Guide to Washing a Wrapped Car

Due to the design and deliberate exposure of a wrapped car, it will inevitably become dirty.

Cleaning your car is important, and washing it is an excellent way to show you care about your vehicle and its appearance.

A properly washed wrapped car looks better and draws less attention from people that think it’s dirty even if it isn’t.

Washing the car is a part of every car owner’s life, but it can be very tiresome sometimes.

However, hand washing your wrapped car is relatively easy if you follow our easy step-by-step guide in this article. Read on!

Why Do You Need to Wash Wrapped Cars Properly?

Washing your wrapped car needs to be taken care of carefully to avoid any scratches or damage on it while washing the car.

Your covered vehicle needs regular and proper maintenance to maintain its vibrant color, which will protect it from any pollutants.

Things That You Need When Washing Your Wrapped Car

Wrapped car washing is different from washing regular cars; to clean it properly, you need these specific materials to get the job done.

Ensure that you get these materials to avoid damage to your wrapped car.

1. Mild Car Soap or Shampoo

Only purchase a recommended car soap or a shampoo intended for wrapped cars, as they are mild soaps.

Avoid getting non-abrasive that do not have silicon emulsion to avoid damaging your vehicle’s wrap.

2. Two Buckets and Guard Pressure Washer

When washing a wrapped car, use the two-bucket method to avoid any damage to the car wrap.

Also, use grit guards to get rid of those grits stuck in the washcloth or the sponge you use in handwashing.

If your car is too dirty, use a pressure washer with only a PSI of below 2000 and a 40-degree nozzle.

3. Microfiber Towel

A microfiber towel helps dry cars.

4. Non-abrasive Washcloth or Soft Cloth or Soft Sponge

Use a soft cloth, non-abrasive cloth, or soft sponge to handwash your car. It will avoid any scratch or damage to your wrapped car.

5. Squeegee

After washing your car, it needs to be dried immediately, so you need a squeegee.

6. A Low-Pressure Water Hose

To make your car washing experience easier, you need a low-pressure hose, so you don’t have to get water to wash your car manually.

How to Wash Wrapped Car – Guide

Here’s how you wash your wrapped car cautiously to avoid damaging the wrap.

Materials to use:

• A soft cloth or soft sponge
• Two buckets
• Mild soap is recommended for washing wrapped car
• Low-pressure water hose
• Microfiber towel

Choose a Shady Area to Park Your Car

Find a place that is not directly heated by sunlight with a concrete surface. The garage would be a good choice; if you don’t have it, find a shady area instead.

Do not wash your wrapped car in an area that has direct sunlight. It will dry the soapy water quickly and leave an ugly spot on the newly cleaned paint.

Too much heat from the sun will also make your car’s wrap malleable. Also, ensure that the area can drain water quickly so the water can’t penetrate your car’s wrap.

Pre-rinse Your Wrapped Car with Low Water Pressure

If you are sure to use a pressure washer, set it to low pressure. Or else it might damage your car’s wrap; as much as possible, only use a water hose.

The water hose works fine and does not cause bubbles or other issues than the pressurized water.

Prepare the Washing Solution

Prepare the washing solution in a bucket with mild soap and water.

Avoid adding hot or frigid water; it should be the average water temperature to avoid damaging your car’s wrap or the paint.

Fill the bucket with water and add the mild soap and mix them.

Use a Soft Cloth or Sponge and Solution

Only use a non-abrasive washcloth and solution to prevent damage on your wrapped car when you rub too much.

Rough cloth or sponge and harsh solutions can damage the car’s wrap or the paint. Therefore, only use soft materials when hand washing your vehicle.

Start Washing Your Wrapped Car from the Roof

Use the microfiber towel; get it wet before you dip it in the soapy water bucket when you hand wash your car.

It will ensure that the entire towel is damp so the soapy water can easily penetrate the towel to prevent any scratches that might occur in cleaning.

After you soak the towel in the soapy bucket, apply it to your vehicle and scrub it gently in a circular motion. Also, clean the edges of the windows, doors, etc., to make them clean.

