How To Clean a Wrapped Vehicle

Posted on 10 Oct 2022

Wraps are a visual way to communicate your brand image to a limitless audience on the road. Your images should be clear and visible, whether it’s your brand slogan, logo, etc., making it important to keep your vehicles clean.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Can you clean a wrapped vehicle?
How do you clean a vehicle that has been wrapped?
Can I use magic eraser on my vehicle wrap?
Can you wax a vehicle that has been wrapped?
How long does a wrap last on a vehicle?
Can you use dish soap on vehicle wrap?

Can You Clean a Wrapped Vehicle?

Several cleaning methods for vinyl wraps include automatic car washes, professional washing, and DIY vehicle wrap cleanings. You can take your vehicle to an automatic car wash, but it’s typically recommended to do a manual hand wash.

Car wash soaps and brushes can be too rough on a vinyl vehicle wrap and cause peeling and lifted edges. If you choose a carwash, look for one that uses water spray and no brushes to avoid friction harming the wrap.

How Do You Clean a Vehicle that Has Been Wrapped?

If you decide to go the hand wash route, remember to research the best practices for cleaning wraps to avoid harming the vehicle wrap. Use a soft sponge or nonabrasive cloth with a soapy, water-based solution. Avoid using hot water, chemicals, and harsh cleaning supplies for vehicle wraps. To wash your wrap’s more fragile areas, gently wipe more delicate regions, including door handles, mirrors, exterior moldings, and seams.

Use room-temperature water with a few drops of detergent to create a safe cleaning solution for vehicle wraps. When you dry the vehicle, use a clean microfiber cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the wrap. You should also avoid high-pressure washers, solutions with a spray nozzle, or steam cleaners, as these can hurt the vinyl wrapping. Use a cleaner specifically designed for wraps when removing stains from vehicle wraps.

Cleaning tips for wrapped vehicles

- Use a soft sponge or nonabrasive cloth
- Use soapy, water-based cleaning solutions
- Use room temperature water
- Avoid using hot water, harsh chemicals, and cleaners
- Gently wipe more delicate areas
- Avoid high-pressure washers or steam cleaners
- For stains or marks, use a cleaner specifically designed for wraps

Can I use Magic Eraser on My Vehicle Wrap?

Magic eraser has an abrasive surface and isn’t recommended for cleaning vehicle wraps. They typically remove stubborn stains on hard-non-scratchable surfaces like walls, countertops, and floors. Vehicle wraps are made of a material that can be scratched. Using soft, non-abrasive cleaning tools like microfiber towels and soapy, water-based solutions is best.

Can You Wax a Vehicle That Has Been Wrapped?

It’s not recommended that you wax a wrapped vehicle. The components in wax can interact with the vinyl material the wrap is made of. This can lead to a breakdown and peeling of the wrap. Likewise, wax often contains abrasive particles that can scratch the surface of a vehicle wrap.

How Long Does a Wrap Last on a Vehicle?

While it varies depending on different factors, vehicle wraps usually last five years, assuming you’re using proper vehicle wrap care and maintenance and storing the vehicles in the shade whenever possible. Wraps can last even longer, depending on the finish, and with consistent care. The specific amount of time your vehicle wrap will last depends on the quality of the material used, the environmental conditions it’s exposed to, and how well it’s maintained. One of the best practices for maintaining the longevity of wraps is to invest in professional vehicle wrap cleaning.

Protecting and Preserving Wraps

Avoid prolonged exposure to the following when possible:

- Extreme cold or heat
- Sunlight and UV rays
- Harsh chemicals
- Dirt and grime (e.g., dust pollution, bird droppings, tree sap, water stains, etc.)

While these situations are bound to happen, less avoidable for some than others, it’s good to consider them.

Trust the Pros at AZPRO For Your Fleet Graphic Needs

Our team at AZPRO is dedicated to the success of your business. Our fleet wraps work to draw more attention to your brand and leave an impact on everyone who sees it. Your business has a message, and we want to help you get it out to the world.