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December 29, 2009

How to Clean an ATV Cover

Filed under: ATV Covers & UTV Covers — Tags: , — Esther @ 12:07 pm

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

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

In order for your ATV cover or UTV cover to provide the best protection, it needs to be cleaned every so often. When you clean your ATV cover, however, you need to be careful not to remove the Water-Tec coating (on DuraShield covers) or other special coatings applied by the manufacturer.

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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.

December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas from DuraShield Covers!

Filed under: DuraShield Covers News — Esther @ 12:42 pm

Merry Christmas from DuraShield Covers

December 22, 2009

Winter Boat Cover Care

Heavy snow can damage your cover. Brush snow off the boat cover regularly.

Heavy snow can damage your cover.
Brush snow off the boat cover regularly.

If you store your boat outside during the winter months, there are special precautions you should take to protect your boat and keep the boat cover in good shape. With the proper care, your marine boat cover should last for many seasons.

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First off, avoid parking the boat under a tree. As snow falls off the branches, it will land on the boat cover, and the more snow that collects on the cover, the more damage it can cause. Also, in the spring, the sap from the tree can drip onto the cover, which means you will have to wash the cover or replace it if the sap damages the fabric.

Support the cover with a boat cover support, whether a homemade PVC frame or a ready-made frame from a supply store. The supports keep the boat cover from sagging under the weight of snow or rain, and they allow moisture to run off the cover instead of collecting in puddles. Make sure the pole supports are secure and the cover is tight to prevent pockets where rain could collect.

Never put a plastic tarp on top of the boat cover (except to protect the cover temporarily during painting, roofing, or other house and yard work). The tarp compromises the cover’s breathability, trapping moisture inside your boat, where it can cause major damage and mold growth.

Don’t just wait for the snow to melt off the cover. If the weather turns colder, the snow can start to melt, then turn into a heavy block of ice. If the weather turns warmer, the melted snow can turn into huge puddles of water that, if left to stand, can seep through the cover. Water that is left to collect on the cover will collect dirt and cause the cover fabric to rot. Make sure that rain and other water can easily run off the cover without getting stuck in folds or pockets.

Brush the snow off the boat cover every time it snows. Don’t let the snow build up over the winter. The weight of the snow can damage your cover. Clean off the snow with a broom or large brush.

December 18, 2009

DuraShield Covers Expands into New Office and Warehouse Facilities

Filed under: DuraShield Covers News — Tags: — Esther @ 11:45 am

DuraShield Covers LogoThe time has come to move on to bigger and better things! With the rapid growth of the DuraShield Covers brand, we needed to find a larger facility to house our warehouse and office space.

After shopping around for new digs, we decided to expand into a 51,000 square foot facility (about the size of a football field) located just outside the city of Minneapolis. The expanded facilities give us more than enough room to add more of the new motorcycle, ATV, boat, and powersports cover products that you’ve asked for.

We’re proud to be your “go to” source for the ultimate in cover protection, and we look forward to keeping you satisfied as we expand our product lines. As always, we welcome your feedback! Don’t hesitate to contact us with suggestions, comments, and requests for new products.

Thanks a bunch!
DuraShield Covers signature

December 15, 2009

Motorcycle Cover FAQs

How do I know which size cover will fit my motorcycle?

Use our motorcycle sizing chart to find the right cover for your bike’s make and model. If you have a custom motorcycle cover, contact our customer service (888-263-7028) to see if our covers will work for you.

How do I clean my motorcycle cover?

The safest way to clean our motorcycle covers is to hand wash them with mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush or sponge to brush away excess dirt and gently clean the cover. Allow the cover to air dry completely before storage or use.

How waterproof are your motorcycle covers?

Our motorcycle covers are designed to repel water and “breathe,” meaning that any condensation or heat vapors that build up underneath the cover are allowed to escape through vents in the material. Keeping the cover clean and free of debris will allow the water repellant coating to work best.

I use my motorcycle cover on road trips. Which cover should I buy?

