Posted By Vinyl Frog On February 15, 2024

How To Wash A Wrapped Car?

Applying vinyl wrap to a vehicle is a significant investment, and you want to make sure it maintains its pristine appearance as long as possible. The best way to wash a wrapped car is by hand using the two-bucket system. We’ve put together some tips that will help you keep your vehicle looking flawlessly maintained.

Things To Remember When Washing A Wrapped Car

There are certain important dos and don’ts of washing a vehicle wrapped in vinyl. These include:

Never Use An Automated Car Wash

The strong brushes and chemicals used there will damage your vinyl wrap. Never take a wrapped vehicle through an automatic car wash.

Start Cleaning At The Top

When washing your car by hand, start at the top and work your way down. This prevents dirt that has been loosened by soapy water from running onto parts of your vehicle that have already been cleaned.

Use A Clean Microfiber Cloth

A contaminated cloth could scratch the vinyl wrap when it comes in contact with dirt or debris on the surface of the vehicle. Wash your soft, microfiber cloth and dry it after you are done using it.

Use A Mild Shampoo

You have to be very careful about what agents you are using to wash a wrapped car. You cannot use anything harsh or abrasive. Invest in a mild, pH-neutral car shampoo that is suitable for delicate surfaces. It will be better if it has a conditioning agent as well.

Wash In A Shaded Area

It is recommended to wash in a shaded area because sunlight during the cleaning process can lead to premature drying of cleaning solutions and water on the vehicle's surface. This may result in water spots and streaks, detracting from the flawless appearance of the vinyl wrap. Also, make sure you are in an area where the water can drain properly.

Be Careful Around Seams And Edges

Being cautious around seams and edges when washing a wrapped car is essential because these areas are particularly vulnerable to water infiltration. If water seeps underneath, it may lead to issues like bubbling, peeling, or adhesive degradation over time.

Delicate edges and seams are more susceptible to lifting or damage during the cleaning process. By exercising care and using a gentle touch around these vulnerable points, you can minimize the risk of compromising the adhesion and overall condition of the vinyl wrap.

Spot Cleaning Is Important

It is important to swiftly and effectively remove localized stains, bird droppings, tree sap, bug splatter, fuel spill, and other contaminants from a vinyl wrap. When spot cleaning, it's crucial to use a mild detergent or 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water mixed in a spray bottle.

Refrain from using excessive pressure to prevent any potential lifting or peeling of the vinyl. Swift and precise action helps maintain the pristine appearance of the wrap, ensuring that the overall aesthetic and longevity of the vehicle's unique finish are preserved.

The Method Of Washing A Wrapped Car

If you have a pressure washer at home, follow the guidelines mentioned below to clean your wrapped car with it:

1: The Right Water Temperature

This is the first step. Be careful that the water should not be too cold or too hot, it should be somewhere in between because hot or cold water can damage the vinyl. Fill up your bucket with warm water and use a gentle soap or car shampoo.

2: Pre-Rinse The Wrapped Car

Pre-rinsing a vinyl-wrapped car is a crucial step in the cleaning process. You can do it with a hose. Do not use a pressure washer. Gently pour water over the wrapped car to remove loose dirt and debris before using cleaning agents.

3: Use The Two-Bucket System

Take two buckets. In one of them, make the shampoo and water solution for cleaning and in the other, take plain water for rinsing. Take a microfiber cloth or a soft wash mitt to apply the soapy solution to the vinyl-wrapped car.

4: Start With The Roof Of Your Vehicle

Get your good-quality microfiber cloth or soft lambswool mitt entirely wet before dipping it in the soapy bucket. Once you get some soap on the mitt, gently apply it to the entire roof of your vehicle using gentle circular motions. Don’t forget to be extra cautious around the edges where the vinyl meets with the windows or doors!

5: Clean The Rest Of The Vehicle Thoroughly

Now start cleaning your vehicle from top to bottom, one section at a time, so that you don’t miss any important parts of the car. Use gentle motions and make sure you don’t apply any pressure because it will damage the wrapped car. Gently clean one section after another without wasting much time on each part because it will dry up soon.

6: Rinse With Clean Water

After thoroughly cleaning all sections of your vehicle from top to bottom, get another bucket filled with fresh clean water and rinse off all the dirt from every section carefully by using a clean mitt. Start from the top of your car.

Make sure to rinse each section before you move on to the next as this will prevent any dirt particles that may have fallen onto a freshly washed section from reattaching to your car's wrap. You can also use a hose with a steady stream of water for this.

7: Pat Dry The Wrap

Do not let the wrapped car air dry. It may lead to water spots and streak marks. Select a high-quality, clean, and soft microfiber towel and begin pat drying from the top of the vehicle. This ensures that any water running down is captured by the cloth, preventing water spots.

Do not rub. Gently pat the wrapped surface. This minimizes the risk of introducing scratches to the vinyl. If the cloth becomes saturated with water, switch to a dry one. Using a damp cloth may not effectively absorb the remaining moisture.

Pay extra attention to seams, edges, and crevices where water can accumulate. These areas may require more thorough drying to prevent water from lingering. If possible, open the doors and trunk to access areas that may be hidden. Gently wipe down the edges of these openings to prevent water from dripping later.

One Final Tip: If you live in a desert area or a dry region, the vinyl on your car may end up with water spots. To avoid this, rinse your wrap first with distilled water before soaping it up and rinsing again with regular water. With distilled water, there will be fewer chances for mineral deposits to form as the water evaporates.

How To Wash A Matte Or Satin Wrapped Car?

Matte or satin finishes present a muted look. A matte wrap is completely lackluster, giving an intriguing, stealthy appearance to the vehicle. The Satin finish has a silken look. When washing these wraps, we have to be extra cautious as these might get unsightly marks easily. Keep in mind the following when cleaning matte wraps:

The two-bucket wash system is the best for matte wraps. Pressure washers or automated washes are to be avoided at all costs.
Make sure that you use plush wash mitts or microfiber cloth that are super soft.
Matte wraps may get glossy over time if the wrong cleaning products are used. Hence you cannot use wax, polish, or ordinary car wash soaps on it. Use cleaning products specially designed for matte surfaces.
For drying matte wraps, gently pat with a soft microfiber cloth and use compressed air so that abrasion can be avoided.

How To Wash A Chrome Wrapped Car?

Chrome vinyl wraps have a mirror-like, highly reflective finish and require utmost care especially when cleaning. These are prone to scratches and swirl marks and the reflective nature of chrome makes imperfections more noticeable. They do not self-heal as well.

You have to take special care for the ribbing and blistering of a chrome wrap that can make it change its color for which professional repairs will be required. Here are a few tips:

Use very gentle motions with the soft microfiber cloth when washing a chrome vinyl wrap.
You will have to wash it with your hands using buckets and special cleaning products made for chrome wraps.
For rinsing, use a gentle stream of water with a hose. Do not pressure wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

All in all, it is easy to wash and maintain a wrapped car. The key is to avoid everything that is even mildly abrasive. Follow the instructions mentioned in this blog and your vinyl will look pristine and blemish-free for a long time. For premium-quality wrap, visit VinylFrog.