What are you using to clean a vinyl tonneau cover?

[19sierra53]

Does anyone have anything good to clean a tonneau cover with? I have tried some vinyl cleaner/protectants (not armor all) and they all look great for about 2 days then get ugly as they attract dust/dirt like a magnet, just like those tire foams do to tires

[CT Chevy Connoisseur]

I use 303 Aerospace Protectant as recommended by the manufacturer.  I like it.  They actually recommend that you do not use Armor All. 

Edited July 7, 2020 by CT Chevy Connoisseur
Typo

[19sierra53]

Thanks, ill see if I can find some. I know about the armor all, thats why i mentioned it. Hard to keep black looking good

[OnTheReel]

303 Aerospace Protectant holds up the best out of what I’ve tried. And doesn’t attract dust or get sticky. It’s usually in the aisle with the boat cleaning products.

[Grumpy Bear]

I just wash mine with cold water and Rain X spot free then microfiber is dry. Looks good until the truck needs washing again. Been on there 6 years now. Still looks new. Less is more. 

[chizzoy]

Try VRP

From Chemical Guys.    Good stuff

 

 

[ForkliftJeff]

I was a detailer for a few years when I was younger and it’s been a hobby of mine ever since. First things first, try not to wash in direct sun, especially for dark colours, like black vinyl. For a soft vinyl tonneau cover I would use a diluted all purpose cleaner like Simple Green (dilute based on strength needed) with a soft bristle brush. Keep the paint of your truck wet and wash or rinse the cleaner really well from your paint. If it’s too strong it can leave streaks that will need to be waxed or polished out. After the cover is rinsed really well, let it dry. Then get yourself a good quality exterior vinyl dressing. I prefer PRO products if you can find them in your area. Spray it onto a wax applicator and then massage it into the vinyl in small circles. Depending on how faded and thirsty your vinyl is it may need a few coats. Once it’s looking good and even you can either leave it as it is for the high gloss look but that will most likely gather dust. Get a clean rag and give the vinyl a wipe down to get any excess dressing off. This will help prevent dust. A nice wipe down can get you a nice semigloss look that will last for weeks (depending on the product you use).  
 

FYI 

You can use this process for tires and all that exterior textured black plastic trim (great for getting dried wax off of trim). Just vary the amount of cleaner you use depending on what your cleaning. And always remember to wipe down your tires after applying any kind of tire shine no matter what the bottle says. Otherwise as soon as you drive away it’s gonna fling all over tour freshly cleaned paint. 

[Moore84]

Aerospace 303 is quality. Also use it on interior and exterior black trim. Not sticky, slimy, or too shiny. Gives a layer of UV protection as well. Great stuff 

[jeremyp]

I've been using 303 Aerospace cleaner for years. The cover on my 2017 Denali looked like new when I traded it in back in January. It was still dark black and looked just like the brand new cover I put on my 2020 Elevation. Both were Truxedo tonneau covers. 

 

 

[Raphaël Macron]

Water is enough. Follow the cleaning method here and the effect is great.

[Grumpy Bear]

On 7/6/2020 at 9:52 PM, Grumpy Bear said:

I just wash mine with cold water and Rain X spot free then microfiber is dry. Looks good until the truck needs washing again. Been on there 6 years now. Still looks new. Less is more. 

 

Now ten years old and looking purdy good!