PPF, a coloured wrap or ceramic coating: whichever you have had done, your car’s surface now has an extra layer. Keeping that layer looking good relies on simpler principles than you might think. Most care mistakes come from the same two things: using hard or abrasive materials and pressing on the surface harder than necessary. In this guide we bring together general advice on washing and cleaning.
The advice in this article is general information. Care needs vary with the treatment and the material applied; care advice specific to the material on your car takes priority over this article. You can ask our workshop about details such as how long to wait before the first wash.
The basic principle: gentle washing, suitable products
On a wrapped or coated surface, the aim is to remove dirt with as little friction as possible. Wiping with a dry cloth, using a hard brush or scrubbing with abrasive products can cause fine scratches on the surface. Plenty of water, soft materials and patience are the three essentials here.
How do you wash a wrapped car step by step?
You can think of washing in three stages: before, during and drying.
Before washing
- Wash the car in the shade while the surface is cool. On a hot surface, shampoo can dry quickly and leave marks.
- Before you start, rinse with plenty of water to remove dust and sand from the surface. If you skip this step, grains of sand can scratch the surface during the wash.
- If you use a pressure washer, use it in moderation: keep the lance a sensible distance from the surface and do not spray directly at the edges of the film or wrap from close range.
During the wash
- Use a pH-neutral car shampoo with no abrasives.
- Choose a soft microfibre mitt or sponge; avoid dirty cloths and hard brushes.
- If you can, use the two-bucket method: one bucket of shampoo water and the other for rinsing the mitt.
- Wash from top to bottom with light strokes. Leave the dirtiest areas, the sills, bumpers and wheels, until last.
- Use a separate mitt or sponge for the wheels and sills. Hard particles such as brake dust and road grime can scratch the surface if they are carried onto the body.
- When choosing a care product, go for one whose label says it suits the surface; if you are not sure, test it first on a small, hidden spot or ask us.
Drying
Do not leave water to dry on the surface after washing, as it can leave water marks. Dry with a soft, clean microfibre towel by pressing rather than rubbing. Pay particular attention to spots that hold water, such as around the mirrors, door edges and the gaps around the lights.
A quick washing routine
To sum up the above at a glance:
- Pre-rinse with plenty of water, in the shade, on a cool surface.
- Wash from top to bottom with a neutral shampoo and a soft mitt.
- Rinse off all the shampoo with plenty of water.
- Dry by pressing with a microfibre towel.
- Check the edges and details, and note any lifting, bubbling or marks.
How does care change with the surface type?
Clear and gloss PPF
The general principles above are enough. Do not use abrasive compounds or harsh solvents on the film; if you are not sure whether a product suits the film, ask the installer first. We explain what PPF is and its types in our guide to what paint protection film is.
Matte PPF and matte wrap film
The look of a matte surface depends on how it scatters light. Polish, wax or products that leave a glossy finish can disrupt this and make the surface look patchy or shiny in places. On matte surfaces it is safer to wipe gently rather than rub, and to choose products suitable for matte finishes. Our MINI Countryman project, where we applied matte PPF, is a good example of a matte surface’s understated look.
Gloss and satin wrap film
The surface of wrap film can be sensitive to abrasive compounds and heavy polishing. Do not polish to “take out” small scratches. Satin surfaces, like matte ones, should be kept away from gloss-enhancing products. For colour and finish options, see our colour change wrap guide.
Ceramic coated surfaces
Gentle washing applies to ceramic coated paint too. Which care products are suitable depends on the product applied; abrasive compounds and harsh chemicals can affect the coating’s look. For a comparison, take a look at our article PPF or ceramic coating?
Which habits should you avoid with a wrapped car?
- Automatic car washes with hard brushes
- Wiping with a dry cloth or brushing dust off by hand
- Abrasive compounds, solvents and harsh chemicals
- Spraying pressurised water at the edges of the film or wrap from close range
- Leaving dirt to sit in the sun
- Using gloss-enhancing products on matte surfaces
Washing routine and seasonal conditions
How often and in what conditions you wash the car also affects how the surface looks.
Washing routine
Dirt sitting on the surface for a long time is not good for a wrap or for paint. Washing at regular intervals that suit how you use the car, without waiting for it to get very dirty, is a gentler approach. Frequent light washes put less strain on the surface than scrubbing off heavy dirt. We do not give a fixed schedule; you can set your own routine based on your driving and parking conditions.
The seaside and summer heat
In coastal cities such as Izmir, salty air and summer heat put extra strain on cars. Salt and dust build up on the surface, and water drops that dry on a hot surface can leave marks. Rinsing the car with plenty of water after a trip to the seaside, parking in the shade in summer and washing away from the strongest sun all help protect the surface.
The first period after installation
In the first period after installation, follow the instructions you are given by the installer. During this time you may be asked to avoid harsh washing, pressurised water at close range and rubbing the surface. How long this period lasts depends on the material and the installation, so we do not give a period in this article; ask our workshop for exact information.
Stains: deal with them straight away
The longer stains such as bird droppings, insect residue and tree sap stay on the surface, the harder they are to clean. First soak and soften them with plenty of water, then lift them off gently with a soft cloth; do not scrape. With stubborn stains such as oil or tar, if you are not sure which cleaner is compatible with the surface, ask us before trying a product.
Windows, mirrors and the interior
If your windows have film on them, use a soft cloth for cleaning and avoid harsh, abrasive products; some cleaning products may not be compatible with the film. Our guide what to look for when choosing window film goes into more detail on window film. Inside the car, choosing non-abrasive products is also a safer approach for any coatings and the upholstery. Small parts such as the headlight and tail light surrounds need the same gentle approach: use soft materials rather than hard brushes and abrasive products there too, and do not press on the edges.
When should you ask the workshop?
- When you notice lifting or bubbling at the edge of the film or wrap
- When you see a stain or colour change on the surface and do not know the cause
- When you are not sure which product to use
- When you are thinking of a thorough clean inside and out, beyond the everyday wash; in that case we plan the scope around your car with our car detailing service
At Royal Class Garage we share care advice at our workshop in Bornova, after seeing your car. For wrapping options, take a look at our paint protection film and car wrapping pages too. For another example with matte PPF, see the BYD Seal U project.
Get care advice tailored to your car
Let’s talk through the right way to care for the type of wrap or coating on your car, and get a price for a thorough clean and care.
