Plasti Dip has become a go-to solution for car enthusiasts who want to change their vehicle’s colour or protect the original paint without the commitment of a permanent paint job. This removable rubber coating offers flexibility and protection, but it requires specific care to maintain its appearance and longevity.
Many car owners struggle with cleaning Plasti Dip because traditional car care products can damage or degrade the coating. The good news? Cleaning Plasti Dip car is straightforward once you know the right techniques and products to use.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your Plasti Dipped car looking fresh.
Table of Contents
Plasti Dip and Its Cleaning Needs
Plasti Dip is a specialised rubber coating that bonds temporarily to your car’s surface. Unlike traditional paint, it has a unique texture that can trap dirt and grime differently. The coating is porous, meaning contaminants can settle into the surface if not cleaned properly.
The material itself is durable but sensitive to certain chemicals. Petroleum-based products, harsh solvents, and automatic car wash brushes can all damage the coating. This means you need to be more selective about your cleaning methods compared to regular paint.
When maintained correctly, Plasti Dip can last several years while protecting your original paint. Neglected Plasti Dip becomes dull, attracts more dirt, and can start peeling prematurely. Regular cleaning prevents these issues and keeps your car looking like it just left the shop.
Essential Supplies for Cleaning
Before you start washing, gather the right supplies. Using incorrect products can permanently damage your Plasti Dip coating and force you to remove and reapply it.
You’ll need pH-neutral car wash soap specifically designed for sensitive surfaces. Avoid dish soap, household cleaners, or harsh degreasers. Two buckets are essential for the two-bucket wash method, which prevents you from dragging dirt across the surface. Microfibre wash mitts work best because they’re gentle on the rubber coating and won’t cause scratching.
For drying, use multiple soft microfibre towels rather than chamois or synthetic drying towels. A pressure washer with adjustable settings helps with the pre-rinse, but keep it on a gentle setting. Wheel cleaner safe for Plasti Dip is necessary if you’ve coated your wheels. Finally, keep a specialised Plasti Dip spray or detailer on hand for spot cleaning between full washes.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
The cleaning process for Plasti Dip requires a gentle touch and patience. Rushing through the wash can cause premature wear or damage to the coating.
Pre-Rinse Your Vehicle
Start with a thorough pre-rinse using a pressure washer set to low or medium pressure. Hold the nozzle at least 30 centimetres from the surface and use sweeping motions to remove loose dirt and debris. Pay special attention to wheel wells, lower panels, and areas where mud accumulates. This step removes abrasive particles that could scratch the Plasti Dip during washing.
Prepare Your Wash Solution
Fill one bucket with clean water and the other with your pH-neutral car wash soap mixed according to the product instructions. The soap-to-water ratio matters because too much soap can leave residue on the Plasti Dip surface. Use cool or lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can soften the coating.
Wash in Sections
Work from the top of your car down, washing one section at a time. Dip your microfibre mitt into the soapy water, gently wash a panel using straight lines rather than circular motions, then rinse the mitt in the clean water bucket before reloading with soap. This two-bucket method prevents dirt from being transferred back onto the clean surface.
Use light pressure when washing. Plasti Dip doesn’t need aggressive scrubbing like traditional paint. Let the soap and water do the work. For stubborn spots, let the soap sit for a minute before gently wiping again.
Rinse Thoroughly
After washing each section, rinse it immediately with clean water. Don’t let soap dry on the Plasti Dip surface, as it can leave streaks or residue. Work in the shade if possible to prevent water spots from forming as the car dries.
Dry Carefully
Pat dry with clean microfibre towels rather than wiping or rubbing. The patting motion lifts water without creating friction that could damage the coating. Replace towels as they become saturated to avoid dragging water across the surface.
Tackling Stubborn Stains and Contaminants
Even with regular washing, your Plasti Dipped car might encounter stubborn stains that need special attention.
For bird droppings and bug splatter, act quickly. These contaminants are acidic and can etch into the Plasti Dip if left too long. Spray the area with a Plasti Dip-safe detailer, let it sit for a few minutes to soften the debris, then gently wipe with a microfibre cloth. Never scrape or use abrasive tools.
