100% Hand Car Wash and Soft Tops
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 225
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From: San Diego, CA
2002 SL500
100% Hand Car Wash and Soft Tops
Can I safely take a soft-top MB to a 100% hand car wash? I am looking at buying a 1999 SL500 and would like to take it to the same car wash I use for my 190E.
I realize most of you prefer to do the cleaning yourselves, but I don't have that same level of enthusiasm. I like to think I'm conserving water
I realize most of you prefer to do the cleaning yourselves, but I don't have that same level of enthusiasm. I like to think I'm conserving water
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Unless the top is very dirty just make sure they don't soap up the top but rather spray it down with a good strong stream of water. Let the top dry thoroughly before it goes down again. Also make them use fresh water in the soap bucket with a clean mit.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
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From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
~One man’s opinion / observations ~
The least I would do is to clean / protect it with a product like Raggtop when you take delivery
There should be no need to wash your fabric top every time you wash your car. Each time you wash, even with the gentlest car wash concentrate; you are removing the previously applied protectant. Just vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and then rinse with plain water, blotting dry with a Microfiber waffle weave towel.
Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products:
1. Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials.
2. 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. The best cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe, but effective, cleaning power.
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/ Jon
justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *
The least I would do is to clean / protect it with a product like Raggtop when you take delivery
There should be no need to wash your fabric top every time you wash your car. Each time you wash, even with the gentlest car wash concentrate; you are removing the previously applied protectant. Just vacuum the top using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and then rinse with plain water, blotting dry with a Microfiber waffle weave towel.
Developed specifically for cleaning, re-proofing and preserving convertible tops, these cleaning kits consist of two products:
1. Cleaner to remove soiling, stains and atmospheric pollution for both natural and synthetic materials.
2. 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. The best cleaners are formulated from low-pH (low alkalinity) and gentle enough for repeated use over years. They will rely on proteins and enzymes for their safe, but effective, cleaning power.
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/ Jon
justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 54
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From: San Antonio, Texas
Re: 100% Hand Car Wash and Soft Tops
Originally posted by hotel_calif
Can I safely take a soft-top MB to a 100% hand car wash? I am looking at buying a 1999 SL500 and would like to take it to the same car wash I use for my 190E.
I realize most of you prefer to do the cleaning yourselves, but I don't have that same level of enthusiasm. I like to think I'm conserving water
Can I safely take a soft-top MB to a 100% hand car wash? I am looking at buying a 1999 SL500 and would like to take it to the same car wash I use for my 190E.
I realize most of you prefer to do the cleaning yourselves, but I don't have that same level of enthusiasm. I like to think I'm conserving water
As already noted there is no need to wash the top every time you wash the car unless really dirty. A good vacuuming is all that is needed. For the bird droppings just use a damp MF towel or a cotton terry towel. Try to use a darl colored towel if it is a dark colored top and vice versa if it is a lighter color.
Anthony
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
2002 SL500
Thank you, all, for the advice. I don't think the people operating the car wash know diddly about how best to protect a soft or hard top. Sounds like I'd better wait for a hard-top SL or do the washing my self.
