non-detergent based auto soaps?

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III

97 bonneville/98 Z71
I've been reading about how to care for convertible fabric tops. It was mentioned to use a non-detergent based auto shampoo. Is there such a thing? If so, what would be some products? I've always thought all car wash soaps are considered detergents.



This would be good to know also for my bow/cockpit cover on my boat because sunbrella recommends to use no detergents.
 
Zymol Clear Auto Bathe seems to be detergent free. (Not the blue jug.)

Victoria Wax's Super Soap states specifically that it doesn't contain detergent (or alkalines or acids).

Detailers Pride Auto Bath says it contains no soap or detergent.

Megs 00 and Soft Wash Gel say they're detergent free.
 
I'm not making this stuff up!

http://www.autogeek.net/dp300.html

DP Auto Bath Shampoo contains no soap or detergent. Alkaline cleaners like these can remove protective coatings and dull the finish. Instead, Auto Bath Shampoo contains TUFF SUDS II, an advanced cleaning agent that is suspended in the suds’ walls to scour away tough grime. It will not remove wax or sealant coatings.
Click to expand...

Funny how the Tuff Suds "scour" away the grime, but is gentle on your wax. :D
 
I believe that the convertible fabric top makers are recommending a product that removes the dirt but doesn't leave any residue behind that could reduce the fabric's water repellency. If you're really concerned about it, you could use a product like Nikwax Tech Wash.



Some non-detergent car shampoos could still contain gloss enhancing agents and/or water softening agents that could leave some kind of residue behind. These could have a slight detrimental effect on a fabric top's water repellency. On the other hand, I've never heard of anyone ruining their fabric top by using a quality car shampoo on it either.



Charlie's soap or any of the microfiber specific detergents would probably also be another good choice since they don't contain any fabric softening agents, perfumes, or fabric brighteners that would leave behind residues.
 
Pretty much any premium auto shampoo is going to be detergent free.



Haartz, the world's number one convertible topping manufacturer, recommends Wofstein products for maintaining toppings, the RaggTopp line for automotive and the BiminiTopp line for marine.



Wofstein's website says, "BIMINI TOPP Cleaner and BIMINI TOPP Protectant have been thoroughly tested and endorsed by HAARTZ and Sunbrella, the worlds leading manufacturer of marine topping."



Sunbella's website recommends 303 products.



Meguiar's also makes products for marine fabric care.





PC.
 
Raggtop offers a very good convertible cleaner, too. However, I'd fly with the specific Sunbrella recs.
 
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