My cream colured canvas top has some stians a few shades darker, running along the ribbing of the convertible roof structure.

The previous owner must have stored it away when it was wet? I thought it might be midew. I intended to buy a mildew cleaner (Star Brite).

I went to a marine shop today, they said this was not mildew. I apeared to them to be dirt in the fabric or maybe an oily stain.

They figured it could be improved by cleaning with a medium stiff boat brush with a solution of water and dish washing detergent. Scrup in and wrince thourouly.

For the past 1 1/2 years ... I have been paranoid to do anything but wrinse the top with water. No scrubbing or cleaners.

Is the simple approach recommended by the marine representative a good approach?

Is there a specific product (like "Rag Top" or "Beamy Top Cleaner") that I should look for?

Your feedback would be appreciated.

 

Go to the MB dealer, they have several products to clean and restore the water beading for the cloth top. You are right only using water up until it gets stained. When you use the cleaner use it with a soft brush and brush it through in the direction of the material. Check the manual for the appropriate method to be sure.

 

~One man’s opinion / observations ~

Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products:
1) A cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials.
2) A fabric protector to re-proof and preserve fabric tops from the effects of water absorption, surface soiling and staining, and provide a sunscreen from UV radiation and subsequent fading.

Methodology (Fabric tops)
·Use a soft horsehair brush to remove any loose surface dust, use a lint lifter to remove lint from the fabric surface. Be careful around the rear window to avoid scratching
·Mask the areas around the fabric top with masking tape (3M® Painters Easy Release Blue Tape) also cover the rear window to avoid over-spray
·Shake product for 30-60 seconds to ensure even mixing
·Apply fabric cleaner (303™ Fabric & Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner) with a clean, damp applicator and leave to penetrate fabric for 15-60 minutes dependant upon stain.
·Appling two light coats are better than the application of one heavy coat; allow to dry thoroughly between coats.
·Rinse off using a low-pressure water hose and a soft horsehair brush
·Dry with a waffle weave Microfiber towel using a blotting motion to dry excess moisture.
·Apply a fabric protector (303™ Fabric Protector) keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak.
·If time permits, two light coats are better than one medium coat. Allow to air dry thoroughly between coats. Allow fabric to dry thoroughly before using or storing.
·Remove all masking tape and any other materials
·Be sure to remove any accidental over-spray from paint or glass surfaces immediately with a damp Microfiber towel, or if necessary with a pre-wax cleaner.
·After treatment the top will bead water, when the beading diminishes, it's an indication that it’s time for another treatment.
Maintenance- apply a UV protection (303™ Aerospace Protectant) by keeping about 6-8 inches above surface and using a back and forth movement spray lightly but do not soak fabric.

1.Alternative products- Raggtopp™ Vinyl / Fabric Cleaner and Raggtop Fabric Protector or the Porsche Tequipment Convertible Top Cleaner



~Hope this helps~

Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/

justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*