How to Wash and Store Your Car Cover (Step-by-Step Care Guide)

A quality car cover can protect your vehicle for many years — but only if you look after it. The good news: caring for a cover takes just a few minutes and needs nothing more than mild soap, water and a little patience. This guide walks you through exactly how to wash, dry, fold and store your car cover so it keeps performing season after season.

Why cleaning your car cover matters

Dirt, tree sap, bird droppings and road grime don't just look bad — left on the fabric, they break down the waterproof coating and can transfer onto your paint. Regular cleaning keeps the cover breathable, waterproof and gentle on your finish. A neglected cover wears out far faster and protects far less.

How to wash your car cover

The easiest and safest way to clean a cover is while it's still on your vehicle. Here's the routine:

• Shake or brush off loose leaves, dust and debris first.
• Hose the cover down to rinse away surface dirt.
• Mix a mild soap with water and gently work it over the fabric with a soft brush or sponge — focus on stained or soiled spots.
• Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains (residue attracts dirt and can clog the breathable weave).
• Let it air dry completely before removing or folding.

For a deeper clean, you can lay the cover flat on a clean driveway, wash both sides, then flip and rinse. Avoid scrubbing aggressively — let the soap do the work.

What NOT to do

• Don't machine wash or tumble dry — the heat and agitation destroy the waterproof coating and soft lining.
• Don't use harsh detergents, bleach or solvents — they strip protective treatments.
• Don't fold or store it wet — trapped moisture leads to mildew and odor.

Drying your cover properly

Always make sure the cover is completely dry before storing. Air drying is best — drape it over the vehicle or a railing in a shaded, ventilated spot. Direct, prolonged sun can be used to speed drying but don't leave it baking for days. A fully dry cover is the single most important step in preventing mildew.

How to fold and store your car cover

Fold the cover loosely rather than cramming it into a tight ball — sharp, repeated creases weaken the fabric over time. Then:

• Store it in the included storage bag to keep dust off.
• Keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
• Avoid storing heavy objects on top of it.

Premium and Supreme Shield covers include a storage bag; if yours didn't, any breathable tote works well.

Quick do's and don'ts

• Do shake off leaves and debris before removing the cover.
• Do spot-clean bird droppings and sap promptly.
• Do store it fully dry, loosely folded, in its bag.
• Don't machine wash, tumble dry, or use harsh chemicals.

How often should you clean it?

For an outdoor cover, a light rinse every few weeks and a full wash a few times a year is plenty. Indoor covers need cleaning far less often — mostly just a shake-out and the occasional wipe. Always clean it before long-term storage.

The bottom line

Caring for your car cover is simple: rinse it clean with mild soap, dry it completely, fold it loosely and store it in its bag. Follow those steps and your cover will keep protecting your vehicle for years to come. Need a replacement or an upgrade? Select your vehicle above to see covers guaranteed to fit.