How to Clean and Maintain Automotive PPF Film Like a Pro

Automotive PPF film needs to be cleaned regularly and cared for properly to remain in good condition. In the following blog, I will take you through exactly how you can clean and maintain your automotive PPF film like a pro in just a few simple steps.

Table of contents

• Why Cleaning PPF Film Matters
• Tools You Need
• Steps to Clean and Maintain Automotive PPF Film
• Things to Avoid When Cleaning Automotive PPF Film
• Top 10 Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Automotive PPF Film
• How to Fix Minor PPF Scratches or Lifting Edges
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why Cleaning PPF Film Matters

Regularly clean your car’s PPF film to ensure it remains clear and works as intended. The film can also become dull as it becomes covered with dirt, bugs, and grime. Treatment with appropriate cleaners also prevents damage and extends film life. It will also help maintain the film so that it doesn’t peel away or haze, causing your paint to fade or become discolored.

Tools You Need

Before you do anything, here’s what you’ll need:

• Two pails (for soap and rinsing)
• Soft car soap (no detergents)
• Microfiber mittens or sponges for washing
• Microfiber drying towels
• Soft detailing brushes
• Isopropyl alcohol (for stubborn stains)
• Maintaining PPF-specific sealant or Coating (optional)
• A hose with a soft spray attachment

And with the proper tools, you should have no scratches on your car’s automotive PPF film.

Steps to Clean and Maintain Automotive PPF Film

Step 1: Rinse the Car

Rinse your car down with water. Spray off loose dirt, dust, and debris with a gentle water spray from a garden hose. This procedure keeps you from scratching the automotive PPF film when you wash the vehicle. Rinse from the car’s roof toward the bottom to direct dirt downward.

Step 2: Wash with Mild Soap

One bucket of water and some mild car soap are added. Dip the microfiber wash mitt into the soapy water and lightly wash the automotive PPF film. Do straight lines and NOT circles, or you will create swirls.

Work on one part at a time, such as the hood or door. Regularly flush the mitt to get rid of dirt. Use the second bucket of clean water to re-wet the mitt before placing it back into the soapy water.

Step 3: Tackle Tough Stains

Use a soft detailing brush with mild soap for tough stains such as bugs or tar. If the stains do not disappear, moisten a microfiber cloth with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the area. Be sure not to push too hard, for it will create scratches in the automobile PPF film.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the car with clean water to eliminate the soap. Rinse with a light spray to prevent water spots. Dry the vehicle using fresh microfiber cloths. Instead of wiping it, pat the surface lightly to avoid scratches. Be sure the auto PPF film is thoroughly dried to prevent streaks.

Step 5: Set with Protectant Seal to preserve the paint.

To maintain the quality of your automotive PPF, apply a PPF-designed sealant or coating every 2-3 months. Use the product per the instructions and apply it with a clean microfiber cloth. This adds additional protection and makes the film glossy.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Automotive PPF Film

Not following the rules and right steps while cleaning the automotive PPF film can cause serious damage. Some common issues you can face due to bad cleaning practices are reduction in lifespan, color fadedness, less shiny effect, peeling, and scratches. Here are some things to avoid when cleaning the wrap film:

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

The most common mistake many people make is using strong household cleaners, degreasers, or anything with bleach or ammonia, which can damage the PPF film. These harsh chemicals can damage the upper protective layer, which can cause discoloration, dullness, or early wear and tear. Over time, you will see that the color is getting faded and yellowish. Therefore, only use the gentle or pH-balanced car soaps that are designed for use on coated or PPF-covered vehicles.

Don’t Use Rough Towels or Sponges

The rough towel or sponges can quickly produce scratches on the wrapping film. I recommend you avoid old towels, dirty clothes, rough sponges, or stiff brushes because they can cause scratches or even wear and tear. So, always use soft microfiber mitts or towels when washing and drying your vehicle. Also, try to use a towel and sponge softly and in a circular direction on the car.

Don’t Wash Under Direct Sunlight

Sunlight and UV radiation are very dangerous for the PPF film. Therefore, never wash the wrap film in a direct sunlight area to avoid serious burnouts. Moreover, the heat from the sun causes water and soap to dry too quickly, leaving behind ugly spots and streaks. You can get rid of water spots on a car, but still, they can affect the wrap in the long run.

