Fabric convertible roof cleaner

[Killer2005]

Afternoon all

Can anyone recommend a decent convertible roof cleaner. My C300 lives outside and has collected a bit of algae on it during the winter.

I've tried the Autogylm convertible soft top cleaner but it hasn't quite done the job. Or perhaps I didn't use enough elbow grease.

Thanks

[droopsnoot]

A lot of people recommend Milton sterilising tablets, I've had a go and it helped but I've never been able to fully clean my TT hood.

[Simpo Two]

When my Jag XK hood went a bit green a toothbrush and some patience did the trick.

[Crudeoink]

Killer2005 said:

Afternoon all

Can anyone recommend a decent convertible roof cleaner. My C300 lives outside and has collected a bit of algae on it during the winter.

I've tried the Autogylm convertible soft top cleaner but it hasn't quite done the job. Or perhaps I didn't use enough elbow grease.

Thanks

It is quite hard work. The Autoglym stuff isn't bad. I've used it before with good results, that said I've found the Renovo stuff to be really good. It does take a lot of elbow grease though! A nail brush, bowl of warm water and your roof cleaner of choice. When I did mine I wet the fabric with some of the cleaning solution diluted in warm water for about 30 mins before using the nail brush to scrub the fabric in the direction of the weave. Doing this 3 or 4 times taking about 30 mins each time until the water I was scrubbing with wasn't going green from the algae. I have a Vax wet wash and found sucking out the green algae liquid id removed after each pass really helped. Just make sure the hood is bone dry before applying your waterproofing formula of choice. Again Renovo or Fabsil Gold are very good

[Notsofastfrank]

When I had a Chimaera I used Renovo, it did a great job on a very grubby hood.
I think they do restorer, cleaner and re-proofer.

[Belle427]

Bilt Hamber surfex hd is a great product to have around for stuff like this, get yourself a stiff bristle brush too to agitate the crud.

[Chris_i8]

A decent brush to agitate the cleaner is a must, work in the direction of the nap of the fabric.
https://www.mycarcleaning.co.uk/products/vikan-uph...

Citrus based cleaner makes short work of dirty roof's -
https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wash-decon/w5...

And obviously a pressure washer to thoroughly rinse, this part takes ages!

Once completely, 100% dry add protection - use an old jug or cut up a plastic milk container and liberally brush product on with a paintbrush.

https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/interior/i1-s...
or
https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/gyeon-q2-fabric?srs...
or
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/products/renov...

Happy cleaning!

Chris

[M138]

Straying a bit but if you’ve got a convertible roof that’s faded slightly add liquid boot polish to your conditioner when you give it a coat.

[davek_964]

Another +1 for Renovo.

I used it a couple of years ago and it did an excellent job. The roof looks pretty bad again now, and I ordered some more a couple of days ago (about £40 from Amazon).
It's pretty good because it has more than just the cleaner - it re-colours as well (assuming your roof is black) and I remember it looking excellent when I did it last time.

[Deviation]

Belle427 said:

Bilt Hamber surfex hd is a great product to have around for stuff like this, get yourself a stiff bristle brush too to agitate the crud.

Just need to be careful with it as it’s a VERY strong degreaser, even at 2%, so it can introduce creaking/rattles where it’s degreasing the hinges/joints in the roof too - ask me how I know


I’d use something like Pol Star and a scrub pad.

[Red9zero]

I use Renovo to get the hood cleaned and coloured if necessary. On the Landie I then use Fabsil for a yearly top up.

[M138]

The only thing I’d say about Renovo it seems to make the hood a bit of a crusty feel in places.