Wondering how to wash a car cover to keep it looking pristine?
A clean car cover not only enhances your vehicle’s protection but also extends its lifespan.

Dirt and grime can degrade the fabric, letting dust or moisture harm your car’s paint.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through safe washing techniques, stain removal tricks, and maintenance tips to ensure your cover stays in top shape, all with a friendly, hands-on approach.
Why Cleaning Your Car Cover Matters
A car cover shields your vehicle from sun, rain, dust, and bird droppings, but it takes a beating in the process.
Over time, dirt accumulates, weakening the fabric’s protective coatings and potentially scratching your car’s finish if not cleaned.
Regular washing maintains its water resistance and breathability, ensuring it keeps your vehicle safe. Plus, a clean cover looks sharp and boosts your car’s curb appeal. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor cover, proper care is key to longevity.
How to Wash a Car Cover
Direct Answer: To wash a car cover, check the care label for instructions. Hand wash with mild detergent and lukewarm water, scrubbing gently with a sponge.
For machine-washable covers, use a front-load commercial washer on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid bleach or fabric softener. Rinse thoroughly and air dry in a shaded area.
Treat stains like bird droppings with vinegar or rubbing alcohol before washing. Store dry to prevent mold.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing a Car Cover
Required Tools and Materials
- Mild Detergent: Use a gentle option like Woolite or baby shampoo (¼ cup per gallon of water).
- Soft Sponge or Cloth: Avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent fabric damage.
- Garden Hose: For rinsing off soap and debris.
- Large Bucket: To mix your cleaning solution for hand washing.
- Soft Brush: For shaking off loose dirt or light scrubbing.
- Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol: For pre-treating stains like bird droppings or tree sap.
- Baking Soda: Optional for mold or odor removal.
- Commercial Front-Load Washer: If machine washing, ensure no central agitator.
- UV Protectant Spray: Like 303 Protectant for post-wash maintenance.
Preparation
- Check the Label: Confirm if your cover is machine-washable or hand-wash only. Some materials, like Satin Stretch, require dry cleaning.
- Shake Off Debris: Remove loose dirt, leaves, or dust by shaking the cover or using a soft brush.
- Spot Treat Stains: For bird droppings, mix warm water, detergent, and vinegar, then scrub gently. Use rubbing alcohol for tree sap.
Hand Washing
- Set Up: Place the cover on your car for stability or lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Mix Solution: Combine ¼ cup mild detergent with a gallon of lukewarm water in a bucket.
- Scrub Gently: Use a sponge or soft cloth to clean in sections, avoiding abrasive brushes.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Hose off all soap to prevent residue, which can attract dirt.
- Dry Properly: Air dry in a shaded area or hang it to avoid UV damage.
Machine Washing
- Use a Commercial Washer: Opt for a front-load machine without a central agitator to prevent tears.
- Gentle Cycle: Set to delicate with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener.
- Extra Rinse: Run a second rinse cycle to remove all soap.
- Air Dry: Never use a dryer unless the label allows low heat for specific fabrics like WeatherShield.
Stain Removal Tips
- Bird Droppings: Apply a Poop-Off spray or vinegar solution, then rinse after 10 minutes.
- Tree Sap: Dab with ethanol or mineral spirits, then wash normally.
- Mold: Sprinkle baking soda, scrub with a mild detergent, and rinse thoroughly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Hot Water: It can shrink or damage waterproof coatings. Stick to cold or lukewarm water.
- Fabric Softener: It reduces water resistance, making the cover less effective.
- Top-Load Washers: Central agitators can rip delicate fabrics.
- Dryers: High heat shrinks most covers; air drying is safest unless specified otherwise.
- Harsh Chemicals: Bleach or aggressive detergents degrade protective layers.
- Storing Wet: A damp cover invites mold and mildew, ruining its fabric.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Clean Regularly: Wash every 2-3 months or when visibly dirty to prevent grime buildup.
- Apply Protectant: Use a UV protectant spray (e.g., 303 Protectant) to shield against sun damage.
- Store Properly: Fold neatly and keep in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for tears or worn areas before washing to avoid worsening them.
- Avoid Automated Car Washes: Brushes or harsh chemicals can harm the cover if left on the car.
Unique Insights for Car Cover Care
Unlike many guides, we emphasize cleaning the cover’s underside, which traps dust against your car’s paint.
Install the cover inside out on your vehicle and hand wash to remove hidden grime. Also, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment between washes, especially for indoor covers, to prevent micro-scratches.
These steps keep your car’s finish flawless, addressing a detail often missed in standard advice.
FAQs About How to Wash a Car Cover
1. How often should I wash my car cover?
Wash your car cover every 2-3 months or when it’s visibly dirty. Outdoor covers may need more frequent cleaning due to exposure to rain, dust, or bird droppings.
Indoor covers can go longer but still collect dust. Regular washing prevents grime from weakening the fabric or scratching your car’s paint.
Check the care label for specific guidance, and always rinse thoroughly to remove detergent residue. Store the cover dry to avoid mold, and use a UV protectant to extend its life.
2. Can I use a regular washing machine for my car cover?
Most car covers shouldn’t be washed in a standard top-load washing machine with a central agitator, as it can tear the fabric.
Use a front-load commercial washer on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent if the label allows. For large covers (e.g., for SUVs), a laundromat’s oversized machines work best.
Always avoid bleach or fabric softener, and air dry to prevent shrinking. Hand washing is safer for delicate or non-machine-washable covers.
3. How do I remove tough stains like tree sap or bird droppings?
For tree sap, dab with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, then wash normally. For bird droppings, mix warm water, mild detergent, and vinegar, or use a Poop-Off spray.
Apply, let sit for 10 minutes, and scrub gently with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. Pre-treat stains before washing to loosen grime.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage the fabric. Baking soda can help with mold or odors for extra freshness.
4. Is it safe to dry my car cover in a dryer?
Most car covers should not be machine-dried, as high heat can shrink or damage the fabric, especially waterproof coatings. Air dry in a shaded area or hang to prevent UV damage. Some fabrics, like WeatherShield, may allow low-heat drying—check the care label. Ensure the cover is fully dry before storing to avoid mold. If you’re unsure, air drying is the safest option to preserve the cover’s protective qualities.
5. How can I maintain my car cover between washes?
Between washes, shake the cover to remove loose dust or use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Apply a UV protectant spray, like 303 Protectant, every few months to guard against sun damage. Store the cover in a dry, cool place when not in use. Avoid leaving it on a dirty car, as trapped debris can scratch the paint. Regular inspections for tears or wear help catch issues early, ensuring long-term protection.
Conclusion
Knowing how to wash a car cover keeps your vehicle’s shield in top condition, protecting your car’s finish for years.
Whether hand washing or using a commercial machine, follow care labels, avoid harsh chemicals, and air dry for best results.
Regular maintenance, like UV protectant and proper storage, boosts durability. With these tips, your car cover will stay fresh, functional, and ready to guard your ride against the elements. Keep it clean and enjoy lasting protection!