Tips on Keeping Your Truck Bed Clean

It is no secret that truck beds can get pretty dirty. Whether you're hauling around construction materials or just driving around town, your truck bed is likely to pick up all sorts of dirt.

 

Keeping the truck bed clean should be a priority to maintain your vehicle's excellent condition. Not only does it make your truck look nicer, but it also helps to protect the truck's finish. Doing this can be a challenge, especially if you don't have the experience or know-how to clean the truck bed.

 

Cleaning your tonneau cover

Tonneau covers can trap a lot of dirt and debris, which can be challenging to clean if not addressed. Since there are many material types of truck bed covers, it is best to clean them in the recommended way. These procedures may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it in the end. By taking care of your truck bed regularly, you'll keep it looking great for many years to come.

 

Hard and folding covers

If you do intense off-roading, chances are, mud gets stuck onto the covers. When it dries, they might stick severely on the underbody and even onto your tonneau cover. Make sure to give these tonneau cover types a good scrubbing with a brush, and then rinse it off with water. 

 

Hard and folding tonneau covers are easier to clean than those with soft materials. You can wipe them off to clean if they're dusty.

Soft truck bed covers

Vinyl-made tonneau covers are the standard choice for many truck owners. Some folding and hard tonneau covers use a top layer of vinyl, while others have canvas material. Unlike hard tonneau covers, the soft ones are challenging to clean. You will need some patience to clean the top and even the nooks and crannies.

 

If your bed cover has a vinyl or fabric top, you must use a combination of cleaner and protectant to keep it clean. Particular cleaning products are specifically formulated for soft tonneau covers. They are more effective in removing dirt and grime than regular car soap. Directions may vary from one cleaner to another, but the following instructions will give you great results.

 

With truck bed accessories

If you paired some add-ons such as toolbox and other cargo management products to your tonneau cover, you have to clean them as well. It may take some effort to get them looking their best since you might need to unscrew before you can thoroughly clean them.

 

Once you've cleaned the truck bed and all of its accessories, dry everything off with a microfiber towel. It will help prevent the water spots or white streaks on the finish. Finally, give the truck bed a good coat of wax to protect it from future dirt and debris.

 

Putting extra protection for truck bed

In addition to keeping your truck bed clean, you can also add some truck accessories that provide extra protection against dirt and debris. There are a few products on the market that can do just that. Adding cargo management products can help you organize the things piling up on the truck bed.

 

Bed liner

The majority of truck owners who mod their vehicles choose a bed liner. It can protect the surface of your truck against a variety of problems. The liners come in a wide range of styles and sizes, so you're sure to discover one that suits your needs.

 

Bed liners protect the paint and finish of the truck's bed from scratches and other types of damage. Unlike flat mats, the liners include the sides and walls of the bed. If you accidentally drop a heavy item, the liners can absorb the impact of vibrations.

 

The liners come in two types: spray-in (or spray-on) and drop-in. The spray-in liner comes in a sprayable substance that provides a more airtight seal. The material prevents water and other particles from entering the gaps to avoid corrosion. The drop-in liner has a custom fit locked using bolts and hooks. The material in this type of liner prevents the cargo from sliding around the truck bed.

 

Bed mat and tailgate cover

Bed liners and mats are made with different materials and set up in distinct ways, but they both serve the same function—to protect the truck's bed. Tailgate covers are often paired with bed mats to widen the coverage of protection from scratches.

 

The tailgate cover and bed prevent rainwater and dampness from the truck bed, which can cause corrosion. The bed mat and tailgate cover protect the truck's surface from damage, especially if you load items with sharp jagged ends and angles. 

 

These truck accessories are usually sold separately. But both mat and tailgate cover work will work well together even if you have an existing tonneau cover. Combining these three truck accessories will provide maximum bed protection for your vehicle.

 

Bed rails

Aside from keeping the truck bed clean, it is also crucial to protect against various forms of damage. Bed rails are made of metal poles that stretch across the length of the truck bed's sidings. Using them can help the truck bed avoid scratches and dents, primarily when used for various purposes.

 

They have a lot of benefits such as:

 

• Commercial purposes: You can secure heavy equipment like lumber, pipes, pieces of machinery, ladders, or other materials in the bed rail.
  
  
• Farming: Put your farming supplies and materials on the bed and secure them in the rails.
  
  
• Leisure: Use the rails to keep your ATV, snowmobile, or motorcycle secured while it's in transit.

 

• Hauling: With the help of chains and tie-down ropes, use the bed rails to secure oversized items like furniture and appliances. You don't have to worry if they will fall while you're transporting them. Bed rails provide convenience when securing large things and cargo on the truck bed. You can tie the items in multiple angles and points to ensure they won't move during transport.

Spring-cleaning your truck bed

Maintaining the excellent condition of your truck bed prevents corrosion and other forms of damage. With the help of truck accessories, you can ensure cleanliness and keep the pristine condition of your vehicle's bed.