When you’re covering your Tour SUV, you’re not only securing it but also keeping it lasting longer. Your cover acts as the shield between outside elements and fits your vehicle, whether it is from the sun, rain, dirt, bird droppings, scratches, or other elements.
Now when your cover keeps your car safe, don’t you think it too needs cleaning and maintenance? A well-maintained cover gives your vehicle a premium look and keeps it looking brand new. Furthermore, it extends the life of your cover, preventing the need for a replacement sooner. Let’s show you how to clean and maintain your car cover for SUV, so that it keeps looking fantastic and performing well for many years to come.
Why Maintenance is Important for Your SUV Cover
Your automobile cover is designed to protect your vehicle from all kinds of damage - human or natural. And just like you care for your other stuff, it also needs regular care and cleaning to keep working well. To prove why covers need maintenance , afew reasons are listed below:
1. Lengthen Its Lifespan
If proper care is provided, a good quality cover can last for many years. And thus eliminating the need for continuous replacement. With regular care, you can keep it in excellent shape, allowing it to continue safeguarding your SUV for a long time.
2. Keeps It Working Properly
Your SUV can sustain damage from rain, dirt, and UV rays, and your cover is made to shield your car from these factors. Your SUV won't be as protected if you don't clean your cover since dirt dust can erode its unique waterproof and UV-resistant coatings.
3. Keeps It Looking Good
A clean cover helps your SUV stay protected and also keeps your cover looking good. When you maintain your automobile cover, it will look shiny and new. Moreover, your vehicle will always look neat and professional, whether it’s parked in the driveway or on the street.
4. Prevents Damage
By cleaning your cover regularly, you can spot any problems early, like small tears or a zipper that’s not working. Fixing these problems quickly can prevent the damage from getting worse, saving you money and effort.
5. Protects Your SUV
Over time, rain, snow, and UV rays can damage both your cover and your SUV underneath. Cleaning yourcar cover for SUV helps it keep protecting your vehicle from these dangers. For example, dirt on your cover can stop the UV protection from working and lead to your car’s paint fading.
6. Helps When You Sell Your SUV
Wishing to sell your SUV? But scratches, faded paint, and other damages come in the way. You can avoid it by simply bringing a cover for your vehicle. It’s the best and most affordable decision one can make. It’ll protect your vehicle even if you’re not using it and just parked it in your garage.
7. Easier to Use
Your cover will be much easier to use if you keep it clean and in good shape. Maintaining the elastic elements helps the cover fit over your SUV snugly and securely while taking care of the zipper guarantees seamless opening and closing.
8. Minimizes the Risk of Mold and Mildew
If moisture gets trapped in the car shade cover, it can cause mold or mildew to grow. Regular cleaning and drying of your cover can stop this from happening, ensuring it stays fresh and free from bad smells.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Tour SUV Cover
Now that you know why maintenance is important, let’s go through how you can clean and take care of your Tour SUV cover. Follow these simple steps to keep your cover in top shape:
1. Remove the Cover from Your Vehicle
The first step is to carefully take the cover off your SUV. For that, ask someone to help you take it off so it won’t touch the ground and get dirty. When you remove it, just give it a light shake and get rid of any dirt, leaves, or dust stuck on it.
2. Wash the Cover
Next, fill a bucket with warm water and add a little mild soap. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the whole cover, starting at the top and working your way down. Be sure to clean the elastic car cover part at last since it can gather more dirt. Keep in mind that you should avoid using strong chemicals that might harm the fabric.
3. Rinse the Cover Thoroughly
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the cover thoroughly. Use a hose or pour clean water over it to wash away all the soap. Make sure to rinse it well because leftover soap can attract dirt and reduce the cover's ability to protect your SUV.
4. Dry the Cover
After rinsing the cover, shake it gently to remove extra water. Hang it on a clothesline or lay it flat on a clean surface to dry. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight because too much sun can harm its UV protection. Let it dry completely before storing it.
Dealing with Tough Stains on Your SUV Cover
If you’ve ever cleaned your car shade cover, you know the struggle is real. However, with the appropriate tips and tricks, you can remove even the most persistent stains without harming your cover. Here is a basic tip to help you deal with typical stains effectively:
1. Tree Sap
We all know tree sap is sticky and can harden over time, making it a challenge to remove. So, acting quickly is the best thing before it sets into the fabric.
- Let’s Clean it -
- The first thing is to take a soft cloth or cotton ball and dip it into rubbing alcohol.
- Be gentle while dabbing the sap, and try not to scrub it as this might spread the sap.
- Continue blotting until the sap is removed from the fabric.
- The reason it Works -
Rubbing alcohol is great at breaking down the sticky sap without harming the material.
2. Bird Droppings
We often find those tiny birds and their droppings harmless, but those droppings pose a threat to your cover over time. As the acids in it harm the shade, here is how to fix it.
- Know How -
- When you see the droppings, rinse the area with cool water.
- To gently clean the area, use a gentle cloth and a light detergent.
- Rinse well with fresh water.
- Why It Works -
Rinsing immediately stops the acid from eating into the cover, preventing permanent damage or discoloration.
