Cleaning And Maintenance Of Truck Bed Covers

Cleaning methods vary depending on the material of the truck bed cover. Indiscriminate cleaning can actually accelerate wear and tear rather than extending the cover's lifespan. However, there is no need to worry too much about the process; let’s look at how to properly clean and maintain your bed cover to ensure it lasts.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Method

Truck bed covers come in various designs. Due to space constraints, this article focuses on two main types—soft covers and hard covers—to illustrate the cleaning methods appropriate for their respective materials.

As you likely know, soft bed covers are typically made of canvas or vinyl. Both materials are sensitive to harsh cleaning agents; using them can cause damage rather than helping to clean the cover. The correct approach is to use a mild, pH-neutral dish soap diluted with water, making sure to wipe away any excess moisture with a dry cloth afterward.

Hard bed covers are made from rigid materials and feature durable, automotive-grade finishes. Generally, there are no special precautions required for cleaning hard covers; simply consulting the owner's manual and following the manufacturer's guidelines is sufficient.

Some owners might opt for automatic car washes—a quick, convenient, and affordable alternative to spending time washing the vehicle at home. However, if your truck is equipped with a bed cover, you may want to reconsider this choice.

Before dealing with the car, first check whether a rotary brush is being used. Beyond the obvious risks of scratches and swirl marks, the friction can cause actual structural damage. Over time, side brushes can shift the cover's side rails, potentially bending or loosening the mounting clamps. In minor cases, this might require reinstalling the rails; in severe cases, it could cause irreparable damage to the cover.

If you must take your truck to a car wash with the cover installed, a touchless car wash is your best option. Touchless systems use sensors to measure the vehicle's dimensions and contours, relying solely on high-pressure water and cleaning agents rather than brushes—which is excellent news for the safety of your bed cover.

Maintaining Your Pickup Truck Tonneau Cover

If necessary, use an automotive-grade dry spray lubricant; this improves operation without creating the mess associated with most wet, oil-based lubricants. It is always beneficial to regularly inspect the mechanical components of the cover, cleaning, lubricating, or replacing them as needed.

Of course, if you purchased your tonneau cover from OSIAS, you can contact us directly, and our professional technical team will be happy to assist you.