The DuraShield Travel Motorcycle Cover is great for road trips. It’s a lightweight, compact cover that easily stores on board and keeps your motorcycle clean, safe, and protected, whether overnight or just for a few hours. Use the integrated grommets and a cable lock for extra security. Just stuff the cover in the included mesh storage bag when you’re ready to head out again.

I use my motorcycle cover for storage. Which cover should I buy?

The DuraShield Lined Motorcycle Cover is a luxury cover that pampers your bike during storage. The cover material is thicker for added protection and longer-lasting durability. Plus it’s got a breathable vent system to prevent moisture damage, a heat resistant lower panel that lets you throw the cover over hot pipes, and a “pillow quilt” lining that cocoons your paint and windshield.

I store my motorcycle in the garage. Do I really need a motorcycle cover?

Yes. Dirt and dust are stirred up every time you open or close the garage door. Over time, that dirt and dust will build up on your bike. If you want to keep your bike clean and in prime condition, use a motorcycle cover to protect it from dirt and grime.

How long will my DuraShield motorcycle cover last?

Our motorcycle covers are built to last. They come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 5 year warranty. With the right care (cleaning the cover, keeping it clean, avoiding rips and tears, etc.), your cover will last even longer. Also, your particular climate affects how long the cover will last. The harsher conditions that you expose your cover to, the sooner it may need to be replaced.

December 8, 2009

How to Prevent Boat Cover Mildew and Mold Growth

Filed under: Marine Boat Covers — Tags: , , — Esther @ 12:24 pm

Keep your boat cover clean to prevent mildew.

Keep your boat cover clean to prevent mildew.

What causes mold and mildew on a boat cover? It’s not the type of material itself. Polyester marine fabric does not actually support the growth of mildew.

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The true culprit is the combination of moisture and the dust or dirt that collects on top of the cover. Mildew thrives in a dirty environment, which means that keeping your boat cover clean is the best way to prevent mold and mildew from taking over.

You can cut down on the need for deep cleaning by brushing off debris and rinsing your cover with a hose once a month. This slows down the buildup of dirt and dust and helps prevent debris from becoming ingrained in the cover fabric.

Keeping your boat and storage cover dry is another way to fight mildew. Make sure the inside of the boat is completely dry before installing the boat cover. The boat cover should be stored in a dry, protected area when not in use. Don’t store the cover inside your boat, where it is more susceptible to moisture.

If you store your boat outside, the cover MUST be breathable to allow trapped moisture and condensation to evaporate. Moisture trapped inside the boat creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth.

In order for the cover to “breathe” properly, it must be clean and free of debris. You should also never throw a tarp or plastic cover on top of your boat cover. This will block the air flow and trap moisture inside.

December 1, 2009

Choosing a Golf Cart Cover for Rain and Storage

Filed under: Golf Cart Covers — Tags: , — Esther @ 12:06 pm

Storage cover with easy-access rear zipper.

Storage cover with easy-access rear zipper.

Do you know which type of golf cart cover you need? There are basically two different types of golf cart covers: storage covers and rain covers. Here’s the difference between the two types.

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1. Golf Cart Storage Covers

A storage cover protects your golf cart when not in use. It keeps the golf cart dry and clean overnight, during the off-season, and during storage, whether long-term or short-term.

Details:

  • Some golf cart storage covers have rear zipper for easy access to the rear storage area and/or gas tank.
  • Made from heavy duty, durable material for long-term storage in harsh weather climates.
  • Available in universal sizes, semi-custom sizes, and custom-made for your specific golf cart model.
  • Not designed for use while driving.
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2. Golf Cart Rain Covers

A rain cover has clear windows that allow you to drive in rain and snow without getting wet. You can use a rain cover out on the golf course or wherever you work and drive. The clear windows and shelter from the weather mean you can keep playing your game, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. With a rain cover, you can stay dry, protected, and sheltered from the wind in all types of weather.

Details:

  • Made with clear vinyl for good visibility.
  • Available in 3-sided and 4-sided styles.
  • Not designed for use as a storage cover.