3. Grease or Oil Stains
If you park near driveways or garages, you might notice stain marks. These are the marks of grease and oil, which can be tricky since they stick to fabric.
- Cleaning Tips -
- On the stain, apply a tiny drop of dish soap.
- To allow the soap to dissolve the grease, let it for a few minutes.
- Use a gentle brush or towel to scrub gently, and then thoroughly rinse with water.
- Why It Works -
Dish soap is specially made to cut through grease, making it perfect for removing these stains without harming your cover.
4. Mud Stains
During rainy days, you often have to deal with mud stains and have experienced how messy these can be. Acting quickly can make cleaning much easier.
- How to Clean -
- Let the mud dry completely. Wet mud can smear and make things worse.
- Once dry, shake the car cover for the SUV to remove loose dirt.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any leftover dirt. For tough stains, wash with mild detergent.
- Why It Works -
Dry mud is easier to remove since it can be brushed off. Wet mud spreads and sinks into the fabric, making it harder to clean.
5. Ink or Marker Stains
Do your children love to paint your SUV’s cover? Then, they created lots of patterns from pens or markers that might look permanent. But if you use the right tricks, these marks can be cleaned easily.
- How to Wash -
- Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or a fabric-safe stain remover.
- Gently blot the stain without rubbing to avoid spreading the ink.
- Why It Works -
Alcohol breaks down the ink, making it easier to lift from the fabric without damage.
6. Food or Drink Spills
Whether it’s ketchup, soda, or coffee, food and drink stains can set into the fabric if not cleaned quickly.
- Follow this Process -
- Use a fresh cloth to blot the spill right away in order to soak up as much liquid as you can.
- Cleanse the area with water resistant and a light detergent.
- Small amounts of dish soap or stain remover can be helpful for stains that are difficult to remove.
- Why is it Effective -
Blotting prevents the stain from sinking into the fabric, while dish soap helps lift it away.
General Tips for Stubborn Stains
- Don’t Scrub Too Hard
Scrubbing can damage the fabric or push the stain deeper. Always use gentle blotting or soft brushing motions to clean stains.
- Test Before You Clean
Before using any cleaning product, try it on a small hidden area of the cover to make sure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.
- Follow the Instructions
Always check the care label or instructions provided by your car cover manufacturers. Some covers may have special cleaning needs to preserve their protective features.
- Use the Right Tools
Keep a soft brush, microfiber cloths, and a gentle detergent handy. These tools are safe for cleaning without harming your cover.
- Prevent Stains Before They Happen
If possible, avoid parking under trees or in messy areas where stains are likely to occur. Taking such small steps can save you from dealing with tough stains later.
Tips for Keeping Your Cover in Great Shape
To make sure your car cover for SUV lasts and keeps working well, here are some extra maintenance tips:
1. Take Care of the Zipper
If your cover has an EZ Entry Zipper, it makes getting to your vehicle easy. To keep it working smoothly, clean the zipper track regularly. Dirt can get stuck in the zipper and make it hard to open or close. If it feels stiff, apply a small amount of lubricant to help it move easily.
2. Maintain the Elasticized Hem
And that elastic hem at the bottom helps the custom fit snugly around your SUV. Over time, the elastic might wear out and lose its stretch car cover. Regularly check the hem for any signs of wear. If it becomes loose, the cover won’t fit as securely, so it might need replacement.
3. Clean the Reflective Stripes
Some covers have reflective stripes that help others to see your SUV when it’s parked on the street. To keep these bright, clean the stripes often. As dirt can make them less shiny, so after washing the cover, wipe the stripes with a damp cloth to keep them glowing.
4. Restore Waterproof and UV Protection
If you see that your cover's waterproof or sun protection isn’t working as well, you can fix it with a fabric protection spray. You can find these sprays in most stores, and they help your cover keep your SUV dry and safe from the sun again.
Storing Your SUV Cover
Storing your cover properly helps keep it in good shape when you're not using it. Here’s how:
- Your car’s cover is dry - Before storing it, ensure the shade is completely dry to avoid mold or mildew.
- Use the case - The handy storage case that comes with your cover is perfect for keeping it clean and protected when you’re not using it.
- Store in a cool, dry place - Keep it in a dry area, away from direct sun shades. This will help keep the cover’s material from breaking down over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes. So, try to avoid these issues to keep your cover in top shape:
Machine Washing - Most SUV covers are not designed for the aggressive agitation of a washing machine. Hand wash only.
Using Harsh Chemicals - Bleach, strong detergents, or abrasive cleaners can weaken the fabric and strip away coatings.
Folding When Wet - This creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Always dry your cover completely before storing.
Dragging Across Rough Surfaces - This can lead to tears and scuffs, reducing the cover’s effectiveness.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your Tour SUV cover is really important if you want it to last and keep your SUV safe. When you regularly clean, fix small issues quickly, and store it in a safe place, you’re doing all the right things to keep the cover in good shape. Some simple steps like washing it gently, checking the zipper, and ensuring it’s dry before storing it can go a long way in making your cover last longer. When you keep your automobile cover safe, you’re actually keeping your SUV safe and keeping unnecessary expenses in check.