Car covers work well when it comes to protecting your car. They also need proper cleaning so that you can get the best protection. Majority of car covers are designed with a fabric that is likely to build up or trap dirt and this is why is why you need period cleaning. If you use a dirty car cover on your car, you might end up causing more damage than good.
It is important if you know how to clean your car cover so that you can protect it from bird waste, dirt and other materials that can damage. Cleaning your car cover from time to time not only gives it a nice look but also protects your car.
I will take you through the process of cleaning a car cover so that you can do it right. Basically, you can choose to clean your car cover using a washing machine or by hand. However, this will depend on the type of car cover that you have.
How To Clean A Car Cover By Hand
Before you clean your car cover, it is important if you go through the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer regarding the right cleaning procedure. If you plan to clean your car by hand, you will need the following materials:
- Water
- Garden hose
- Mild liquid detergent
- Sponge
- Bucket
- A place to hang it
Step 1: Place the car cover on your car
Once you have the entire cleaning essential that you need, pull the cover over your car and stretch it tightly for effective cleaning. Make sure that all the parts of the car cover are exposed.
Step 2: Spray the cover with cold water
Using the garden hose, spray cold water on the car cover until it is wet. Make sure that you spray gently so that you do not cause any damages to the cover. If your hose has a garden spray nozzle, you can set it in shower mode for effective spray.
Step 3: Mix water and detergent
Make a detergent solution by adding liquid detergent to the water in the bucket. this will give you a cleaning solution that you will use to clean the car cover.
Step 4: Wash using a sponge
After making the detergent solution, the next step is to clean the car cover with a soft sponge. Dip the sponge in the detergent solution and scrub the car cover gently.
Make sure that you clean all the parts of the car cover well. If you want to make your work easier and faster, you can buy a larger sponge that will cover a large surface.
Step 5: Cleaning the inside
It is equally important to clean the inside of the car cover. You can do this by inverting the cover. Remove the cover from the car and then turn it inside out. Then place it back on the car and repeat the cleaning process.
However, you can skip this step if you don’t want to clean the inside of the cover. Additionally, if your car cover is designed with a soft fleece fabric lining on the inside, avoid cleaning it to avoid damages.
Step 6: Hang the car cover
After cleaning the cover, you need to air dry it and this can take up to six hours. Simply hang the cover in your laundry line and stretch it well.
Cleaning Your Car Cover With A Machine
If you don’t want to hand wash your car cover, you can still clean it with a machine. Make sure you check the cleaning instruction provided by the manufacturer to determine if it is machine washable.
- Materials required
- Machine washer
- Mild liquid detergent
- Laundry line
Step 1: Place in the machine washer
A commercial machine washer removes all tough dirt and stains from your car cover.
Step 2: Put cold water and mild soap
If you want to maintain the condition of your car cover, use mild soap and cold water in the washing machine. This is an effective way of cleaning your car cover without causing damages.
Make sure that you choose the right detergent that works well with the washer. For washing machines that have different settings, choose the delicate option.
Step 3: Rinse the cover
You need to rinse the cover multiple times to get the best results. You can set the machine’s multiple cycle options when you are cleaning the cover.
Step 4: Airy dry the car cover
After rinsing the cover, it is now time to air dry it. Take the cover and hang in on your laundry line for about six hours.
Tips To Know When Cleaning a Car Cover
It is important to have these tips in mind when cleaning your car cover. This will help you clean it the right way and protect your car cover. If you are using a dryer, make sure that the car cover can be dried with low or regular heat.
- Do not dry clean your cover
- Do not use fabric softeners when cleaning because it will affect the water resistant capabilities of the car cover
- Do not use hot water when cleaning your car cover
- Non-woven and specialty car covers should not be put in the dryer
- Make sure the detergent you are using doesn’t have bleach
- Avoid washing in machines with center agitators
Final Words
Almost every car cover can be cleaned. However, you need to be careful when cleaning depending on the material of your car cover. Some car covers are designed with multiple layers that can get damaged if you do not clean it the right way. Whether you have Mercedes car covers or any other type of car cover, cleaning should not be complicated.
I have given you a guide on how you can do it right. You can either choose to wash it by hand or using a machine if the material is machine washable. If you follow the above steps, then it will be easy for you to maintain its good look, get maximum protection for your car and a longer lifespan.