Introduction: Convertable Roof Cleaning

About: Hi, I'm Tim. I work on the railways during the day, run a scout troop and have a blog (see above website link) where I discuss my allotment and projects!
One piece of advice to convertable owners.  Don't park under trees.  For those who didn't heed this advice, here's the solution!

Required:
- Credit card (or loyalty card etc)
- Penny (US or UK, or a 2p works better)
- Hoover
- Rough sponge
- Convertable roof Shampoo & Waterpoofing
- chamois leather or similar non-linting cloth like a microfibre cloth.

I used a branded kit which had a rough sponge included, but you just need a fairly stiff sponge - not your usual car cleaning sponge!

Step 1: Preparing

The best solution is to remove as much as you can as soon as possible.  I found that using a stiff credit card is great at removing fresh dung.

Dried on big thick stains like bird poop, you won't be able to get it off with a shampoo unless you remove the bulk before starting to soak.

Several options are available but a penny can be good to remove dried on bits.  I can also recommend your own fingernail as long as you've not got any cuts and remember to clean your hands well (including under the fingernails!).  Make sure you do this outside not in a garage so that you don't breath in the dust - its not nice.

Use a hoover to remove the dust and other rubbish off the roof.

Step 2: Wet and Shampoo

We used a branded shampoo specific to soft top cars - I've not blurred out the brand name, but I'm not going to mention it either.  I'm sure you can read it yourself if you want to know the brand I've used!

In this photo, I realise it looks black already, but it's because I was too stupid to show you it being used on a stain.

After you've sprayed on some shampoo, first use circular motions to work the shampoo in, leave for 5-10 minutes to lift the stain and then follow the grain of the fabric.

Step 3: Rinse - But It's Not Over...

Add water.  Keep watering until the soapy substance washes completely off.

Step 4: Drying & Waterproofing

I use a chamois leather to soak up the excess water and dry it as best as possible. This is in preparation of adding the water proof formula.  Keep going until when you squeeze the chamois nothing leaks out.

Spray on the formula ensuring that you get good coverage.  It's a good idea to wait until the roof is entirely dry as it's easier to see what bits you've covered.  Otherwise do it methodically so you don't miss any bits.

You're done - though you'll need to wait 12-24hrs before getting it wet again!