What Is the best way To Clean and Old Car Cover
12-02-2014, 12:38 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
What Is the best way To Clean and Old Car Cover
I have an Old "Back east Car Cover for indoor use. They have gone out of business. It has serviced me well over the last 15 or so years and needs a cleaning. I'm pretty sure it's made of 100% cotton.
I concerned that if I take it to a laundry or do it in a self laundry mat and wash it in Hot water it might shrink. Their are a few small grease stains on it but looks ok but with the new paint I don't want to use it unless it's clean again.
What's the best way to clean it..??
Dry Clean
Wash...
Or whet ever...
I concerned that if I take it to a laundry or do it in a self laundry mat and wash it in Hot water it might shrink. Their are a few small grease stains on it but looks ok but with the new paint I don't want to use it unless it's clean again.
What's the best way to clean it..??
Dry Clean
Wash...
Or whet ever...
Last edited by Viet Nam Vett; 12-02-2014 at 12:47 AM.
12-02-2014, 07:40 AM
#2
Team Owner
I'd wash it in cold water with mild detergent and maybe some fabric softener and hang it on some structure to try to keep its shape while drying...that's what I've done in the past... Wouldn't put it in a dryer...
12-02-2014, 08:26 AM
#3
Safety Car
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Regular wash machine worked for me. Light detergent, except for the oil spots.
12-02-2014, 09:56 AM
#4
Race Director
I would go to commercial laundramat and wash in warm water with some good laundry soap. Then hang to dry, or dry on a very low (warm) setting.
By now, I am sure that the elastic around the bottom is shot/gone. I have had this replaced twice on my old Beverly Hills cotton cover. I just buy the elastic and find a tailor that does canvas awnings, boat covers, etc. Cost is reasonable, and finished product is nice.
Larry
By now, I am sure that the elastic around the bottom is shot/gone. I have had this replaced twice on my old Beverly Hills cotton cover. I just buy the elastic and find a tailor that does canvas awnings, boat covers, etc. Cost is reasonable, and finished product is nice.
Larry
12-02-2014, 10:38 AM
#5
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Mark, send the cover to Frankie. He has a pool...perfect for washing car covers. 
Dennis
Dennis
12-02-2014, 12:07 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
To the OP - I have found the purple clean/degreaser to be really effective for cleaning grease spots on car covers too.
The cover I use on my Corvette is fairly lightweight, travels well and I can wash it easily at home (then hang to dry) and do this often. Dirty covers do damage!
However, if your cover is heavy/bulky like I have for my boat or other cars, then DO take it to a laundromat with oversized commercial equipment. Pre-soak grease stains in purple clean overnight, then carry it in a heavy, oversized garbage bag and laundry basket. You need to be ready to take it back home wet and heavy, where it can hang to dry. NEVER put any car cover through a dryer, even for a short time.
For drying at my place, I strung a strong yet soft rope between trees to hang my covers. Sometimes I hose 'em down from there for spot cleaning, but usually to release detergent a typical commercial rinse will miss. Maybe I'm too fussy but I really don't want that detergent clouding the finish, and I've noticed it will!
12-02-2014, 01:36 PM
#7
years ago washed cover at laundromat and used their dryer. cover shrunk a bit but over the years cover stretched to cover car like when original would not recommend using dryer I just was lucky
12-02-2014, 02:13 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Thanks Frankie and Dennis the Menace.... and of course every one else.
By now, I am sure that the elastic around the bottom is shot/gone.
I would have tossed it into a Dryer and ended up with a cover for a 1/8 Scale model Corvette.
I like the heavy line between the trees and the extra soaking with water to release any left over gack.
12-02-2014, 02:15 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Dennis - few can "stir it up" like you!
12-02-2014, 02:27 PM
#10
Turn it inside out on the car and wash with mild detergent or whatever the cover manufacturer reecommended. When dry, remove and place on the car right side out and repeat. When dry, fold and roll up, then wash and wax the car.
12-02-2014, 02:38 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
MFG out of Business and no care instructions on the cover.
12-02-2014, 09:38 PM
#12
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12-02-2014, 09:44 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
12-03-2014, 01:10 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
I have an Old "Back east Car Cover for indoor use. They have gone out of business. It has serviced me well over the last 15 or so years and needs a cleaning. I'm pretty sure it's made of 100% cotton.
I concerned that if I take it to a laundry or do it in a self laundry mat and wash it in Hot water it might shrink. Their are a few small grease stains on it but looks ok but with the new paint I don't want to use it unless it's clean again.
What's the best way to clean it..??
Dry Clean
Wash...
Or whet ever...
I concerned that if I take it to a laundry or do it in a self laundry mat and wash it in Hot water it might shrink. Their are a few small grease stains on it but looks ok but with the new paint I don't want to use it unless it's clean again.
What's the best way to clean it..??
Dry Clean
Wash...
Or whet ever...
Recommended way to clean a California Dust cover is to take it to a laundry mat, use a front load machine, add 1/4 cut of simple green, sent water to warm, and let is rip. Do not machine dry.
12-03-2014, 06:07 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
12-03-2014, 06:08 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
.... You gonna be at CC this year..??
12-03-2014, 06:45 PM
#18
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12-03-2014, 07:59 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
I take my car to automatic car wash where car is hooked to chain in gound and dragged through the wash, auto roller brush clean, rinse and dry cycles. I put the cover on the car and send it through. Car and cover come out in mint condition at end. Ready for Pebble Beach! Perfect!
12-05-2014, 10:56 AM
#20
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I take my car to automatic car wash where car is hooked to chain in gound and dragged through the wash, auto roller brush clean, rinse and dry cycles. I put the cover on the car and send it through. Car and cover come out in mint condition at end. Ready for Pebble Beach! Perfect!
You Be a Brave Man...