A car cover is an investment that protects your vehicle — but like any protective equipment, it needs basic maintenance to perform well and last longer. Proper care keeps the waterproof coating intact, prevents mildew, and extends the usable life of your cover significantly. This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for a GagaFast car cover. If you need help choosing which cover is right for you, see our car cover buying guide.
How to clean your car cover
Hand washing (recommended)
Hand washing is the safest and most effective method for cleaning an Oxford fabric car cover. It preserves the waterproof coating better than machine washing.
- Shake or brush off loose dust and debris before wetting the cover.
- Lay the cover flat on a clean surface or drape it over the vehicle.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent (dish soap or gentle laundry liquid) with cold or lukewarm water.
- Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub soiled areas gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap residue remains.
- Allow to air dry completely before folding and storing.
Machine washing (use with caution)
Machine washing is possible but not recommended for regular cleaning. The agitation and heat of a washing machine accelerate degradation of the waterproof DWR (durable water repellent) coating. If you do machine wash:
- Use a front-loading machine (top-loaders with agitators cause more damage)
- Cold water only, gentle cycle
- Mild detergent — no bleach, no fabric softener
- Do not tumble dry — air dry only
What not to use
- No bleach — degrades fabric and destroys waterproofing
- No fabric softener — coats fibres and blocks breathability
- No high-pressure hosing directly at seams — can force water through stitching
- No tumble drying — heat damages the waterproof coating
- No dry cleaning — solvents damage Oxford fabric coatings
How to dry your car cover
Always air dry your car cover fully before storing it. Storing a damp cover — even slightly damp — leads to mildew growth, which causes musty odours and can permanently stain both the cover and your vehicle's paintwork.
- Drape the cover over the vehicle or hang it over a line or railing
- Dry in a shaded area if possible — prolonged direct sun can degrade the outer coating over time
- Turn the cover inside out partway through drying to ensure the inner layer dries completely
- Do not fold and store until completely dry to the touch on both sides
How to store your car cover
When the cover is clean and fully dry:
- Fold it neatly and store in the included storage bag
- Keep the bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
- Do not store heavy objects on top of the bag — prolonged compression can crease the cover
- Avoid storing in a hot car boot for extended periods — heat accelerates coating degradation
How to fit and remove the cover safely
How you handle the cover daily has a big impact on its lifespan:
- Ensure your vehicle is clean before fitting the cover. Fitting a cover over a dirty car traps grit between the fabric and paintwork, which causes scratches when the cover moves in wind.
- Shake the cover out before fitting to remove any dust or debris from inside.
- Remove carefully — pull from the corners and fold as you go. Dragging the cover across the vehicle causes abrasion.
- Do not fit a cover on a wet vehicle unless necessary. Trapped moisture can cause water spots and encourage mildew in the cover fabric.
How to re-waterproof your car cover
Over time — typically after 12–18 months of regular outdoor use — the DWR waterproof coating on an Oxford cover begins to wear down. You will notice water soaking into the fabric rather than beading and running off. You can restore waterproofing with a spray-on DWR re-treatment product available from outdoor or automotive stores. Apply after washing and before the cover has fully dried for best adhesion.
When to replace your car cover
Replace your cover when:
- The fabric has visible tears, holes, or fraying that cannot be repaired
- The waterproof coating no longer responds to re-treatment and the inner lining stays wet after rain
- The elastic hem has lost its stretch and the cover no longer stays in place
- Mildew staining cannot be removed and the odour persists after washing
A well-maintained GagaFast Black Shield 420D cover used daily in South African outdoor conditions typically lasts 3–5 years. A Blue Shield 210D cover under the same conditions typically lasts 1–3 years. For more on the differences between these covers, see our 210D vs 420D fabric comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my car cover?
Wash your cover when visibly dirty, or approximately every 2–3 months with regular daily use. In dusty environments like farms or gravel-road areas, more frequent washing may be needed.
Can I iron a car cover to remove wrinkles?
No. Heat from an iron will melt or damage the waterproof coating and can distort the fabric. Light creases from storage will relax naturally once the cover is fitted on the vehicle.
My cover smells musty. What should I do?
A musty smell indicates mildew. Wash the cover thoroughly with a mild detergent, add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse water, and dry completely in fresh air. If the smell persists after two washes, the mildew may be embedded in the fabric and the cover should be replaced.
Can I use the cover on a dusty vehicle without washing the car first?
It is not recommended. Dust and grit trapped between the cover and paintwork act like sandpaper when the cover moves in wind. Always fit the cover over a clean, dry vehicle for best results.
Does the Black Shield Pro (cotton lining) require different care?
The care process is the same. Hand wash with mild detergent and cold water, and air dry completely. The spunlace cotton inner lining of the Black Shield Pro should be checked for any debris before fitting — a clean inner lining is especially important for ceramic-coated and PPF-protected vehicles.