So you have just unboxed your new Bakflip F1 tonneau cover and you are excited to install it on your pickup truck right away. The gleam in your eyes parallels the gleam on your new tonneau cover’s pristine UV protected black finish and you wish it stays as shiny as you first saw it for a very long time. But keeping your tonneau cover in tiptop shape involves regular cleaning. But you don’t have to worry as hard folding tonneau covers are a lot easier to maintain compared to soft vinyl and leather tonneau covers. You can even run it through an automated car washing system. But if you prefer to clean it yourself, read on to learn how.
When cleaning Bakflip F1 tonneau covers, it is important that you steer clear of ammonia based cleaning agents and protectants as this could harm your tonneau cover’s finish and void your warranty. Your safest bet would be mild carwash soaps diluted in water. You also need to park your pickup truck in a shaded area before washing your truck’s tonneau cover to avoid damaging your tonneau cover and your pickup truck as well. To start cleaning your tonneau cover, spray it with water to remove surface grit stuck on your tonneau cover’s panels. Next, dip a sponge or a soft-bristled brush in a solution of mild carwash soap and water and start scrubbing from the center towards the sides. Use a gentle side-to-side motion to clean the surface.
If there are hard to remove dirt on the surface of your tonneau cover, soak the area with car soap and water solution to soften the dirt. Do not scrub the surface vigorously to remove the dirt as this could chip or scratch your tonneau cover’s surface. Once you’re done scrubbing, hose down the entire surface to rinse. Leave to dry, or wipe dry with a soft, lint-free microfiber chamois. Spray a layer or two of a waterproofing agent, such as the 303® protectant or Armor All® to provide an extra layer of protection on your tonneau cover. Wipe dry in between applications.
One important thing to remember when cleaning folding tonneau covers is that you need to avoid cleaning during the winter season, unless you have a garage with a heater. This could freeze your tonneau cover and damage it in the process. For as long as your tonneau cover does not require immediate cleaning, it would best to wait until spring time to clean your tonneau cover. However, an automated carwash can be another option during this season, if you are willing to shell out a couple of bucks. You also need to wipe away accumulation of water or snow on your tonneau cover’s surface as this could compromise the finish of your Bakflip F1 tonneau cover’s surface.