Convertible owners might not realize that the cloth top of the car is made of chemically treated breathable fabrics and needs just as much care and attention as the rest of the car. Chances are if a convertible is taken to a car wash, the top will be detailed with a bleach solution and the material will be harmed. To avoid damage and keep the cloth convertible top in good condition, follow some important tips.
Initial Treatment
When buying a new convertible, it is necessary to treat its top right away. Begin by vacuuming the top with an upholstery attachment. Then wet the top down and mist with an approved cleaner. Rinse the top and let it dry completely. Use sunshine or a hair dryer to speed the process if necessary. Then apply a protectant in three light coats. RaggTopp Fabric Protectant is the only product recommended by the original equipment manufacturers. It will repel liquid and dirt as well as protect the top from ultraviolet rays. Make sure to retreat the top every four to six weeks.
Cleaning the Top
Every four weeks, the top needs to be washed with a non-detergent based auto shampoo. Haartz, the main supplier of convertible tops to car manufacturers, has done extensive testing on products available and recommends Wolfstein's RaggTopp cleaner. After wetting down the top and applying the cleaner, use a soft scrub brush to lift out the dirt. Do not use cloth, a chenille sponge or lambs wool because these will leave lint. For dirt that won't come off, use a stiff upholstery brush--but nothing that would scratch the back of your hand. Don't use the brush on the vinyl window.
If there are stains, scrubbing will only make them worse. Instead, apply the cleaner full strength for three to five minutes before rinsing.
After the top is cleaned, rinse well with lots of cool water until there are no traces of foam. If the top is not dirty, this cool water rinse is all that is needed to rid it of dust.
Cleaning the Vinyl Window
Cleaning the vinyl window can be tricky and is best done with a microfiber cloth and plain water. Wring the cloth so that it is just damp. Wipe in one direction, and every time that the window is wiped, change to a new part of the cloth. Then, repeat the process on the inside by kneeling in the passenger seat.
Care When Lowering
A cloth convertible top can incur damage from being bunched up or wrinkled while down. To prevent this, lower the top half-way. Then, smooth it out so that it folds flat before lowering it the rest of the way. It is also important to protect the vinyl window from being scratch. To do this, insert a small layer of fleece or cotton on the window when lowering.
Tags: vinyl window, cloth convertible, cool water, four weeks, from being
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