Automatic washes
- Touchless: fine. Skip the spray wax and "ceramic" add-ons on matte film; they streak.
- Brush or cloth: no. Edges at the handles, mirrors and trim are where the brushes catch. Matte and satin films are dulled by the abrasion.
Hand washing
Two buckets, pH-neutral soap, a clean mitt, top-down, rinse, dry with a plush towel or blower. Pressure washer at 12 inches or more, fan tip, never aimed along a seam or an edge.
What not to use
Wax and polish on matte or satin film. Solvents and degreasers. Anything abrasive. Bug and tar removers are fine if they are vinyl-safe and rinsed quickly.
What to do fast
Bird droppings, love bugs and sap off within a day. Vinyl, especially matte, stains where paint would only etch, and there is no polishing it out.
The upgrade
A Ceramic Pro coating formulated for vinyl makes the wrap shed water and dirt and cuts washing time in half.