Cleaning the convertible roof - How?

I

IK.

Senior member
 Wiltshire
Sorry, I know this is a stupid question, but I'd rather not get it wrong...

Normally, I just wash a car with shampoo, using a lambs wool wash mitt, rinse off, and dry.

What do I do now I have a soft top? Do I avoid getting it wet, and use something else to clean it? (Like the AutoGlym stuff given to me with the car) Or do I wash it as normal with a wash mitt? If so, how do I dry it? With a Microfibre towel, as normal?

Stupid question, but I'm washing it later and wanted to make sure I don't ruin the roof somehow.
 
http://www.palmbeachmotoring.net/ascg-videos/raggtopp.html

Not so much about the particular question you asked, but it does show you the protection method as well.
 
I was more thinking in terms of:

1. What should the steps be for cleaning... Do I rinse the entire car, then use the AutoGlym stuff on the roof, rinse that off, then wash the rest of the car, then dry the whole car?

2. Should I be using the AutoGlym stuff each time I wash the car, or just every so often?

What I don't want to do is ruin the soft top, or ruin the paintwork by using the AutoGlym stuff incorrectly.

Sorry if I'm being stupid.
 
1. I think just hand washing with a soft brush is the best bet for cleaning, then lay a drying towel on top to soak up the water. That said i have not hand washed it since sealing it. Just the odd rinse with the hose.

2. Ive only had my Zed for 2 months now, I just wash the car as normal, not particularly bothered if the pressure washer over sprays onto the roof, It was washed and sealed with the Autoglym Soft Top product which does seem to keep repelling the water. I used about half a bottle of the sealant/protector and left it to dry on. Seems to work well from the first and only application.
 
IK. said:
I was more thinking in terms of:

1. What should the steps be for cleaning... Do I rinse the entire car, then use the AutoGlym stuff on the roof, rinse that off, then wash the rest of the car, then dry the whole car?

2. Should I be using the AutoGlym stuff each time I wash the car, or just every so often?

What I don't want to do is ruin the soft top, or ruin the paintwork by using the AutoGlym stuff incorrectly.

Sorry if I'm being stupid.
Click to expand...

Fair question. This is how I do it
1. I rinse the entire roof and car with water, then use the AG roof cleaner and roof protector. When the roof protector has been applied, I foam the rest of the car and then wash the car. Aim the foam/any water down the car, so you don't get too much water on the roof now it's clean and protector has been applied

2. No need to use the AG cleaner and protector every wash. I use mine about once every 2 - 3 months. When enough roof protector has been applied, rain water will bead on the roof and run off the roof. Tell tale sign that AG cleaner and protector needs to be used again is that this beading lessens or there isn't much beading left. In between AG uses, I rinse off the roof using clean cold water from the hose (not with hard spray on). Tip I got from other Forum users, on a dry roof, use a lint roller to remove pesky pollen from those trees/plants with cotton-y pollen! That stuff sticks! :)
 
Can I just use the cleaner, or do I have to follow that up with the protector?

I only want to quickly get the roof clean as it has White marks.
 
I don't see a problem with just using the Cleaner portion. You know the stiff sponge you get with the pack? Make sure you use that to work the Cleaner into a foam - is very effective. I wet it first with water

Best to follow up with the Protector to make it 'repel' and be more hard standing to grime and dust if you can
 
Cheers! In the end I just used the sponge with cold water. Thought I'd be best giving that a try first, to see if it shifted the white marks. It's wet now, so can't tell if it's worked - Will report back!
 
laser402 said:
1. I think just hand washing with a soft brush is the best bet for cleaning, then lay a drying towel on top to soak up the water. That said i have not hand washed it since sealing it. Just the odd rinse with the hose.

2. Ive only had my Zed for 2 months now, I just wash the car as normal, not particularly bothered if the pressure washer over sprays onto the roof, It was washed and sealed with the Autoglym Soft Top product which does seem to keep repelling the water. I used about half a bottle of the sealant/protector and left it to dry on. Seems to work well from the first and only application.
Click to expand...

Actually the soft top outer skin is designed to be permeable, that is let water through, not waterproofed by AutoGlym waterproofing spray.
 
