How to Clean a Soft Tonneau Cover

Updated on Feb 6, 2024

Written by
 RealTruck Expert Team

If you’ve owned a tonneau cover for a while, you’re familiar with the benefits it adds to your truck bed such as increased security and protection from the elements for your cargo.

What you might not know is how to wash and condition your cover. In this article, you’ll learn how to keep your cover looking great all year long with some simple cleaning and maintenance tips.

Cleaning Vinyl-Lined Tonneau Covers

Soft truck bed covers are the most common covers on the road today. There are even hard tonneau covers that use a top layer of vinyl or canvas.

If your bed cover has a vinyl or fabric top, the easiest way to keep it clean is by using a combination cleaner/protectant such as Access Cover Care or TruXedo Pro-Tex Tonneau Cleaner.

These cleaners are formulated specifically for soft tonneau covers, making them more effective than visiting a car wash or using regular car soap. Directions vary slightly from one cleaner to another, but the following instructions will give you great results.

Step 1: Spray it On

Spray the cleaner directly onto your tonneau cover. It’s a good idea to work in sections about 2 feet square.

Step 2 (optional): Let it Soak

If it's been a long time since your cover was cleaned, it’s advisable to let the solution soak in briefly for maximum cleaning power.

Step 3: Wipe or Brush it Off

Wipe the cleaning solution off of the cover using a paper towel or similar material. For covers with stubborn dirt or stains, using a brush to loosen the particles first is advised.

Step 4: Let it Dry

Once you’ve wiped the surface down, wait a few minutes for the solution to dry.

Step 5: Finishing Coat

Spray the solution lightly over the tonneau cover and allow it to dry.

Step 6: Buff it Out

Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to buff the surface of the tonneau cover.

Tonneau Cover Cleaning Videos

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By using a specially formulated tonneau cleaner and protectant, you can easily restore your vinyl cover to a like-new appearance while also keeping damaging UV rays at bay. If you have questions, chat or call our product experts.

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