Here is the procedure cut and pasted from the Haartz web site:
Important: A program of keeping the top clean through regular washings BEFORE it gets dirty, will enhance the life and beauty of an acrylic top and make successive cleaning easier.
Most automatic car washes will not harm sport topping fabrics. Washes with water jets and hanging cloths are preferred. Those using heavy barrel brushes should be avoided. Haartz recommends hand washing in the shade or partial shade, not direct sunlight.
Bird and tree droppings as well as other loose particle soils should be removed immediately. Vacuum the top with a brush attachment and rinse the roof fabric thoroughly with water to remove these loose particle soils. This will also prevent the soils from being redeposited during the cleaning process. Once the top has been rinsed thoroughly, spray apply Haartz Roof Cleaner evenly over the entire top while the top is still wet. Washing with soap and warm water is a safe alternative to Haartz Roof Cleaner, but not as effective. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS. Allow the roof cleaner to soak into the top for 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub the top lightly with a soft nylon brush or terry cloth rag. Rinse thoroughly, preferably until no remaining soap foam is observed. Allow to dry. Additional cleaning may be required. It is best to determine this after the top has dried completely. After drying, cleaning must be followed by re-water repelling the fabric with a fluorocarbon system such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard . Failure to do so will result in rapid resoiling of the unprotected fabric.
The fabric itself does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. For these more stubborn cases, soak the fabric for approximately 20 minutes in a solution of no more than � cup (4 oz.) bleach and � cup (2 oz.) Haartz Roof Cleaner per gallon of water and scrub lightly as indicated above. Excessive soaking with the bleach solution can deteriorate seam threads, so be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Rinse entire vehicle to remove all of the bleach solution from fabric and to prevent streaking on painted and chrome surfaces. Acrylic fabric readily absorbs water but dries quickly. Several cleanings may be necessary.
Do NOT use top dressing cleaners or conditioners containing silicones, organic solvents, petroleum distillates or plasticizers that may permanently stain the fabric. This product is made from 100% solution dyed acrylic fiber which is thermoplastic. Do NOT subject to excessive heat.
The use of stronger cleansers should be left to professionals experienced in handling this type of fabric to avoid discoloration and degradation of the special protective inner layer.
HEY, great forum. I'll have to start hanging out here more often!!
Johnny B
quote:
Originally posted by JohnnyBs98WS6Rag:
Although I'm doubtful about using a terry cloth anything on the top, that just leaves lint stuck to everything (my experience).Johnny B
I use a small sponge to clean my top. It is gentle on the fabric fibers and you don't have to worry about any lint.
I looked for the Haartz top cleaner but could not find it in any local stores. I read somewhere that a safe alternative would be Dove mild soap. Bought a bottle of liquid Dove soap at the Pharmacy. Liquid Dove is excellent for cleaning your Convertible tops.
Keep in mind however, like the article that XBCHBUM posted says; apply a dose of Haartz 303 Fabric Guard after top cleaning. The container of 303 Fabric Guard that I bought, says to re-apply product after each cleaning of the fabric top. I'm not so sure this is really nescessary though. I have cleaned my top a few times since applying the Fabric Guard and there are no signs of product degredation.
I use packing tape to remove the stubborn lint, and just recently discovered that the miracle cloth will also pick some of the lint off.
To speed drying, the California water blade works, and "The Absorber" also dries lint free.
Maintenance is relatively easy at home, it's deciding what products to take along on a road trip I find challenging.
[ 24 June 2001: Message edited by: XBCHBUM ]
quote:
Originally posted by poSSum:
I use "Amazing Roll Off" and a very soft bristle brush for an occassional top wash. Surprisingly, I also find that the "foamy brush" at the coin-op does a decent job in an pinch (no, I don't touch the rest of the car with it, just the rockers, tires and front air dam).I use packing tape to remove the stubborn lint, and just recently discovered that the miracle cloth will also pick some of the lint off.
To speed drying, the California water blade works, and "The Absorber" also dries lint free.
Maintenance is relatively easy at home, it's deciding what products to take along on a road trip I find challenging.
As I do with my 98 t-top T/A, has anyone used their leaf blower to dry the convertible top???
Thanks in advance.
quote:
Originally posted by 98TripleWhiteWS6Vert:
Do any local stores carry this 303 protectant and their cleaner?
We picked up a bottle of 303 at a local Spa & Pool store. That's what was recommended to protect our spa cover. You might also find it at an auto supply store, but the pool/spa place is where I'd start.
I have heard it is not good to rub your top dry with a towel .
quote:
Dear Jason,
Thank you for taking the time to inquire about RAGGTOPP Cleaner and RAGGTOPP Protectant.
RAGGTOPP products have been tested and endorsed by HAARTZ, the world's leading manufacturer of convertible topping fabric since 1907. HAARTZ is the designated supplier of convertible topping fabric for virtually every U.S. automaker and most European manufactures.
RAGGTOPP Cleaner is biodegradable, non-toxic anit-oxidant formula that safely removes the toughest roof soils and stains. It will not harm automobile finishes, rubber, plastic or vinyl. Please see the attached suggested care for vinyl from The HAARTZ Corporation.
After cleaning your convertible top with RAGGTOPP Cleaner apply RAGGTOPP Protectant for added protection against the elements of nature and man.
RAGGTOPP Cleaners can be purchased direct from www.autofanatics online or by calling them at (860) 653-0857. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call us at (800) 377-4700.
Rick
