Convertible Fabric Top Cleaning

[chml17l]

My wife has a Audi TT roadster with a dark blue cloth top. My question is what do you guys use to routinely clean your fabric softops? I know that the RaggTopp Kit for Fabric Convertibles is what is recommended by Haartz, but I`m looking for something that I may already have in my arsenal for occassional cleaning in between the RaggTopp Kit.



I read a DavidB article that said to use a non gloss enhancing car wash without any additives. Any suggestions on this type of wash shampoo? Could I use a dilute solution of Woolite (10:1)?

[JasonD]

A Woolite mix would probably be the safest thing to do, but I usually just use my regular car wash shampoo mix and an OXO brush to clean.



Here`s the brush I am referring to:



http://store1.yimg.com/I/autopia_1828_2243006

[Bill D]

Once it`s all cleaned and protected it you can also go over it with an oversized lint roller. I have an Evercare one with a detachable handle from Bed Bath and Beyond

[togwt]

Could I use a dilute solution of Woolite (10:1)? :xyxthumbs



Maintenance-

Normal cleaning: use a 10:1 solution of Woolite/ Distilled water



To remove heavier dirt / stains: Renovo Fabric Soft Top Dry Cleaner gently lifts dirt, road grime, bird dropping, tree sap and salt from your canvas top without compromising water repellency.



Periodically (dependant on climatic conditions) apply a UV protection (303TM Aerospace Protectant) to fabric by keeping spray about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak fabric.



Dust / light dirt: Use a lint roller type brush (3M Lint Roller) to remove light dust and lint from fabric surface



JonM

[petraidm]

I have an S2000 that is 3 years old now and the top looks great. Here is what I do:



1) Normal washings: Just use the car wash solution and mitt you typically use to wash your car. In other words, wash it like you would any other car top.



2) 1-2 x per year I use Raggtopp or 303 cleaner on the top per product instructions.



3 Every 2-3 months I treat the top with Raggtop protectant after washing. Raggtopp is better than 303 or vinylex from a run-off prerspective.

[Eliot Ness]

Originally posted by petraidm

.......Raggtopp is better than 303 or vinylex from a run-off prerspective.

Is that the regular 303 or their convertible top stuff?



http://www.premiumautocare.com/303facotopki.html

[Peter Crowl]

rding
Originally posted by Bill D

Once it`s all cleaned and protected it you can also go over it with an oversized lint roller. I have an Evercare one with a detachable handle from Bed Bath and Beyond



Ditto...



Plus..be sure the shampoo you use doesn`t contain gloss enhancers etc......the Woolite suggestion is a good one...



Regarding treatments..I used RaggTopp .. 3 coats...24 hours dry time between...mask well...



I opened the top part way, then draped a thin plastic dropcloth over the interior out and over the windows etc. Then closed the top on the plastic. Used blue tape to mask the rear window...I then taped plastic to the beltline to cover the rear below the top.



Of course...be sure the top is totally lint free before treating.



Water beads up so tightly it practically jumps off



You can find more info here



http://autopia.org/kb/index.php?page=index_v2&id=29&c=21



Peter..topless MINI Cooper S..in Denver

[petraidm]

Originally posted by Eliot Ness

Is that the regular 303 or their convertible top stuff?



http://www.premiumautocare.com/303facotopki.html



You have to be careful and know whether your top is vinyl or Cloth. The S2000 has a vinyl top so the 303 you put on the top is the regular 303. Raggtopp and 303 have differnert treatments for cloth or canvas tops