How to Clean a Convertible Top

If you are a huge hockey fan or you simply like the cold weather, there is no doubt that you enjoy the winter season. But if you own a Ford Mustang and winter rolls, you are definitely counting the days until spring hits.

It holds true that people relish the idea of driving their open-air muscle vehicles on a beautiful, sunny day. But as soon as cold and rain roll in, keeping their convertible top becomes a necessity. Sure, yours will require a fair amount of maintenance over the years or maybe a quick convertible roof repair if required. However, given its vinyl material, it will indeed require a number of different upkeep measures in which the rest of its body is not really privy to.

Before we delve into the right way of cleaning your convertible top, it is imperative that you learn first the dos and don’ts. That way, the overall process could be much easier and deliver a satisfactory result.

Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Convertible Top

There are some strategies when it comes to cleaning your convertible top. The only catch, though, is not all of them are necessary; hence, you must avoid them at all cost. If there is a big elephant in the room, it is none other than the debate of bringing your vehicle to the car wash or not.

In fact, this debate has haunted most convertible owners since time immemorial. A general rule of thumb is to never, by all means, take your vehicle through an automated car wash. Doing so may result in roof repair in convertible. Keep in mind that your convertible top is relatively temperamental, thus requires to be washed in a different yet effective manner. If you are going to take the car wash route, it would be ideal to conduct some research in order to acquire milder establishments.

Most, if not all, automated carwashes nowadays feature powerful spray units. The high-pressure flow of the water, in particular, can bring forth damages to the top’s seals. This will eventually create a pool inside your vehicle. In one way or another, a touchless carwash should do the trick. Still, it is important that you refer to the owner’s manual to check if your top is suitable before you move on forward.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that it is best to wash your convertible by hand. And while you are doing so, you must only use the correct materials. The chemicals that you will use in washing your vehicle can be a make or break; hence, it is better to avoid these products. They include, but not limited to, vinegar, detergent, and alcohol. Any material that comes with a high quantity of acid can easily deteriorate the canvas and, as a result, a slew of costly convertible roof repair ensues.

How to Clean Your Convertible Top Like a Pro

• Gentle flow of water

Now, it is time to learn the right way of repairing your convertible top. Basically, the process starts with the gentle flow of water. You can use a garden hose or any other similar device, whichever is convenient for you.

• Remove dirt or debris

Remember to carefully and slowly repeat each section of your top’s vinyl using the hose’s nozzle, so you can remove dirt or debris from the area. Once the top is free from these contaminants, it is time to apply your go-to car shampoo to the vehicle’s vinyl material.

• Brushing your vehicle’s top

After lathering it with shampoo, get your brush (go with the one with soft bristles). Like the aforementioned, the process of brushing your vehicle’s top must be careful and steady.

• Good scrubbing is required

In addition to shampoo, you will also have to use a specialized convertible top spray. This is the most important one in the cleaning process, especially since it can efficiently remove any stubborn dirt particles that do not come off after washing.

• Rinse everything

Once a good scrubbing is done – and you are sure that the area is free from dirt or grease – you are going to rinse everything. You do not have to rush this one here, though. Make sure as well not to point the hose’s nozzle in a single area for too long (you are just making sure).

• Dry and apply protectant spray

When drying your convertible top, make sure that you pad the towels from the top going down. That way, the water is absorbed and no unnecessary agitation happens. More importantly, this process prevents the possibility of lint coming off of your towel and, thus, remains on top. Once everything is completely dry, it is best to apply a protectant spray.

Well, there you have it! As you can see, cleaning your convertible top is not a daunting process. It is quite easy, especially if you understand the right strategies to use. Remember this to avoid any unnecessary repair in convertible roof.