Convertible roof cleaning

Probably one of the most forgotten areas for convertible owners - the fabric roof!

If you’re one of those lucky people who get to experience the joy of the wind in your hair in the summer months, then you will be familiar with the need to have this area of your car looking as spotless as the rest. As this is a fabric area of your car, the cleaning of this needs to be treated differently to the rest of your convertible.

Convertible roof material

From new, the roof of a convertible is designed to be breathable. Made via a tight weave, this allows the fabric to have breathable properties and makes it water resistant. (not waterproof!).

When in the factory, generally these convertible roofs will have a protective coating applied to them to make them waterproof. Without this, the fabric roof is only water resistant - not waterproof.

Over time the roof is exposed to all the same elements, just like the rest of your vehicle. As a result, it is important to keep your roof clean and to ensure you’re applying a coating to keep it waterproof every 12 - 18 months.

Cleaning the roof

Due to a convertible roof being made of fabric, very few people clean the roof properly when it comes to cleaning their vehicle. This can be a big problem when it comes to fabric. If you’re not paying attention to this area regularly, dirt will become trapped in between the weave. This will created a sand paper like effect each time the hood is opened or closed. Making it harder to clean the next time around.

You will find that mould and algae will start to build up on the roof. Once at this stage, it cannot be removed via a simple wash process nor should a jet wash be used up close to clean the roof (common mistake, especially by hand car washes!). Using a jet wash or equivalent with this type of pressure against the roof could lead to marking of your roof or penetrating the fabric.

Before and after of a roof that has been cleaned professionally (no protective coating requested)

Post roof cleaning care

Following a professional roof clean from Premier Shine, if you’re looking to maintain the cleaning of the roof then we recommend using a soft rinse or wash of the roof from time to time. Once the roof is completely dry, you can hoover it too.

Book your convertible roof clean via our online booking system.

- Emily W