How to Clean and Maintain Convertible Tops
Those who own a convertible know just how much work goes into cleaning the top. When you wash the vehicle, you have to clean more than just the dirty paint, the tires, the windshield and windows, and the headlights. Convertible tops are whole separate objects that need additional attention and care. This might mean that you’ll need to wash the convertible top every three weeks or so, if not more. After all, these beautiful tops are almost always being dirtied by everyday elements, like when there is a downpour while you’re on the road or when you park outdoors. So how do you properly clean and maintain your convertible top? Follow these tips for the best results:
What Not to Do When Cleaning Convertible Tops
A lot of people make mistakes when washing their convertible top, especially if they are new convertible owners. They tend to use common household products, like detergents, soap, or shampoos, to wash the top. Sometimes they rely on car wash shampoos thinking that it is probably the best product to use. However, even car wash shampoos can harm a convertible top; if these shampoos contain gloss-enhancers, the top will absorb these chemicals and become a dust magnet. So it’s best to avoid these products and use them only for the things they are for.
Products You Can Use When Cleaning Convertible Tops
There are specific convertible top cleaners out there that are professional, suitable, and certainly will not harm the top. Some well-known convertible top cleaners are Top-End Convertible Top Cleaner, RaggTopp Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner-Clean Convertible Top, and Meguiars G2016 Convertible Top Cleaner. There are dozens of other products not listed here that you can also use; just be sure that they are convertible top cleaners.
For the cleanest and most maintained convertible top you can have, be sure to take a look at this easy-to-follow guideline:
- Whenever you have to wash convertible tops, be sure to avoid parking the convertible under direct sunlight, as that can ruin the top during the cleaning process. Instead, park the convertible under a shade.
- Even if there are just a few stains on the convertible top, be sure to clean the entire surface. Otherwise, if you only clean certain spots, you will find marks left behind after they dry.
- The first step to washing your convertible top is to wet it completely and then let any loose dirt be washed away.
- Using a convertible top cleaner, spray the top and apply consistently over the whole surface. Once the convertible top cleaner is distributed all over, you can gently scrub the surface using a soft bristle brush.
- If your convertible top has extreme stains, such as bird droppings that have long dried up, spray the top with the convertible top cleaner and then let stand for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before you start scrubbing with the soft bristle brush.
- Finally, after all the dirt has been scrubbed away, you can rinse the convertible top with water until all the residue is washed away.
Clean Convertible tops may need lots of attention, but if you follow these tips and
guidelines, you can have an easy time cleaning and maintaining the top. At Bill’s Car Wash, Try our Professional Car Detail Packages. Receive 10% off and treat your Convertible to a top of the line treatment.
