How to Properly Maintain and Clean Your Car Shades
A quality car sunshade can last for years with proper care, or deteriorate within months if neglected. The intense Australian sun, dust, and daily use all take their toll on sun protection products. By following proper maintenance practices, you can extend your sunshade's lifespan significantly while ensuring it continues to provide maximum heat and UV protection.
This guide covers everything from routine cleaning to proper storage, addressing common issues that cause premature wear and offering solutions that keep your investment performing effectively.
Regular Cleaning Basics
Dust, fingerprints, and general grime accumulate on sunshades with regular use. Beyond aesthetics, this buildup can actually reduce effectiveness—dirty reflective surfaces don't reflect heat as efficiently as clean ones.
Standard Cleaning Method
For routine cleaning, a simple approach works best. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently wipe down both sides of the shade. Pay particular attention to the reflective side, which bears the brunt of sun exposure and collects the most dust when stored.
After washing, rinse the shade with clean water to remove all soap residue. Soap left on the surface can leave a film that reduces reflectivity and attracts more dust. Allow the shade to dry completely before folding or storing—this is crucial for preventing mould and mildew growth.
For quick daily maintenance, keep a microfibre cloth in your glovebox. A quick wipe before storing removes most dust and prevents buildup that requires more intensive cleaning later.
What to Avoid
Harsh chemicals can damage the reflective coating on sunshades. Avoid bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, abrasive scrubbing pads, and pressure washing. These can strip away the metallic coating that provides heat reflection, turning an effective sunshade into a less useful barrier.
Don't put sunshades in the washing machine or dishwasher. The agitation and heat can damage the material structure and any reinforced edges or spring mechanisms.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Sometimes standard cleaning isn't enough to address specific stains or marks. Here's how to handle common issues.
Bird Droppings
If bird droppings land on your sunshade while it's deployed on your windscreen, address them promptly. The acidic nature of bird droppings can damage reflective coatings if left too long. Soak the affected area with warm water for a few minutes to loosen the deposit, then gently wipe away with a soft cloth.
Tree Sap
Sap from eucalyptus and other Australian trees can be particularly sticky. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball can help dissolve sap without damaging most sunshade materials. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't affect the colour or coating.
Mould and Mildew
If your sunshade develops a musty smell or visible mould spots, create a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Spray or wipe this solution onto the affected areas, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry completely in a well-ventilated area before storing.
Mould typically develops when shades are stored damp or in humid conditions. Always ensure your sunshade is completely dry before folding and store it in a dry location.
Proper Storage Practices
How you store your sunshade between uses significantly impacts its longevity. Proper storage prevents damage and maintains the shade's shape and effectiveness.
Folding Technique
Follow the manufacturer's intended folding pattern. Most accordion-style shades have natural fold lines—work with these rather than creating new creases. Forcing a shade to fold differently than designed can weaken the material at stress points and damage internal spring mechanisms.
For shades with twist-and-fold designs, practice the technique until it becomes second nature. Incorrect folding can stress the spring wire, eventually causing it to lose tension or break.
Storage Location
Store sunshades away from extreme heat when not in use. The boot of a car during summer can reach temperatures that degrade materials over time. If boot storage is your only option, use the shade's storage bag or sleeve to provide insulation.
Avoid storing shades where they might be crushed by other items. Constant pressure can permanently deform the material, creating gaps that reduce effectiveness when deployed.
- Cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
- Flat or in original storage sleeve
- Away from sharp objects that could puncture material
- Free from heavy items that could crush or deform
Extending Lifespan
Gentle Handling
The edges of sunshades often wear out first, particularly where they contact the dashboard or window frame. Handle your shade by the centre or designated grips rather than grabbing edges. When positioning on your windscreen, place it gently rather than shoving or forcing it into position.
Protect the Reflective Surface
The metallic coating that provides heat reflection is surprisingly delicate. Avoid placing anything on top of the reflective side, scratching it with rings or watches during handling, or allowing it to rub against rough surfaces during storage.
Check Attachment Points
If your sunshade uses suction cups, check them regularly for wear. Suction cups lose effectiveness over time, especially when exposed to heat. Clean suction cups with warm water periodically to remove dust that prevents proper adhesion. Replace them when they no longer grip firmly—most automotive stores sell replacement suction cups.
When to Replace
Despite proper care, sunshades eventually wear out. Recognising when replacement is needed ensures you maintain effective protection.
Signs of Wear
Look for these indicators that your sunshade needs replacement:
- Significant fading or discolouration of the reflective surface
- Cracks or holes in the material
- Loose or broken spring mechanism in twist-fold designs
- Permanent deformation that prevents proper coverage
- Edge binding coming loose or fraying
- Suction cups that won't stay attached even when cleaned
Performance Decline
If you notice your car is significantly hotter than it used to be when using the same sunshade, the reflective coating may have degraded beyond usefulness. Compare performance against a new shade if you're uncertain—sometimes gradual decline is hard to notice until you see the difference firsthand.
Most quality sunshades last 3-5 years with proper care, though this varies based on frequency of use and storage conditions. Budget shades may need replacement more frequently, while premium products often exceed this lifespan significantly.