How to Wash A Wrapped Vehicle
Nothing is going to attract attention to your vehicle more than an expertly designed and professionally applied vehicle wrap. However, if you let your vehicle collect grime, mud, salt, bird droppings, and other hazards of the highway, it might start turning heads for all the wrong reasons. It’s important to keep your wrap clean and maintained at all times. Taking proper care of your wrapped vehicle will ensure that you get the most life out of your vehicle wrap (and subsequently, the most heads turned). And knowing how to wash a wrapped vehicle will keep your investment looking great for a long time.
How to Clean Your Wrapped Vehicle
If you buy a brand new vehicle or any other expensive item, you’re certainly going to want to care for it and keep it looking great for as long as you can. You’re not going to risk ruining it by neglecting the finish or the material. The same goes for your vehicle wrap. While there’s nothing you can do to avoid dirt, bugs, and other outdoor elements while driving, you can take extra care when it comes to washing and caring for your wrapped vehicle.
Safe Soap
Most soaps that you’d use to wash an unwrapped vehicle are fine for wrapped vehicles as well, as long as they’re non-abrasive. Your local auto parts store will stock safe cleaning materials to use on wrapped vehicles. Some examples are Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash or 3M Car Wash Soap 39000.
Proper Pressure
You shouldn’t run into any issues regarding water pressure with a regular garden hose and nozzle. However, if you want to pressure wash your vehicle wrap, keep the PSI under 2,000 and use a wide-angle spray attachment.
Lukewarm Water
Water exceeding roughly 140 degrees can potentially damage your wrap, so lukewarm water is always preferred.
Stain Removers
Generally, isopropyl rubbing alcohol is recommended for isolated stains and spot cleaning. Apply an appropriate amount and rub until the stain is cleared, then rinse with cool water. Do not use abrasive chemicals.
How Often Can You Wash A Wrapped Vehicle?
Just as you would with any vehicle, you’ll want to wash your wrapped vehicle semi-regularly (every two weeks or so) or whenever it gets dirty. As long as you’re adhering to the guidelines listed here, you don’t have to worry about over-washing your wrapped vehicle. If you notice dead insects or other irritating and noticeable contaminants on the surface of your wrap, be sure to take care of them promptly. If they stick around too long, they may leave permanent blemishes in the wrap.
Can I Take A Wrapped Vehicle Through A Car Wash?
Can you? Technically, yes. Should you? Probably not. Car wash brushes can potentially damage your wrap, and even brushless options might use a bit too much pressure or water that’s a bit too hot. While the soap and chemicals are probably fine, there’s just no way to know for sure. Basically, the convenience is not worth the risk. We always recommend only handwashing your wrapped vehicle.
Contact Us
A vehicle wrap can be a significant financial investment, and like anything worth your investment, it is worth protecting if you really want the investment to work for you. Keep your vehicle wrap in pristine condition for as long as you can by knowing how to wash a wrapped vehicle and addressing minor blemishes as they pop up. Want to know more about vehicle wraps? Contact Shepard Signs and Graphics! Shepard Signs and Graphics is a family owned and operated business serving the Tennessee Valley. See us for all of your signage and graphic design needs. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! wash a vehicle wrap wash a vehicle wrap wash a vehicle wrap wash a vehicle wrap
