A vinyl rooftop offers convertible styling to your car. Vinyl has come a long way since the old Ford Model A production. However, caring for a vinyl top requires regular maintenance. Mildew may grow on dirt or foreign matter that builds up on a car roof. The top requires periodic inspection for bird droppings or tree sap. Hand washing with a product designed for vinyl will extend the life of the material and keep your car looking fresh for years.
Move your car out of direct sunlight.
Vacuum the vinyl top using the brush attachment. Remove any loose particles.
Wash the top thoroughly. Rinse first with water from the hose. Apply a cleaner made for a ragtop using a soft, nylon brush. Do not use a detergent. Follow the instruction provided with the cleaner. Let the top soak with the cleaner for 20 minutes.
Rinse any residue from the cleaner off with the hose. Let the top dry.
Inspect the dry vinyl to determine if it requires more cleaning. If necessary, repeat the cleaning to remove any remaining dirt or particles. Mix 1/2 cup bleach, 1/4 cup ragtop cleaner and 1 gallon of water in a bucket. This solution will clean stubborn areas. Apply bleach mixture to the top with a soft, nylon brush and let soak 20 minutes. Rinse the top with clean water.
Apply a water repellent to the clean vinyl top following the instructions provided with the product.