Soft top cleaning and care
 

I bought my 2006 CLK350 last December and only recently cleaned the soft top. Before I cleaned the top I consulted my owners manual and it recommends only using MB Shampoo to clean all exterior finishes and to use a mild soap (the MB shampoo) to clean the soft top and to never use oil based cleaners since they can harm the fabric. I got a well known cleaning kit but changed my mind and am using the MB Shampoo only with a soft brush. I will follow the owners manual recommendation and also not apply waterproofing spray. Any comments?
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The Haartz fabric they use is very durable. I used a fabric cleaner (Griot's interior cleaner) and a soft bristle brush. I ended up using Rustoleum NeverWet for outdoor canvas and that did a great job of beading water and keep other contaminates from adhering to the fabric.

+1 for the Rustoleum NeverWet. Be careful to get the right one for exterior fabric.

This is what I have always used to protect after using just regular car soap to wash the whole car:

https://www.chemicalguys.com/convert...rotectant.html

It really seems to protect the top and does a great job with water beading.

Personally, in my experience the soft top on my CLK is very tough. Never had any issues with it staining etc.

15 years old soft top, spotless. Tried fancy products from both MB, Porsche and other. Effective and expensive. Finally using baby shampoo diluted in warm water, a clean car-wash brush, a good shoe-cleaning brush once in a while. Works same for a fraction of the cost. This fabric is very resistant. Think about applying some UV/water-repellent on the canvas once in a while. It really helps keeping the top clean.

See close up pics here: https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-seam-fix.html

I use RaggTopp cleaner/protectant once a year which seems to work very well - I’ve used it for years. Normally applied before the rainy season. Also, recently, I started using Nextzett on all the rubber seals... both available at Amazon 👍

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