How to Clean a Convertible Top
No matter how clean the environment in which you drive your convertible is, dirt and grit is always present, leaving convertible tops prone to getting dirty over a period of time. To maintain the elegance of your vehicle, you would need to clean its top from time to time. Cleaning a convertible top is a fairly easy task, especially if the top you are cleaning is not too dirty.
Things Required:
– Convertible top cleaner
– Soft brush
– Can of protective fabric spray
– Bottle of protective vinyl spray
– Clean cloth
– Microfiber cloth
Instructions
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1
Cleaning Convertible Tops
Start by removing dirt and grit accumulated on the top of a convertible. Use water from a water hose for this purpose. Spray enough water to soak the convertible top completely. Do not use any soap or detergents during this step. Make sure your car is parked in a shaded area before you start.
Spray the entire top with a quality convertible top cleaner. Allow at least 5 minutes for the cleaner to set into the top properly. Use a brush with soft bristles to lightly scrub the convertible top. Consider leaving heavily soiled convertible top areas soaked in cleaner for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing them with a soft brush.
Rinse the convertible top with more water from the water hose. Allow enough time for the top to dry completely before moving on to the next step. -
2
Protecting Fabric Tops
After the top is dry, apply a thin, uniform coat of protective fabric spray in a light sweeping motion. Be sure to cover the entire top. Wait for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
When the initial protective fabric spray coat dries completely, apply three more coats, allowing the first to dry completely before applying the next one.
Use a piece of clean cloth to remove protective fabric spray that may have accumulated on paintwork, trim and glass. -
3
Protecting Vinyl Tops
For convertible tops made of vinyl, apply a uniform coat of protective vinyl spray onto the entire top. Work protective fluid into the vinyl top by scrubbing vigorously with a piece of microfibre cloth. Press down as firmly as you can to ensure that the protective fluid reaches textured areas as well.
Apply at least three coats of protective vinyl spray, allowing enough time between consecutive coats for the fluid to cure properly.
Use a piece of clean cloth to remove excess protective vinyl spray.
