How to Clean a Tonneau Cover in 4 Steps

Tonneau covers are a great way to protect your tools, your gear, and whatever else you throw in the back of your rig. And, they even improve your rig’s aerodynamic design, therefore increasing your MPGs. So, because your tonneau cover does so much for you, don’t you think you should do a little something for it? I’m talking about cleaning it and giving it the proper TLC it deserves.

From hard truck bed covers to retractable tonneau covers, truck covers come in several different styles. In order to get a tonneau cover that can withstand everyday abuse, you’ll want to choose from the top brands in the business, like an Extang or an Undercover tonneau cover. Whether you’re after an F-150 bed cover or a Toyota Tundra bed cover, these brands craft some of the best-fitting, longest-lasting truck bed covers on the market.

You’ll find a huge selection of tonneau cover reviews on our website, and information on all the top styles like the BAKFlip F1 and the Roll-n-Lock Tonneau Cover. We make it easy for you to compare the most popular brands and styles so you can make the most informed decision possible.

Cleaning Your Tonneau Cover

Once you’ve installed your tonneau cover, you’ll need to know how to clean a tonneau cover in order to keep it looking its best. Lucky for you, cleaning a tonneau cover is a simple task that you can complete on your own. While it’s always a good idea to consult your owner's manual for specific care instructions, you can use the following directions as a general guideline for getting the job done.

1. Find a shaded area, then spray your tonneau with water so it can soak while you prepare the cleaning solution.
2. Pour half a cup of car-washing solution into a bucket and fill it with warm water.
3. Dip a scrub brush into the solution and use it to scrub the tonneau cover from the center to the edges. You’ll want to use a smooth side-to-side motion without applying too much pressure. If the dirt isn’t coming off right away, you may want to let it soak for about 5 minutes and then try again.
4. Rinse the cover with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Note: For soft tonneau covers, use a tonneau cover cleaner that offers UV protection and conditioners to keep your cover in top shape.