Washing Car Covers - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Amano · 05-07-2005, 08:41 AM

I have a car cover that I need to clean, and I'm wondering how you guys clean your car covers. Unfortunately, I've lost the cleaning instructions, and a google search didn't really come up with anything useful other than "don't put it in the dryer." It's a medium to high quality cover, but I don't know if that affects the washing instructions.

Thanks for your help

bodypainter · 05-07-2005, 03:12 PM

Funny you should bring this up as I have been researching this very question.

I have 2, one an OEM Acura cover and one OEM Mercedes cover. The Acura cover is cloth with a felt backing. The MB is some synthetic fabric that feels like plasticized paper. The guys on the Acura boards say to wash it in a commercial washer that doesn't have an agitator (no agitator = important) using a liquid detergent. The MB instructions specify the same type washer but to use 2 cups of Fantastic brand all purpose cleaner and not detergent.

Both covers - do not wash in hot water. Run an extra rinse cycle if you can. Air dry the cover (no machine drying - period). The NSX guys say to dry the cover by putting it on the car (car must be CLEAN) and let it dry there or the fabric will shrink. The MB instructions don't say either way but being synthetic it might not shrink.

Whew, after saying all that, I have not washed either one of my covers yet but the day is coming soon.

Scorps · 05-07-2005, 03:45 PM

You can't just put them in the washing machine?

bodypainter · 05-07-2005, 04:17 PM

Yes, as long as it's a BIG washing machine with no agitator. I expect that cuts 99% of home machines out of the picture.

Oh, and don't use powered soap. There is speculation that soap that doesn't rinse out of the cover might crystalize when dry and scratch your car. Liquid soap (on cloth covers) only.

Scorps · 05-07-2005, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodypainter

Yes, as long as it's a BIG washing machine with no agitator. I expect that cuts 99% of home machines out of the picture.

Oh, and don't use powered soap. There is speculation that soap that doesn't rinse out of the cover might crystalize when dry and scratch your car. Liquid soap (on cloth covers) only.

Oh ya didn't think of that.

bodypainter · 05-08-2005, 10:23 AM

Heh, I just washed the Acura fabric cover at the laundromat in the $5 machine. I used 1/4 cup of liquid detergent and that was plenty. When I got home I put the cover on the car (which is very clean) to dry.

That sucker sure fits like a glove don't it?

BadNick · 05-09-2005, 12:59 PM

It does depend on the cover and how and what it's made from. I wouldn't generalize, find out who makes and or one like it and go from there.

The "full outdoor exposure" rated cover I bought for my car is very light and specifically advertised as washable in most home washing machines, which is one of the main reasons I got that one. I've washed and dryed it at home a couple times and it comes out like new. Mine's a Weathershield.

05-07-2005, 08:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Amano Insane	Washing Car Covers I have a car cover that I need to clean, and I'm wondering how you guys clean your car covers. Unfortunately, I've lost the cleaning instructions, and a google search didn't really come up with anything useful other than "don't put it in the dryer." It's a medium to high quality cover, but I don't know if that affects the washing instructions. Thanks for your help

05-07-2005, 03:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
bodypainter Psycho Location: Sarasota	Funny you should bring this up as I have been researching this very question. I have 2, one an OEM Acura cover and one OEM Mercedes cover. The Acura cover is cloth with a felt backing. The MB is some synthetic fabric that feels like plasticized paper. The guys on the Acura boards say to wash it in a commercial washer that doesn't have an agitator (no agitator = important) using a liquid detergent. The MB instructions specify the same type washer but to use 2 cups of Fantastic brand all purpose cleaner and not detergent. Both covers - do not wash in hot water. Run an extra rinse cycle if you can. Air dry the cover (no machine drying - period). The NSX guys say to dry the cover by putting it on the car (car must be CLEAN) and let it dry there or the fabric will shrink. The MB instructions don't say either way but being synthetic it might not shrink. Whew, after saying all that, I have not washed either one of my covers yet but the day is coming soon.

05-07-2005, 03:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	You can't just put them in the washing machine?

05-07-2005, 04:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
bodypainter Psycho Location: Sarasota	Yes, as long as it's a BIG washing machine with no agitator. I expect that cuts 99% of home machines out of the picture. Oh, and don't use powered soap. There is speculation that soap that doesn't rinse out of the cover might crystalize when dry and scratch your car. Liquid soap (on cloth covers) only.

05-08-2005, 10:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
bodypainter Psycho Location: Sarasota	Heh, I just washed the Acura fabric cover at the laundromat in the $5 machine. I used 1/4 cup of liquid detergent and that was plenty. When I got home I put the cover on the car (which is very clean) to dry. That sucker sure fits like a glove don't it?

05-09-2005, 12:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	It does depend on the cover and how and what it's made from. I wouldn't generalize, find out who makes and or one like it and go from there. The "full outdoor exposure" rated cover I bought for my car is very light and specifically advertised as washable in most home washing machines, which is one of the main reasons I got that one. I've washed and dryed it at home a couple times and it comes out like new. Mine's a Weathershield.