Clean/washing a spider soft top?

[peterdc]

Can anyone offer some advice regarding whats the best way to clean a soft top?

Can I, for example, wet it as I you would do when washing an odrinary car?

I bought some soft top cleaner from halfords which says I should rinse the soft top after cleaning it!!! Very confusing

Many thanks

[RichB]

When I wash the cars I usually rinse the roof with clean water from the hose just to get the dust off, once a year I give a proper wash with detergent to get rid of the dirt and dust, following this it gets a good rinse and then when it's dry I apply a couple of coats of Fabsil. Rich...

[peterdc]

Brilliant, thanks for the advice

[v12v8]

My advice is to hoover (yes, hoover!) the roof to remove any crud. Then use a specialist hood shampoo to clean it and then seal it.

If you would like more detailed info, feel free to email me through my profile.

[RichB]

Yes I do that as well, using the brush tool, just don't bother with specialist cleaners on the basis that washing liquid is ok for my clthes so should be ok for teh roof fabric And in any case it needs proofing after a wash...

[v12v8]

I wouldn't advise using washing up liquid. It is highly alkaline and could damage the fabric. If you get it on your paintwork, you risk the chance of oxidisation which can cause the paint to produce a milky finish. Also I would advise against washing up powder - again too much powder and you could end up with a mixture that is harmful...

Use a PH neutral specialist cleaning detergent for best results.