Wash Your Wrapped Car Thoroughly

Now it’s your time to take out the sponge to clean your wrapped car thoroughly.

Take the sponge, soak it in the bucket with the soapy solution you mixed, and squeeze it on your vehicle from top to bottom.

Clean one section at a time to ensure you can clean all portions of the car.

While cleaning, use a circular motion, and press the sponge sparingly on your vehicle’s surface. Adding pressure on the sponge can damage your car wrap or paint.

Just press it gently from one section to another without wasting time on one portion. The soapy water will dry up, and you must clean it again, wasting your effort and time.

Do it as quickly as possible, so you don’t have to repeat cleaning.

Rinse Your Wrapped Car with Clean Water

After washing your car with soapy water, use another bucket, get clean water, and rinse it thoroughly with the sponge.

Wash your sponge and ensure it is clean enough or the microfiber towel.

Rinse each section before going to the next part so you can clean your car evenly. After that, use the hose with low-pressure water for the final wash.

Don’t spray the hose near your vehicle; spray it at a distance so you won’t scratch your car’s wrap.

Dry Your Wrapped Car with Air Drying or Use Another New Dry Microfiber Towel

If you have another microfiber towel, you can use it to dry your car manually by wiping it off. However, if you want to let it dry on its own, just let it air dry.

Although, air drying will take a little time before you drive your car to ensure it’s thoroughly dried up.

Important Reminders on Washing Wrapped Car

Any substances, such as food, drinks, etc., can damage your car’s wrap over time if they are left unattended.

It is best to wash your vehicle at least once a week to ensure your wrapped car maintains its cleanliness.

Washing your car regularly can eliminate those contaminants more quickly than letting them stay longer. If it persists longer, you might take more time and effort to remove them.

Make sure to wash your wrapped car with low-pressure water and mild soap to avoid damage.

Use a two-bucket method to clean your vehicle correctly. Ensure you wash it by hand without using brushes or rags used on other vehicle washing. 

Always remember that washing a wrapped car is different from cleaning a regular vehicle, as you need to be more cautious so you won’t scratch your car’s wrap.

Don’ts In Washing Your Wrapped Car

To ensure that you won’t harm or damage your wrapped car, here are the things you must consider.

Please take note of them carefully to have the best result in washing your wrapped car.

Refrain From Washing Your Wrapped Car with Very Hot Water

Some use warm water to wash their wrapped car, but it should typically be cold or tap water to avoid damaging your car wrap. Too hot water can peel or disfigure your car wrap.

Don’t Use a Petroleum-Based, Acidic, or Intense Cleaning Agent

Using petroleum-based, acidic, or cleaning agents can harm your car wrap. It might damage the color or can damage your car totally, so use a mild cleaning agent only.

Don’t Use Automatic or Mechanical Car Washes Using Harsh Rotate Brushes

Hand washing your wrapped car is the best way to avoid any indents, scratches, or damage on your car wrap.

Using automatic or mechanical car washes that use stiff brushes can cause dents, stretch or damage to your car wrap. Therefore, handwashing your wrapped car is the best way.

Don’t Use Abrasive Products That Can Scratch the Paint or Wrap Surfaces

Abrasive products can scratch your wrap car surface, so avoid using them. Only use mild soaps to prevent scratches on your wrap car to maintain its shape.

Don’t Use High-Pressure Water Spray Above 1300 PSI

High-pressure water spray can damage your car wrap. It can remove the adhesiveness of the wrap due to the high pressure of water splashing on its surface.

Only use a hose nozzle below 1200 PSI to ensure it cannot damage your car wrap.

Conclusion

Handwashing your wrapped car is the best way to keep the wrap in good condition.

Following our simple but straightforward guide ensures that your car wrap will be protected during washing time.

It would be best if you took note of getting suitable materials and carefully followed the instructions to save your wrap car from any damage.

Washing your wrapped car is relatively easy as long as you take note of the things you need to consider so you will get a damaged-free wrapped car result.

It always feels good when driving a clean car, so wash it regularly.