Vehicle wraps aren’t meant to be installed and forgotten. Like the rest of your vehicle, your vehicle wrap requires regular cleaning and maintenance. For longer-lasting, vibrant color, wash your wrap on a regular basis and keep your vehicle away from possible pollutants.
Here are answers to some common questions customers have about cleaning vehicle wraps.
Frequently-asked Vehicle Wrap Questions
How often should I wash my vehicle wrap?
Wash your wrap once a week or more often if your vehicle is exposed to a lot of dirt or pollutants. At RolArt, we recommend you to use a gentle automotive detergent if necessary – any good brand will work. Always use a nice automotive sponge or clean, soft cloth to wash your wrap. Rinse vehicle with clear water after washing. Minimize water spotting by using a silicone squeegee or chamois to remove water. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Can I take my wrapped vehicle into a drive-through car wash?
Hand washing your wrapped car is safer and more thorough, though you can still bring your wrapped vehicle to an automated brush-less car wash. The bristles of brush car washes may be too rough on the film, degrading it and causing peeling and lifted edges. If a car wash uses a water spray and no brushes, it should be safe for most wraps.
What should I use for spot cleaning?
Don’t use tire dressing to spot clean as it may splash on the wrap and cause stains. Instead, you can use isoprophyl rubbing alcohol to spot clean isolated stains. Rinse area with cool water after cleaning. More importantly, avoid wiping the wrap when it’s hot; this can distort the material and cause wrinkling.
How Do I Clean Bird Droppings or Other Difficult Stains?
Clean bird droppings and difficult stains immediately because letting them sit on your wrapped vehicle for too long will make them harder to remove and may permanently damage the wrap. Soak the affected area for a few minutes with warm, soapy water to loosen the contaminants. After that, rinse completely and dry with a microfiber or two parts isoprophyl alcohol to one part water. Always test these solutions on a small area that’s not easily noticeable to ensure the cleaner will not harm the wrap. DO NOT use solvents or oil based cleaning products!
Can I Park my Vehicle Outdoors for Long Periods?
Excessive amounts of time under the sun or other outdoor elements can degrade the wrap on the roof, trunk lid and hood. These horizontal areas are a magnet for pollutants, which are intensified by UV ray exposure. Try your best to park your car in a garage or under a canopy or shelter. If you must park it outside for prolonged periods, look for shady parking areas.
What should I do when my vehicle wrap is turning brown or rust-colored?
Wrap turns brown due to prolonged exposure to acid from pollutants in the air. This is typically a result of neglect and failure to follow the above-mentioned procedures. If you notice brown, discolored or rust colored areas on your wrap, it is best to remove the film from your vehicle to prevent damage to the paint beneath it and reapply fresh wrap. Often times, it is only necessary to replace the affected panel.
What products should I avoid when cleaning my wrap?
NEVER use any of the following cleaning products on your wrap:
-Solvents
-Oil based cleaners
-Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner
-Oven cleaner
-Orange Oil
-Engine Degreaser
Any More Questions? Contact RolArt!
If you are an owner of a gorgeous vehicle wrap job, then you surely want to make the cost and effort count. Don’t let the impending cold weather put a damper on the pride you have in your wrap. Give us a call today if you have any further questions about how to properly maintain a vehicle wrap during the winter. You can request a free quote by filling out a form on our website or give us a call at 1-972-590-6590. Stay up-to-date with the latest in vehicle wrap news by following us on Instagram and Facebook!
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