Get the right cleaning materials

When cleaning a wrapped car, the right cleaning supplies make all the difference. Essential supplies include:

• Vinyl-safe soap: Buy PH-neutral and non-abrasive soap formulated explicitly for vinyl wraps.
• Microfibre wash mitt: These soft, high-quality mitts are gentle on wraps and lift debris without scratching the surface.
• Hose with adjustable nozzle: Use an adjustable hose to change the water pressure to a gentle stream.
• Microfibre drying towels: Pat down the car with soft microfibre drying towels to avoid swirls or scratches.
• Two buckets: Separate vinyl-safe soap water from clean water to rinse your wash mitt. This method minimises the risk of transferring dirt back onto the car.

These supplies ensure you efficiently clean your car while preserving the integrity and appearance of the wrap.

Wash your car by hand

Hand washing your car is the best way to protect the vinyl wrap as it limits stress and pressure on the material. If you use a hose, ensure a gentle and constant stream to rinse away dirt and soap suds — avoid pressure hoses at all times. Petrol station carwashes and cleaning stations prioritise efficiency over care, which could lead to mistakes and rougher cleaning processes.

Avoid carwashes

High-pressure car washes may cause scratches along the wrap. Although most car wraps are highly durable, commercial carwashes use harsh rotating brushes that can abrade the vinyl surface. Even softer brushes can wear down a vinyl wrap, reducing its lifespan.  Additionally, chemicals used in car washes are incompatible with vinyl wraps. The harshest chemicals can break down vinyl and lead to deterioration. 

Avoid pressure washes

No standard pressure wash exists, so some washes operate at very high pressures and can cause localised damage. At worst, high-pressure water could force its way under the wrap, weakening the bond and cause bubbles or peeling. Similar to carwashes, professional pressure washing stations can use harsh chemicals that strip or discolour vinyl wraps.

Consider proper covering

While vinyl wraps are highly durable, breathable car coverings specially designed for vinyl-wrapped cars provide extra protection against accidents and environmental events. Car covers also help prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mould or adhesive failure. Breathable covers allow for proper air circulation while keeping out excess humidity.

Make regular checks 

Routine wrap checks are essential for the maintenance and longevity of your wrap, especially if you have applied it yourself. We recommend regular checks every other week. Keep an eye out for:

• Edges and seams: Check all wrap areas around door panels and other high-movement areas. Material lifting and bubbling tend to start here.
• Moisture seepage: Look for areas of water accumulation. Water build-up can indicate adhesive failure.
• Bubbles and wrinkles: Inspect the wrap for air bubbles and wrinkles. These developments are early signs of improper installation or adhesive breakdown.
• Scratches or abrasions: Search for scratches or abrasions in good lighting. These tend to be caused by debris or cleaning tools. Catching issues early can limit spread.
• Fading or discolouration: Exposure to the sun for long periods could cause fading on cheaper wrap materials. Discolouration could suggest UV damage or chemical reactions from cleaning agents.
• Stains: Look for tough stains like tree sap or bird droppings you may have missed during cleaning.

You can sometimes repair tiny bubbles or lifting by hand, but major concerns, such as significant bubbling or extensive lifting, might require expert help. We advise taking photographs and notes when speaking with professionals such as ourselves.

Get expert advice

The WRPD team is here to help with wrap maintenance advice. If you need us to assess abrasions, remove unwanted marks, or arrange a new wrap, get in touch to see how we can assist you.