What are you guys using to clean your fabric vert tops? I've got a few spots and need to wash them out.

Do you have to apply anything else to restore water repellancy after cleaning?

 

I have been looking for a good answer to this too. For now I do not have any serious spots to remove but sooner or later "big bird" will strike. I use a mild soap for now for general cleaning.

 

MAD sells a water proofing spray. I used this myself and it worked OK. I don't see why regular Scotchguard spray wouldn't work. I was reluctant to try it out as a new top is pretty expensive if it gets hosed.
Soapy water and a scrub brush works for cleaning. Just don't bear down on the top and stretch it out when it is wet.

 

They also sell waterproofing stuff at boating supply stores for canopies, sail covers and the like. ~Juliet

 

Advice from a motor trimmer - dust off with a brush, then wash with your normal car cleaning detergent, make sure all the suds are hosed off, keep roof up until totally dry (overnight). No need to treat it special they are designed that way - easy maintenance.

 

Porsche makes a very nice cloth top cleaner, and this is what I use on my cloth top for cleaning. I have found the Porsche conv. top cleaner to be very mild, yet effective without altering the color of the top. A very nice product. :yesnod:

It is recommended that cloth tops are treated for water repellancy as needed. When water hits your top, does it bead or absorb into the fabric? When it absorbs, it is time to treat. I have tried 303 Fabric Guard in the past and was not impressed with the results.

The RaggTopp product line has received many favorable comments, and I will be giving the RaggTopp Protectant a try this coming Spring. Keeping your top treated will also aid in the future removal of dirt/stains.

After washing the top, do not fold down until 100% dry. I have found the synthetic chamois, The Absorber, to be very effective at pulling the water off of the top. It really does an excellent job for this application.

If you are dealing with a few stubborn stains, a soft bristled brush should be helpful, just don't scrub the area with alot of force, as you don't want to damage the fibers. Hope this is helpful to you.

PS - You may have noticed that Scotchguard has been pulled from store shelves. This was due to a carcinogen concern. :eek: Can't say that I'd recommend the use of Scotchguard. :nonod:


[Modified by rubyred93, 1:23 PM 1/18/2002]

 

Those "masking tape roller lint remover things" are also great for getting the lint off :yesnod:

 

Well... I found some Blue Coral Convertible Top Cleaner at my local Checker Auto. I decided to give it a whirl. It quickly lifted the grease spots of which I was concerned. I think it was about $5.50 for the bottle. I've since noticed a couple more spots where polish/wax came in contact with the top. I'll be trying it again on those spots.

Just a FYI.. the directions say to use a terry towel to softly wash the top. I found that my bare hand could work up a good lather and that method worked well. I'll probably try a soft toothbrush to get at the wax spots though.