How to Clean Vinyl Car Wrap Properly | Proper Car Care

How to Clean Vinyl Car Wrap Properly: Protecting Your Vehicle’s Protective Layer

Wrapping is an affordable and stylish way to change the appearance of your car. It offers customisation, giving you the freedom to put your personal stamp on your vehicle. It offers paint protection, keeping the original paintwork on your car protected from UV damage and light scratches. And it is easy to maintain if you know how to clean vinyl car wrap properly.

As South Africa’s leading protective and decorative film application specialists, we at Electronic Fitment Centre would like to share some helpful tips on how you can keep your wrapped vehicle looking luxurious for longer.

The Importance of Knowing How to Clean Vinyl Wrap Properly

Unlike a permanent respray, a vinyl wrap can be removed at any stage. If your lifestyle choices change or you are preparing your car for sale, the wrap lifts off cleanly while preserving the paintwork underneath. However, it is essential to know how to clean vinyl wrap properly to preserve its aesthetics and to prevent permanent damage to the wrap and underlying paint. A little daily, weekly, or monthly TLC goes a long way to protect your vehicle’s wrap.

Daily Vinyl Wrap Care

To protect your wrap, look for anything that could damage the surface, like bird droppings, insect remains, and other debris. Gently wipe your car down with a microfiber cloth and a mild, soapy solution as soon as you notice these soils. Parking in a shaded area whenever possible will reduce UV exposure, keeping the colour and condition for longer. 

Weekly Deep Cleaning Methods

Here are a few weekly deep cleaning methods we recommend:

●       Prep: Start by pre-rinsing your vehicle with water to dislodge loose dirt and debris.

●       Set Up: Prepare two buckets; one filled with a neutral soap solution and the other with clean water.

●       Wash Technique: Using a clean microfibre cloth, wash the vehicle from top to bottom.

●       Rinse the Cloth: Rinse your cloth frequently in the bucket of clean water before dipping it back into the soap solution.

●       Maintain Wetness: The surface must remain wet throughout the whole process, so clean in small sections.

Sealing the Deal

Monthly, consider a special vinyl sealant for the wrap. Focus on applying the sealant evenly in small sections at a time using a clean microfibre applicator. Once done, ensure that you adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal setting time. The grand finale is a gentle buffing motion with a fresh microfibre towel to reveal a perfect finish. Upon Completion, check for any tell-tale signs of lifting edges, bubbling, or existing damage.

We hope that our tips on how to clean vinyl car wrap properly will help preserve the longevity of your vehicle. If you are interested in wrapping your trusted travel companion in a rainbow of hues or an interesting graphic design consult with the, team of expert fitment specialists at Electronic Fitment Centre.