add a mild soap.
3. Use a hose to wet the cover and remove debris such as dust and bird droppings.
4. Soak the entire cover with the gentle detergent from the bucket and scrub it softly with a cloth.
5. Once the dirt is removed, thoroughly rinse the cover with the garden hose 2-3 times.
6. Turn the cover inside out and repeat the entire process.
7. Hang the cover on a clothesline to air dry.

When hand washing your car cover, it is important to avoid the following:

• Hot water
• Harsh detergent
• Fabric softener
• Colored cloth that may stain the car cover

By following these care instructions and precautions, you can effectively hand wash your car cover and maintain its quality.

Hand washing is a particularly effective cleaning method for the more delicate indoor car covers. At Car Covers Factory, we have black satin car covers that are excellent for indoor car storage. They are highly breathable and gently on your car’s paintwork.

Machine Washing Your Car Cover

Generally, it is not recommended to use a home washing machine to clean your car cover. The machine could potentially damage the cover, or the cover itself might hinder proper drainage. However, it's worth noting that some covers are designed to be home machine washable.

That being said, can you wash a car cover in a washing machine? Yes, you can, but taking it to a laundromat is advisable. The large drum of a commercial washer is better suited for washing car covers, and it doesn’t have a central agitator that could potentially damage the material. Here are some instructions for washing a car cover in a machine:

1. Confirm that the cover is machine washable
2. Use the cold washer setting
3. Add a very mild detergent
4. Choose a gentle cycle option, if available
5. Perform an extra rinse cycle at the end
6. Air-dry the cover

It is crucial to note that using a clothes dryer for your car cover is strongly discouraged. The heat from the dryer can cause irreversible damage to the material. Therefore, it is imperative to follow this advice and allow the cover to air dry.

Professional Cleaning Services

In certain situations, you may consider utilizing a professional car cover cleaning service. However, remember that not all cleaning services are suitable for this purpose. Dry cleaners are not recommended for washing car covers, as their solvents can damage the fabric. Look for a professional cleaning service that specifically mentions its expertise in car cleaning.

In most cases, washing car covers at home is sufficient. Even if the label indicates that machine washing is not recommended, you can still utilize the hand washing method described earlier. However, conducting a Google search can be helpful if you find it necessary to use a professional service. 

When you find a service, communicate with them about the details of your car cover. Explain your reasons for seeking a professional service and inquire about the potential risks to the cover. Proceed with the service only if you are confident that they will prioritize the protection of your cover.

The above washing instructions are generic guidelines for a broad range of car covers. However, when you own covers from certain brands, it's important to note that there may be highly specific car cover washing instructions provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s instructions are crucial and should be followed to ensure the integrity of your cover. They may include instructions on:

• Recommended frequency of washing your cover
• Suitable types of detergent to use
• The temperature at which to wash the cover
• Whether machine washing is permissible

If you own a branded car cover, it is highly likely that the washing methods mentioned earlier have already covered the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. If none of the methods mentioned are suitable, the only remaining option would be to seek assistance from a specialist cleaner. The key guidance is to always follow the instructions to avoid any potential damage to your cover.

A little maintenance goes a long way in prolonging the lifespan of your car cover. Washing is an important part of this maintenance, but there are other helpful tips to incorporate as well. Follow these tips to keep your car cover in excellent condition, ensuring its longevity.

1. Always air dry: After washing, make sure to air dry your car cover by hanging it outdoors on a washing line. This allows moisture to evaporate naturally, preventing any potential heat damage and keeping the cover fresh while avoiding mildew formation.
2. Store it correctly: When your car cover is not in use, it is best to fold and store it inside a bag or case. This protects it from dirt, dust, moisture, and potential insect infestation, preserving its quality.
3. Wash regularly: Wash your dirty cover regularly, especially if you use it frequently. This prevents dirt buildup and keeps the cover looking its best. It also removes any substances that could wear down the fabric over time, ensuring the cover's integrity.
4. Choose a durable car cover: To minimize maintenance, you can choose durable car covers that can withstand harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear. Our thick car covers are the perfect choice for robust protection and easy maintenance.

Car cover maintenance doesn't have to be complicated. This guide provides instructions on how to wash car covers, and the remaining steps are straightforward. By taking care of your car cover, you can rely on it to take care of your car effectively.

We have discussed important factors to avoid when washing a car cover, and it is worth reiterating their significance. Unfortunately, these mistakes are quite common and often result in unintentional damage to car covers. Here are the mistakes you should avoid when washing a car cover:

1. Using a home washing machine: Home washing machines typically have a central agitator designed for washing clothes, which can potentially harm your car cover during washing, even if you have a gentle cycle option. It is not recommended to take the risk with a home washing machine.
2. Hot water: Car cover fabrics are water-resistant and sensitive to high temperatures. Whether you are hand washing or using a laundromat, it is important to avoid using hot water to prevent damage to the cover.
3. Strong detergent: Harsh cleaning agents such as aggressive detergents and bleach can compromise the integrity of the car cover material. Opt for milder soaps that can effectively remove dirt without causing damage to the fabric.
4. Fabric softener: Although these chemicals may provide a pleasant fragrance, they can weaken the water resistance of the car cover. The same applies to solvents used in dry cleaners. It is crucial to avoid exposing your delicate car cover to these substances.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that you are taking care of your cover properly. Take note of this information and keep it in mind when you wash your car cover to protect its longevity and performance.

When you are searching for a car cover to purchase, these crucial factors must be considered: 

1. Material: Is the car cover made of durable materials? Does it offer protection against common threats such as rain, wind, and bird droppings? At Car Covers Factory, we offer only high-quality car covers made of polypropylene, polyester, and other robust materials. They guarantee that your car gets the comprehensive protection it needs.
2. UV Protection: If your car is frequently exposed to sunlight, UV protection becomes an important feature to consider. UV rays can potentially damage car paint. Look for a car cover that offers adequate protection against UV light so you don’t have to worry about UV damage.
3. Indoor vs. Outdoor Covers: Consider whether you need an indoor or outdoor car cover. Indoor covers primarily protect against scratches, dings, moisture, and dust. If your car will be stored in a garage or another indoor environment, an indoor cover would be a suitable choice. Outdoor covers are more suited for elements like rain and snow. An outdoor cover would be better if your vehicle is parked on your driveway or another outdoor space.
4. Ease of Washing: Before making a purchase, check the washing instructions for the car cover. It's important to consider the long-term maintenance and ease of washing to keep the cover clean and in good condition.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and select a car cover that fits your requirements, provides adequate protection, and is easy to maintain in the long run.

If you need help choosing the right car cover, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer all your questions.