Tar and road grime require a different approach. Use a dedicated tar remover that’s safe for rubber surfaces. Apply it to the affected area, let it dwell according to product instructions, then gently wipe away. Test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the coating.
Water spots can develop if you wash in direct sunlight or don’t dry properly. Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, apply to the spots, let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a damp microfibre cloth. Follow up with a Plasti Dip detailer to restore the finish.
What to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the correct cleaning methods. Several common car care practices can seriously damage Plasti Dip.
Never use automatic car washes with brushes. The harsh bristles can tear, peel, or create texture changes in your car. Touchless automatic washes might seem safe, but many use harsh chemicals that degrade the coating. If you must use an automatic wash, verify they use Plasti Dip-safe products.
Avoid petroleum-based cleaners, including many commercial wheel cleaners and degreasers. These chemicals break down the rubber compound in Plasti Dip, causing it to become soft, sticky, or discoloured. Similarly, waxes and polishes designed for traditional paint don’t work on Plasti Dip and can create a hazy appearance.
Don’t use high-pressure settings on your pressure washer. Anything above 1500 PSI can lift edges of the coating or create texture inconsistencies. Keep the nozzle at a safe distance and use a wider spray pattern rather than a concentrated stream.
Skip the clay bar treatment. While clay bars work wonders on painted surfaces, they’re too aggressive for Plasti Dip and can pull the coating away from the surface. The same goes for abrasive polishing compounds or scratch removers.
Maintaining Plasti Dip Between Washes
Regular maintenance between full washes keeps your Plasti Dip looking fresh and extends its lifespan.
Quick detailer sprays made specifically for Plasti Dip work wonders for spot cleaning. Keep a bottle in your car along with a microfibre cloth. When you notice bird droppings, bug splatter, or other contaminants, address them immediately rather than waiting for your next wash.
Park in covered areas whenever possible. While Plasti Dip offers UV protection, prolonged sun exposure can cause fading over time. Garage parking or covered carports provide the best protection. If you park outside regularly, consider applying a UV protectant designed for rubber surfaces every few months.
Inspect your coating regularly for damage or lifting edges. Catching small issues early prevents them from becoming bigger problems. If you notice edges starting to peel, you can often seal them back down or do a quick touch-up rather than redoing entire panels.
How Often Should You Clean Your Plasti Dipped Car
The cleaning frequency depends on your driving conditions and environment, but general guidelines help maintain optimal appearance.
For daily drivers in urban areas, washing every two weeks keeps the coating clean without excessive wear from washing. If you drive frequently in dusty conditions, on dirt roads, or during winter when roads are salted, increase washing frequency to once per week. Garage-kept vehicles used occasionally might only need washing once per month.
Between full washes, do quick spot cleaning as needed. Address bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree sap within 24 hours of noticing them to prevent staining or etching.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a Plasti Dipped car requires different techniques than traditional paint, but the process is simple once you understand the basics. Use gentle products, avoid harsh chemicals and automatic washes, and address contaminants quickly to keep your coating looking fresh.
The key to long-lasting Plasti Dip is consistent, gentle care. Your coating can maintain its appearance and protective qualities for years with the right approach. Whether you chose Plasti Dip for colour change, protection, or both, proper cleaning ensures you get the most value from your investment.
Can I use regular car wash soap on Plasti Dip?
Only if it’s pH-neutral and doesn’t contain waxes or additives. Most regular car wash soaps contain compounds that can damage Plasti Dip. Look for products specifically labelled safe for rubber coatings or Plasti Dip.
Will pressure washing damage my Plasti Dip?
Not if you use the correct pressure and technique. Keep pressure below 1500 PSI, maintain at least 30 centimetres distance from the surface, and use a wider spray pattern. High pressure or close-range washing can lift or damage the coating.
How do I remove water spots from Plasti Dip?
Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar, spray on the affected area, wait 30 seconds, then wipe with a damp microfibre cloth. Follow with a Plasti Dip detailer spray to restore the finish.
Can I wax Plasti Dip like regular paint?
No, traditional car wax doesn’t work on Plasti Dip and can create a hazy, uneven appearance. Use detailer sprays specifically formulated for Plasti Dip instead.