Lost the cover shine and softness? The cover doesn’t look as gorgeous as the first look? Find all the easy solutions here. This article will not despair you.
Tips to Make a Tonneau Cover Look New
To make the cover brand new the following elements are needed.
- Soft Cleaning Brush
- Wheel Brush
- Microfiber Cloth
- Drying Towel (Microfiber)
- Hose
- Vinyl Tonneau Cover Cleaner
- Tonneau Cover Protector
Ensure Deep Cleaning
A tonneau cover is generally made from tough vinyl. So, regular cleaning is badly needed. While cleaning, make sure that all debris and spots are removed completely. Use the cleaning alcohol/spray for eliminating strains. You can also try a cleaning brush.
Wash Hard-to-Touch Spots
These are few places in a tonneau cover, on which you cannot run your cleaning brush easily. For those, use the wheel brush. To remove dirt and mildew from there, a light scrubbing by a wheel brush is enough.
Dry Out Properly
After washing, drying the whole cover is very important. By keeping the cover wet, you are producing bacteria, mildew, and moisture there. So, dry for at least a day. However, use a drying microfiber towel and you will never have to wait for a long. It will absorb all excess water drops.
Apply Vinyl Protectant
Vinyl protectant gels are to extend the lifetime and restore the black vinyl for years! Firstly, get the gel on a soft microfiber cloth. Then apply on your truck cover and wait for five minutes for its complete drying.
Never Use Cheap Filters
Use oil and water-based silicones for cover sealing. These products surely give the fastest restoration.
Take the Cover Out of Sunlight
Don’t put your cover under direct sunlight for a long time. Black colour and the cover’s water-proof properties start to crack and fade by the UV rays. Moreover, it decreases durability and aesthetic beauty.
Tonneau Cover Maintenance
Make Regular Survey
Search the strain, debris, scratches, or any other corrosion regularly. Take enough time to fix and eliminate them. If they are non-removal or need costly repair, then replace your cover.
Keep All Cover Parts Safe
While driving, make sure your cover and the accessories are attached in place. Use screwdrivers and mounting hardware to fasten properly. If the clamps and bolts don’t operate smoothly, use lubricants.
Washing Tips
Always try to use a soft microfiber cloth to apply the protectant. Use soft nylon brushes for cleaning. Covers are too sensitive. Hard and ruff brushes can make a scratch. Besides, use a soft towel to apply the gel.
Buy the Recommended Cover Protectants
Never use any toxic or hard detergent. Low price chemicals take ruin, cover colour and new look. Use the protectant on the cover as well as bed rails. Take that chemical on a soft surface and then scrub.
Carry Less Weight
Never allow anyone to sit or ride on your cover. Try to bear less amount of load than the amount they advertise to carry. Distribute the load all over the cover.
Don’t Leave in the Sun
The extreme heat and UV rays are very harmful to cover materials. Your cover will lose its colour and durability. UV also minimizes the protectant strength. So, never leave the cover under the sun for too long.
Besides, don’t keep your tonneau cover in shade for a long time. Then moisture will take place there and mildew or bacteria will grow up.
How to Soften Tonneau Cover
Steps to make tonneau cover smooth and soft.
Rise with the Hose
Flow water on the cover using a garden hose. Maximum dirt and debris get eliminated by this process.
Scrub and Wash
take warm water in a bucket. Put some detergent or soapy water on it. Then Drown the brush and make a wash. After that, make a final rinse.
Get All Water Out
Remove all excess water using a microfiber cloth. Keep the cover folded. So, water can go away. Then dry in the sun. use protectant gels to get back the brand-new colour.
Cleaning Hard Tonneau Cover
Necessary Elements
- A Bucket of Warm Water
- Water Hose
- Car Washing Soap/Detergent
- Towel (Made of Microfiber)
Take Your Car in Shade
Before starting all of these processes, take your car to a cool place and make all steps efficient. (not under any tree, because branches or bird pop can fall on your car)
Clean All Edges
Start cleaning from the cover centre. After that, slowly go through the edges. Flow water by hoses at a lower speed. And then, remove water drops with the microfiber towel.
Stubborn Dirt Removal
Take your washing solution (about a half cup) or soapy water in the warm water of the bucket. Then take the solution on your brush and scrub. Use hard-brushes to eliminate debris from edges. Repeatedly scrub if debris doesn’t come out.
Don’t Use Excessive Force
Always try to make smooth scrubbing. If any dirt doesn’t remove, soak it for five minutes in water. Or take some water on the cover surface. Give the strains time to dissolve in water. Finally, rinse by the hose again and dry.
Apply UV Protection Agent
Take the cleaning agent on the soft brush. This agent brings back the faded color and gives UV protection all day. Keep in mind that brush movement is important.
Cleaning Fabric Tonneau Cover
Remove Soft Dust First
You will see that some dirt can be easily removed. For them use a cloth or smooth brush. Remove loose debris.
Loosen the Hardest Marks
Keep the fabric in water for at least five minutes and loosen non-removal stains. Don’t use too warm water. Then use a nylon brush or sponge for removal.
Use Cleaning Agent
Bring the agents having a strong smell. Those are good enough for protection. Apply it softly using a towel.
How to Use Meguiar’s Tonneau Cover Protectant
Meguiar’s cover protectant is non-toxic, safer for the environment, and a better UV protector. Actions to use it are:
- Take the spray bottle and lightly spray it on the cover. Don’t spray excessively and make the cover soak.
- Scrubby a soft nylon bristle type brush.
- Then wipe off with a paper towel.
- Give time to dry.
FAQ
Q: How often should the cover be sprayed with cover protectant?
Ans: If you want to get the highest efficiency from the cover protectant, use it twice a month. But don’t make an overuse. Excessive use of the chemicals will affect durability.
Q: When to replace the old cover with a newer one?
Ans: When finding non-removal scratches, holes, or clefts on the cover, replace it. If the color is gone and the cover bears the darkest spots, change with a new one if you can.
Conclusion
Since you have read this article I am guessing that you own a tonneau cover and have an idea about the price of tonneau cover. So you must want to increase its durabilty and there is no alternative to know how to protect your tonneau cover and follow the tips to increase its durability. Then when the tonneau cover will look dull don’t do late to follow the above instructions and bring the tonneau cover’s life back!
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