Help cleaning fabric convertible top

**Spilchy** · 10-28-2003, 04:31 PM

I am detailing a 1997 BMW Z3 with a fabric convertible. What is the best thing to use to clean it?

I have EFHI (dilluted to any spec.), car wash soap etc...

I need something local and fast. I can`t order online (nor do I want to). This is the only convertible I`m doing so I want to use something I have.

Suggestions? Thanks.

**DaGonz** · 10-28-2003, 04:46 PM

I just use a solution of car wash soap, water and a small soft brush to clean a cloth top.

Don`t use a chenille wash mitt on a cloth top!!! Lint City!!!

**huangdong28** · 10-28-2003, 04:48 PM

A lot of people like 303 Convertible Top Cleaner followed by 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. It`s available at camping and boating supply, including Camping World that has quite a few locations across the country.

**Bill D** · 10-28-2003, 04:51 PM

I know Raggtop isn`t normally found locally but I did see it once for sale at a detailing center. Also, if you have a dealer near you,I think Porsche is supposed to make a very good cabrio top cleaner too.

**imported_memnuts** · 10-28-2003, 05:33 PM

This maybe a pain in the butt but with my fabric top I always vacuum prior to washing if significantly dirty. There are good online products like Amazing Roll-off that actually aids in "lifting the dirt from the fabric. Really fine versatile product. If the top is well maintained and has a good protectant in place vacuuming will be very easy and quick ( dirt is above not embedded into fabric). Washing with a mild car shampoo is perfectly okay. Rinse well to remove all shampoo. Dry with a waffle-weave MF. this will not normally leave any lint behind.

If a protectant is required 303 and Porsche protectant, as mentioned, can normally be found locally. I use RaggTop (online) because it is recommended by my GM top`s manufacturer (Haartz). :wavey

**huangdong28** · 10-28-2003, 06:38 PM

If a protectant is required 303 . . . protectant, as mentioned, can normally be found locally.

DO NOT USE 303 Protectant on fabric tops - the proper 303 product for fabric tops is their HIGH TECH FABRIC GUARD (the 303 Protectant can be used on vinyl tops).

**Spilchy** · 10-28-2003, 06:45 PM

Thanks fellas! I`ll try the car wash soap with a slightly stiff brush. I`ll vacuum well with my 6.5HP Crafstman first. I look for the 303 convertible cleaner locally. I have the P21s drying towel that I`ll use to dry.

**old_gonzo** · 10-30-2003, 04:52 PM

It`s too bad that you don`t want to order on-line because Porsche makes an excellent cloth top shampoo that I swear by.

It can be found on the CMA site. That said, using a mild car wash is also okay in your situation.

Be sure to rinse well, and never lower/store a cloth top that is not 100% dry. For drying purposes I like the oversized microfiber towels. As a protectant, I prefer 303 Fabric Guard.