Before storing your cover for the season, we recommend cleaning it. Brush off any loose dirt and debris, and follow the cleaning instructions supplied by the manufacturer. After the cover is dry, fold it neatly and place it in the storage bag, if included.

Make sure the cover is completely dry before folding it. Any moisture trapped inside the cover during storage can promote the growth of mildew.

Store the cover in a dry, protected area away from sunlight. This will help your cover last longer and save you the expense of buying a new one.

Your ATV or UTV cover needs to be cleaned regularly for the best protection.

Special Precautions

To protect the coating, which in turn protects your ATV, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the cover. The following instructions apply specifically to DuraShield ATV covers, but they also provide general instructions for cleaning most ATV covers on the market.

If the Water-Tec coating (or other special coating) does get damaged, or if it starts to wear off after years of use or exposure to harsh climates, you will need to either replace the cover or re-apply a water-resistant or waterproof coating.

Washing the ATV Cover

Because of the special coatings on your ATV cover, we recommend hand washing the cover for the gentlest cleaning. Use a soft brush and plain, lukewarm water to clean the cover. If you don’t want to hand wash the cover, you can compromise by cleaning the cover in the washing machine with COLD water, NO SOAP, and on the DELICATE cycle. The use of soap or detergent may remove the protective coatings on the cover and may even void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Drying the ATV Cover

After the ATV cover is washed, we recommend letting it air dry. Your other option is to machine dry the cover on a delicate or air only setting. Remove the cover as soon as it is dry. Make sure the cover is completely dry before folding it for storage.

Frequency of Cleaning

How often should you clean your ATV cover? That all depends on the climate you live in and how much the cover will be exposed to the elements. Wash the cover as often as it needs to be washed. The longer you go without washing a dirty cover, the less protection the cover will offer as the material becomes clogged with dirt and other particles.

Hide your ATV on the hunt
with a camo ATV cover.

Sometimes you might be able to ride all the way in to your hunting spot. Other times you may only be able to get part of the way in, but it’s easier and faster than walking the entire distance. Plus you have a quick way to get out in case of bad weather or emergencies.

Once you reach your hunting spot, slip a camo ATV cover over your quad to keep it from spooking the deer and to conceal it from other people in the area. You’ll probably want to hide your ATV in one spot and set up your ground blind in another spot just to make sure the deer don’t catch a whiff of gas or oil from your quad. You don’t want your ATV to spoil the hunt!

What determines the thickness of a cover?

“Denier” is the term used to describe the thickness of a material. The thicker the cover material, the higher the denier.

Are thicker covers better?

Thicker covers are better for outside storage. They’ll stand up better under the wear and tear of rain, snow, sun, and the elements. For inside storage in protected areas, thinner storage covers work just fine.

What is the recommended denier for indoor and outdoor storage covers?

For outdoor storage covers, a thickness of 300-600 denier is generally sufficient. For indoor storage covers, a thickness of 150-300 denier provides adequate protection.

What about breathability?

The thicker a storage cover is, the more difficult it is for air to flow through the cover. Without adequate venting, a thick storage cover will trap condensation inside the cover, possibly resulting in moisture damage. Most manufacturers include a venting system to make a thick cover breathable. The vent allows air and moisture to escape from underneath the cover while preventing moisture from entering.

How much does a quality storage cover cost?

The higher the denier, the more you should expect to pay. If your motorcycle or boat is in a fairly protected area, you may be able to get away with a thinner, lower cost cover. If you store your motorcycle or boat outdoors, invest in a thick, high quality storage cover with vents. It will cost you a little more up front, but the quality of protection will save you money in the long run.

What’s the difference between all these terms? Here’s how Merriam-Webster online defines it:

Waterproof: “impervious to water; especially : covered or treated with a material (as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water”

Water-repellent (also water-resistant): “treated with a finish that is resistant but not impervious to penetration by water”

Breathable, Waterproof Motorcycle Cover with
"Vent X" Venting System

A waterproof cover, on the other hand, is designed to keep out heavy rains. The seams are taped or sealed to keep water from entering through the tiny needle holes in the fabric seams. Although a waterproof cover sounds like the better of the two types of covers, it does have its weaknesses.

First, the time and effort required to waterproof a cover adds to the overall cost. If you choose a waterproof cover over a water-resistant one, be prepared to shell out the extra change.

Second, because of the water-tight nature of a waterproof cover, any condensation that builds up under the cover stays under the cover and can potentially cause moisture damage to your boat or vehicle. That’s why some manufacturers design their waterproof covers with vents to allow the condensation to evaporate and to prevent moisture damage. A breathable, waterproof cover will fully protect your boat, ATV, or other powersports vehicle from exterior and interior moisture.

Also keep in mind that one boat or motorcycle cover may be more waterproof than another, depending on the quality of the fabric and its resistance to water pressure. According to Wikipedia, “water resistance is measured by the amount of water, in mm, which can be suspended above the fabric before water seeps through.” So the more water pressure that a piece of fabric cover can withstand, the more likely it will be to keep your boat or motorcycle dry in heavy rain or snow.