Am I correct in thinking, the roof should just be cleaned with Bmw's own soft top cleaner? Thanks
 
Thanks for the advice on using the AG Cabriolet set, Oakandacorns, I'm doing my roof this tomorrow afternoon. :D
 
dan425 said:
Thanks for the advice on using the AG Cabriolet set, Oakandacorns, I'm doing my roof this tomorrow afternoon. :D
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Dan
Be aware that AG protector is a waterproofer .The hood is 3 layer and outer is designed to be permeable ie let water through .Up to you but waterproofing is not what BMW had in mind
 
This 'seal v let water through' argument has been discussed many times.
There are many comments saying you shouldn't "because blah", and many that say it's better to seal "because blah..."
I have seen some posted photo's of 'sealed', and some that haven't.

What I have never seen...... is someone reporting they have actually had a problem caused by sealing, which suggests to me that it isn't actually a problem.
however what I have seen is someone on here who used the BMW treatment only to find green mould growing later on.
 
gookah said:
This 'seal v let water through' argument has been discussed many times.
There are many comments saying you shouldn't "because blah", and many that say it's better to seal "because blah..."
I have seen some posted photo's of 'sealed', and some that haven't.

What I have never seen...... is someone reporting they have actually had a problem caused by sealing, which suggests to me that it isn't actually a problem.
however what I have seen is someone on here who used the BMW treatment only to find green mould growing later on.
Click to expand...


It isn't an argument it is fact that is the way BMW had the roof constructed .... fact
Use what ever you like but at least allow those asking the question to hear the FACTs and let them decide what to do with their roof
 
Bmw handbook is saying to clean roof with cleaner 3-5 times then use Bmw impregnating agent. I have never owned a soft top before and this wintery weather is worrying me, I have used Bmw soft top cleaner already but was'nt offered any Bmw impregnating agent at the stealers. Thanks for any advice. :thumbsup:
 
wegras said:
gookah said:
This 'seal v let water through' argument has been discussed many times.
There are many comments saying you shouldn't "because blah", and many that say it's better to seal "because blah..."
I have seen some posted photo's of 'sealed', and some that haven't.

What I have never seen...... is someone reporting they have actually had a problem caused by sealing, which suggests to me that it isn't actually a problem.
however what I have seen is someone on here who used the BMW treatment only to find green mould growing later on.
Click to expand...


It isn't an argument it is fact that is the way BMW had the roof constructed .... fact
Use what ever you like but at least allow those asking the question to hear the FACTs and let them decide what to do with their roof
Click to expand...


:popcorn: :thumbsup:
and just where did my post argue with how the roof is constructed and designed to work? ........ the suggested argument is whether you will harm it by sealing it or not.

I wouldn't personally use the BMW stuff, I have only ever used the Autoglym and I never have had a problem with any roof on my two Z4's, or two Z3's and I have also always blasted them clean with my pressure washer, no mould, and no roof material problems experienced... (so far in 4 years)....., so the OP can also decide now, if he want's to listen to some personal experience (and some more facts :rofl:) :play:
 
wegras said:
The hood is 3 layer and outer is designed to be permeable ie let water through .Up to you but waterproofing is not what BMW had in mind
Click to expand...

gookah said:
This 'seal v let water through' argument has been discussed many times.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, guys. I've done a bit of digging and found the threads you mention. Cheers for the heads up!
 
Hope this helps..........

I only wash the soft top with "Johnsons" baby shampoo applied with a dedicated sponge and agitate gently with a very soft bristle brush in the direction of the canvas if it gets grubby using a childs toothbrush to get into the corners and the nitty gritty bits. Not forgetting to drop the roof slightly and clean under the seal where the grit and mould can get in. Followed by drying with a nice big mircrofibre towel and borrowing my girlfriends hairdrier for the rear seal sectio that gets hidden when the top is up.

When I first bought the car, it had lots of sap spots on it and also evidence of someone power washing it. The baby shampoo lathers up superb and really lifts the dirt out. My thinking was as it is PH is virtually neutral (6.5), the shampoo would never damage the fabric and it realy lifts out the contaminants .

In the winter months I use the autoglym protector to prevent frost damage, but never bother in the summer so it gets to breathe in the unexpected UK weather.
 
I used this last month, as had some white marks on it that autoglym and renovo weren't shifting. Worked great, worked it in, left it for 10 minutes, rinsed off. :thumbsup:

Then used the usual renovo treatment.

Tapatalking...
 
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