Avoid High-Pressure Water Jets

The high-pressure water jet is safe to use on paint, but it can strongly damage the PPF wrap on the car. If it is becoming necessary to use a pressure washer, shortly use it from a distance. When sprayed too close to the surface, it can lift or damage the edges of the film, especially if the edges are already loose or aging. The safest option is to use a garden hose with a soft spray attachment.

Don’t Skip Drying After Washing

Many people leave their cars in the open air without drying them with a dry cloth. It looks like a convenient option to dry the car surface, but it can lead to hard stains. These spots can leave behind mineral deposits on the PPF film, which reduces the shiny effect of the PPF wrap film. Therefore, after washing the car, instantly use the dry and soft cloth to dry the water from the surface.

Avoid Automatic Car Washes with Brushes

Another one of the most common dangerous things for the car wrap is the automatic car wash. Many of these car washes use spinning brushes or cloth strips that can be rough on the surface. These brushes, when run on the soft wrap film, can produce scratches or even wear. If you want to use a car wash, I highly recommend you use a touchless car wash only.

Top 10 Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Automotive PPF Film

No matter how safely and carefully you clean the car with wrapping, proper maintenance is necessary. Here are some maintenance tips that will help you increase the lifespan of the wrap and keep it shiny:

• Wash your car every 2 weeks to keep dirt, bugs, and dust from building up on the film.
• Use only PPF-safe soaps and soft microfiber cloths to prevent scratching or damaging the film surface during washing.
• Avoid automatic car washes with brushes, as they can scratch or peel the PPF film over time.
• Park in a shaded area or garage to protect the film from direct sunlight and UV damage.
• Apply a PPF-friendly sealant or top coat every few months to maintain shine and protective strength.
• Check the edges of the film regularly to spot signs of peeling, lifting, or trapped debris.
• Remove bird droppings, tree sap, or bug splatter as soon as possible to avoid staining or etching the film.
• Do not use wax products unless they are labeled safe for PPF.
• Keep a clean microfiber cloth in your car for quick spot cleaning when needed while on the go.
• Schedule professional inspections once or twice a year to ensure the film is performing well and fully intact.

How to Fix Minor PPF Scratches or Lifting Edges

If unintentionally or due to carelessness the scratches are produced on your car wrap, you can remove them in some cases. Below are some simple and safe ways to handle light damage and keep your PPF looking flawless.

Identify the Type of Damage First

The first thing before fixing the scratches is to assess the extent of the scratches. Check whether it is a surface-level scratch, a lifted corner, or a full peel. Light scuffs may not need much attention, while lifting edges requires quick action.

Clean the Area Thoroughly

After identifying the extent of scratches and making sure that it is fixable, clean the area thoroughly. Use the microfiber cloth and mild car wash solution to clean the dirt and grime on the surface of the wrap.

Use Heat to Heal Light Scratches

Heating the surface is the main part of removing the scratches on the car wrap. For very light surface scratches, a little heat can help. Please gently use the hair dryer or heat gun on the wrap, and do not use it in one place too long.

Apply PPF-friendly Scratch Remover

If there are still some scratches visible on the wrap, you can apply the commercial PPF wrap remover. These products are made to work with the top coat of the film and can easily remove the scratches on the PPF wrap.

Reseal Lightly Lifted Edges with PPF Adhesive

If you notice a small edge lifting, act fast to stop dirt or moisture from getting underneath. In case the dirt touches the inner side of the wrap, it will start damaging the wrap further. Just clean the area, then apply a tiny bit of PPF edge adhesive or double-sided automotive film tape. Finally, press the edges gently with a soft cloth and leave it for a few hours.

Know When to Call a Professional

If you are not able to remove the scratches on your own, get help from a professional. If you use the wrong technique or material, the wrap can get highly damaged.

Conclusion

Taking care of automotive PPF is a snap with these simple steps. Regular washing and occasional mild drying and sealing will keep a car’s film looking good and protect your paint. With just a few easy steps, you can clean your vehicle’s PPF film like a professional and continue to protect your car for years to come.