We know if you own a convertible car you'll love the sense of freedom, especially on sunny days when you can cruise with the top down.
However, maintaining the pristine condition of your convertible car roof is crucial to ensure it remains looking good and provides long term protection. Without proper care, your convertible roof can suffer from issues such as mould, discolouration, and premature wear and tear.
Whether your convertible roof is made of fabric, vinyl, or a hardtop, each material requires specific care methods to preserve its integrity and appearance, and this where Chemical Guys come in. We offer a range of specialised convertible cleaning products designed to clean and protect your convertible roof.
The different types of convertible roof material
Convertible roofs generally come in three main types: fabric, vinyl, and hardtops. Each material has unique characteristics and requires specific care methods to ensure longevity and performance.
Fabric Convertible Roofs
Fabric roofs are often made from materials like canvas or cloth. These roofs provide a classic look and a soft feel but can be prone to absorbing dirt, moisture, and pollutants. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent stains and mildew.
Vinyl Convertible Roofs
Vinyl roofs are more durable and resistant to weather elements compared to fabric roofs. They have a sleek appearance and are easier to clean, but they can still develop issues like cracking or fading over time.
Hardtop Convertible Roofs
Hardtops offer the best protection against the elements and are typically made from materials like metal or composite. They are more resilient and require less frequent cleaning, but it’s still important to maintain their appearance.
Chemical Guys has developed specialised products designed to cater to the specific needs of each type of convertible roof.
Gather your cleaning items and prepare your space
Preparing fully will ensure you have everything you need to clean your convertible roof efficiently and without causing any damage.
What you'll need:
1. Chemical Guys Convertible Top Cleaner: This product is specifically formulated to remove dirt, stains, and contaminants from convertible roofs without harming the material.
2. Chemical Guys Convertible Top Protectant: A must-have for protecting your roof after cleaning, providing a barrier against UV rays, moisture, and dirt.
3. Chemical Guys Boars Hair Brush: Use a brush with soft bristles to gently scrub the roof without damaging the fabric or vinyl.
4. Microfibre Towels: For drying the roof and applying the protectant without leaving scratches.
5. Water for rinsing: Clean water is essential for rinsing off the cleaner and any dirt it lifts.
Prepare the area you're working in
Choose a shaded area
It’s best to work in a shaded area to prevent the cleaning products from drying too quickly, and to avoid water spots. Direct sunlight can cause the cleaners to evaporate too fast.
Park on a Level Surface
Ideally your car would be parked on a flat area. This helps in ensuring that water and cleaning products don’t pool in certain areas, which can lead to streaks or water spots.
Remove Loose Debris
Gently brush off any loose dirt, leaves, or other debris from the roof. This prevents scratching during the cleaning process.
Convertible car roof cleaning process
Now you’re prepared, it’s time to get started with cleaning your convertible car roof.
1. Perform an initial rinse
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the roof to remove any remaining loose dirt and debris. Ideally you'd use a gentle stream from a hose to avoid soaking through the material. This initial rinse helps to prevent scratching the roof when you come into contact with it when applying the cleaning products.
2. Applying the cleaning products
Before using, shake the Convertible Top Cleaner well before use. Spray the cleaner evenly over the entire roof surface, ensuring complete coverage.
Focus on areas that are particularly dirty or stained. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes. This gives it time to break down dirt, grime, and any contaminants embedded in the fabric or vinyl.
3. Brush the surface
Take the boars hair brush and gently scrub the roof in small, circular motions. This helps to lift dirt and stains without damaging the material.
Pay extra attention to any heavy dirt or stained areas. Use slightly more pressure on these spots, but be careful not to scrub too hard. You may need to periodically rinse the brush in a bucket of clean water to remove accumulated dirt and cleaning solution.
4. Rinse off
Rinse the roof thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaner. Ensure you rinse from top to bottom to carry away the dirt and cleaner residue effectively.
