Convertible Top Cleaning

Convertible tops are made from either a tightly wovenyour vehicle is washed/cleaned. Once a week or
fabric material, or a synthetic vinyl material. Both oftwice monthly will ensure your top is kept contaminant
these materials will be subject to abuse from thefree, simply reapplying a protective product as the
weather, bird droppings, tree sap and moss or algaeprotection diminishes. If you are unsure if your top
for example. If left neglected and uncleanedneeds treating a good application of a designated
convertible tops can become heavily ingrained withprotection product once every couple of months
these deposits and contaminants which may prove toshould ensure your top stays sufficiently protected.
be very difficult to remove later on.It is important to note that while a normal shampoo
It is also important to treat your convertible top after aproduct can be used for regular cleaning and
thorough clean for a number of important reasons.maintenance of your top, a wax based product
Firstly the material your top is made from is not 100 %however should not be used as the actual wax part
waterproof and is designed to breathe. This meansof the product is designed for paintwork only and
that if neglected, over time water may begin to workwould not work well with a convertible top material.
its way through the material showing up as interiorA designated convertible top cleaning product or a
leaks.diluted all purpose cleaner should be used to initially
Treating your convertible top helps to protect it fromthoroughly clean your top. A soft bristled brush is
harmful rays from the sun which over time can lead toeffective in working product in and should be stepped
a drying out and discoloration/fading of the material.up to a stiff bristled detailing or nail brush to help
Finally, keeping your top clean and protected helps toremove more ingrained and stubborn dirt &
keep it supple and slightly elastic ensuring no prematuredeposits.
wear will occur during operation. If a top is neglected toFor regular maintenance a normal non wax based
be regularly cleaned and protected, but is still regularlyshampoo product can be used. Your convertible top
used, the back and fourth movement of the roof partsshould be dried off with a soft micro fibre or
will begin to prematurely wear the material and maydesignated vehicle drying towel. You can also regularly
even lead to the top splitting or tearing in critical areasvacuum your top to remove light deposits but nothing
which will be costly to repair.more than a soft bristled brush attachment should be
If your convertible top has not been cleaned for a longused otherwise you may run the risk of scratching or
time and is heavily ingrained with dirt and deposits itmarking the material.
should be initially thoroughly cleaned to remove allWhen treating & protecting your convertible top,
these ingrained contaminants and then subsequentlydepending on the type of product being used you may
treated/protected.need to use a sponge or micro fibre applicator pad to
Once your top has been thoroughly cleaned, or if yourthe apply the product, then a damp micro fibre towel
top is new or already in a clean condition it should beto remove any over spray/residue.
regularly cleaned & maintained when the rest of