Convertible automobiles are renowned for their beauty, performance, and engineering. However, their delicate top material requires special care. Regular maintenance, including proper cleaning and protection, is critical for its longevity and performance. This page will offer five suggestions on how to care for the top of your convertible.
Check Your Convertible Top: Is It Vinyl or Fabric?
To care for your convertible top properly, you have to determine if it is made of a fabric, such as cloth, canvas, or vinyl. Check with your car manufacturer to determine the material. If you are not the original owner, the top could have been replaced or done by the dealership.
You can also test the material fairly easily by yourself. Just apply 1/8 teaspoon of water to the top and rub it into the material. If it soaks in, it is likely fabric, but if it smears and doesn't soak in, there is a good chance it is vinyl.
Products for Cleaning
Common household cleaning products like ammonia, bleach, detergent, alcohol, and vinegar can be harmful to your convertible top. You should only use cleaners specifically designed for your type of top to avoid damaging the fabric or vinyl. If your top is not dirty, just rinse it with clear water once a month. When your top is dirty, use a cleaner and protectant specifically designed for convertible tops, and avoid any products with gloss enhancers. For the body, use the Glosser® to get that showroom shine.
5 Important Tips
1. Avoid direct sunlight.
When washing your convertible top, always park in the shade to avoid leaving sun spots.
2. Wash the top entirely and avoid spot cleaning.
Only wash the whole top at the same time, as spot cleaning can create rings or spots.
3. Wet the convertible top thoroughly and rinse it off.
This will remove any dirt and debris.
4. Only scrub with a soft bristle brush as a last resort.
Ideally, if you have a fabric top, you should not use a brush or cotton towels. This can cause the material to pill and look worn. But if you do not have any other options, scrub as gently as possible with a soft bristle brush.
5. Avoid using wax.
Wax attracts contaminants and may shorten the convertible material's life. Avoid waxing soft convertible tops and using car wash products with integrated wax.
How to Protect My Vinyl Convertible Top?
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the top of your convertible, there are steps you can take to preserve and protect it.
Fabric Tops
Fabric tops are treated to repel water, but over time, they will gradually lose this effect. To preserve them, apply a protectant after thorough washing and drying, avoiding saturation. Apply light layers with sufficient drying time between each application, and apply it once a month to maintain an effective level of water repellent.
Vinyl Tops
To preserve a vinyl top's texture and color, use a vinyl protectant after cleaning. Protect against UV rays, grease, oils, and dirt. Start with weekly washes and apply a protectant once a month to prevent damage and maintain its condition.
You treat your convertible right, and it deserves the best care it can get. You pride yourself on keeping your vehicle in showroom condition, and the Glosser® wipes from CleanTools will give you a quick and easy combo of cleaners and waxes that get the job done. Shop CleanTools for a variety of top-notch cleaning and detailing products.