Most truck owners don’t realize how easy it is to make their tonneau cover look new again. With just a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your cover looking great for years to come.
Like making your tonneau cover looks new, as they are effective at protecting cargo and creating a sleek, stylish appearance, but they do get dirty over time.
Depending on the type of material your tonneau cover is made from, some cleaning methods might work better than others.
In this article, we’ll talk about different ways you can clean your tonneau cover, depending on its type to give it a fresh look.
If your truck’s bed cover is getting rusty, losing its shine, or starting to peel off, it means your tonneau cover needs a touch-up.
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Why use a Tonneau Cover?
A tonneau cover is a great way to keep your truck’s bed protected from environmental elements and prying eyes. It can also help improve your gas mileage by reducing drag on your truck. Tonneau covers come in a variety of materials, including vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass.
A Tonneau cover can help keep your gear clean and dry. It’s also a good way to keep your belongings out of sight and deter would-be thieves.
Primarily there are two different types of tonneau covers that you can use, including soft and hard covers.
Soft tonneau covers are easy to install and remove, while hard ones provide more security. No matter what type you choose, a Tonneau cover will give you peace of mind knowing that your truck bed is protected.
Why Should You Make Your Tonneau Cover Look New?
Once you’ve installed a tonneau cover on your pickup truck, it’s important to take care of it and keep it looking new. Not only will it make your truck look better, but a clean tonneau cover will serve you for years to come and stay more effective at protecting your cargo.
If your tonneau cover is old and faded, it can make your truck look old and neglected. Plus, a dirty cover will also deteriorate quickly and you’ll need to invest in a new one after some time.
How to Make a Tonneau Cover Look New
As mentioned, a tonneau cover is a great way to protect your truck bed and keep your belongings dry and secure. But over time, your tonneau cover can start to look faded and worn. That’s why it’s important to carry out the tonneau cover cleaning process once it starts looking dirty.
Cleaning Soft Tonneau Covers
If you’re using a soft cover (usually made of vinyl) for your tonneau, you can use the following method to clean it effectively.
Supplies You’ll Need
You’ll need the following supplies to clean a soft vinyl tonneau cover.
- Wheel brush and/or wheel brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Microfiber drying towel
- Vinyl tonneau cover cleaner
- Vinyl and plastic rejuvenator/cover protector
- Garden hose
Instructions to Follow
- Park your car in a shaded spot.
- Remove surface dirt from the vinyl cover using a dry microfiber cloth
- Turn on the garden hose and make the cover wet.
- Spray the vinyl tonneau cover cleaner over the cover’s surface.
- Pick up the brush with soft bristles to scrub the entire cover.
- Use a wheel brush to scrub hard-to-reach spots. Make sure that you use the brush gently, without putting too much pressure, to avoid scratching the cover.
- Once cleaned, rinse the whole cover using a garden hose.
- Use a microfiber towel to dry the cover.
- Apply a rejuvenator/protector to the cover and let it dry.
- Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the rejuvenator/protector and that’s about it.
Cleaning Hard Tonneau Covers
Hard tonneau covers are made of metal or powdered with aluminum. If you have such a cover, consider using the following method to clean it.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Garden hose
- Car washing solution/soap
- Soft brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Microfiber towel
Instructions to Follow
- Make sure that your car is parked in a shaded spot
- Remove loose dirt particles using a dry microfiber cloth.
- Make the cover wet using water coming out of a garden hose.
- Apply car washing solution or soap to the cover.
- Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the entire surface properly.
- If there are some stubborn stains, use a soft brush to remove them.
- Use fresh water to rinse the cover.
- Use a microfiber drying towel to dry the cover’s surface.
Tips for Maintaining a Tonneau Cover
A tonneau cover is a great way to keep your truck bed and cargo safe from the elements. But like anything else, it can start to look worn and fade over time.
Here are a few tonneau cover maintenance tips to help you keep your tonneau cover looking new:
- Inspect the cover regularly and clean it whenever it becomes dirty using a mild soap and water solution. This will help remove any dirt, grime, or stains that may have built up.
- If you notice any cracks or tears in the cover, make sure to repair them as soon as possible. Small cracks can quickly turn into larger ones if they’re not taken care of.
- Apply a UV-resistant protectant to the cover on a regular basis. This will help keep the material from fading in sunlight and will also make it easier to clean.
- Store the cover in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. This will help prevent it from becoming damaged or warped over time.
- Keep sharp objects away from the cover as they can puncture or tear the cover material. Be careful when loading or unloading cargo into your truck bed so you don’t accidentally damage the cover.
These simple tips will help you keep your tonneau cover looking like new for many years to come
Read This If, You Need a Tonneau Cover for Your Chevy Colorado
Tonneau cover and truck aesthetics
Not only does it protect your cargo from the elements, but it also enhances the look of your truck. A clean, well-maintained tonneau cover can make your truck look new, even if it’s not.
A tonneau cover is a practical addition to any truck, but it can also be a great way to customize the look of your vehicle. If you want to make your tonneau cover look new, consider using the cleaning method (based on the type of cover you have) and tips discussed above.
Once you have cleaned the cover properly, consider adding some additional accessories to really make your tonneau cover stand out.
These could include decals, vinyl wraps, or even LED lights. With a little bit of effort, you can make your tonneau cover look new and add some personal flair to your truck at the same time. It’ll elevate the look and even value of your truck.
Final Words
If you have a tonneau cover that is looking a little worse for wear, don’t despair. You can make your tonneau cover look new again using one of the cleaning methods discussed in this guide, based on the cover material you have.
The tonneau cover is a functional piece of your vehicle that goes unnoticed until it needs replacement. If you’ve been neglecting it for a while, it will start to look worn out and damaged soon.
In that case, you may want to make some changes to freshen it up and bring back its original beauty. There are a few ways you can use to make the tonneau cover look better, including removing old stickers, washing it, and adding an additional layer of protection to prevent rusting.
What’s your favorite way to make your tonneau truck bed cover look new? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
My name is Tom Harris, founder of this blog. I’m a mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. I’m here to help you with your vehicle’s problems, easy fixes and share my insights and experience so that you can enjoy your rides more.