How to Maintain Your Vehicle Wrap

To keep your investment looking great, your vehicle wrap requires regular cleaning and maintenance. For longer-lasting, vibrant color, it is recommended that vinyl graphics be cleaned whenever they appear dirty, ideally every two weeks.

Hand Wash

• Pre-rinse the vinyl with clean water to avoid scratching the surface.
• Use a mild detergent and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
• Gently washing, start at the top of the vehicle and work down. Avoid abrading the film surface with unnecessary scrubbing.
• Rinse the vehicle wrap thoroughly with clean water when finished.
• Allow the wrap to dry naturally or, to avoid water spotting, immediately use a silicone squeegee to remove water and then finish drying with a chamois, micro-fiber towel or other soft, non-abrasive towel.

Spot Cleaning & Difficult Stains

• Spot clean surface contaminants like bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, tar and gasoline immediately after they appear.  Use diluted isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (2 parts IA to 1 part water) or a citrus based cleaner and a clean, non-abrasive rag, then rinse with clean water.

Automatic Car Wash

• A brushless automatic car wash with just spray is acceptable. Brush-type car washes are not recommended.
• Skip the wax options at the car wash to avoid wax that that contains petroleum distillates, which can damage the wrap.
• Let the wrap dry naturally or dab dry with a microfiber towel.

Power Washer

Power washing is not recommended. Some pressure washers can potentially lift up the vinyl.

Finally, always rinse the surface of the vinyl wrap with clean water following the use of any cleaning agent. Remember, the sun is a wrap’s biggest enemy, long term. It’s best to park the vehicle in shade, a garage, or under cover whenever possible.

Have questions? Contact NW Sign Solutions – our experts are happy to address any concerns you have or help you troubleshoot.

*The recommendations and cleaners in this article are intended as a source of information and are given without a guarantee. They do not constitute a warranty. Before using any new product on your car or truck, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area of the wrapped vehicle before using on the entire wrap.