How do I look after my convertible’s fabric roof?

At the risk of stating the obvious, living with and caring for a convertible isn't the same as for a car with a fixed roof. Some aspects of their usage and maintenance do differ from steel roofs (fixed and folding).

Convertibles offer choices and sensory intakes simply unavailable elsewhere. Top up, you're relatively well insulated from the outside world and weather. Top down, you're in every sense open to sights, sounds, smells, and other emotive feelings unknown to encapsulated motorists.

But convertibles, especially soft-top models, come with some particular selection and ownership angles. For instance, security concerns may steer you toward the so-called coupe-cabrio models with fold-away metal roofs.

In the same vein, detachable clip-on hardtops are available for most two-seat soft-top roadsters. Such removable tops can work well, albeit at considerable expense in some cases. Furthermore, you’ll need assistance from another pair of hands to install and remove the lid, which must also be stored someplace when not aboard the car.

Those hard-head solutions meet specific needs or wishes. But in terms of livability, softies (modern ones, anyway) offer attractions all their own. For example, a soft-topped cabin doesn't necessarily suffer more road and/or wind noise than equivalent sedans or coupes, but nothing beats it for the evocative patter of rain overhead.

To the soft-top's credit, the initial cost is almost always lower than for a retractable hard-top. The softie also weighs less and it stows more compactly when lowered. One benefits the driving; the other, luggage capacity.

On the other hand, to maintain appearances and forestall ageing, soft tops ask for a bit more periodic upkeep. We’re not talking about anything too involved or expensive; basically just an occasional appreciative lick of TLC.

Depending whether the top is vinyl or a cloth/fabric material, and whether the rear window is glass or plastic, the cleaning techniques and materials may differ. If in any doubt about specifics, check the owner's handbook or, gosh, consult the internet.

Whatever the top's material, some general rules apply. Include the roof whenever you wash the car of course. Although every convertible is a bit special, none has a Princess complex. But every six months or so, make the roof a 'top' priority.

As always, avoid washing the car in direct sunlight or when the top is hot to the touch. One of the golden rules is to use only cold or tepid water. Not hot.

Before the wash begins, use a soft brush or a bristled vacuum to displace encrusted dirt, heavy dust or other detritus. Should the roof (or paintwork) be targeted by bird droppings, tree gum or sap, it's imperative to remove the deposits as soon as possible, as gently as possible. Otherwise the acidic affects can leave unsightly scarring. Plenty of water, a little mild detergent or other suitable cleaner, and light wipes with a soft brush or sponge are the go.

It's advisable to always wash convertibles by hand. A bucket and soft brush or sponge suffice for the initial wetting/washing phase, followed by a hosed rinse. Some expert/finicky detailers prefer a hose with no nozzle, controlling the (low) flow by thumbing the outlet to adjust the spray.

The lowdown on folding roofs
• Steer clear of commercial car washes
• Use gentle appliances (soft brushes and chamois)
• Keep the car out of direct sunlight, particularly on hot days
• Do not use household detergents, stay with appropriate automotive cleansers
• Take particular care with plastic windows
• Allow the roof to dry fully before lowering the roof

Hitting a soft lid with a high-pressure spray can stress the seams and force water past seals. It goes without saying that automatic brush or robot car wash booths are big no-noes for convertibles. Apart from encouraging leaks, the actions of flailing brushes or jet-blast drubbings can abrade the roof.

No matter how dirty or tired a soft top may appear, leave the strong soaps and harsh detergents in the kitchen/laundry cupboard. Though household cleaners may be comparatively cheap, they often contain ammonia, bleach, alcohol and/or vinegar; none of which do the car's paintwork, let alone its soft-top, any favours. Such concoctions may scour the life from fabric tops, or harden and dull a vinyl lid.

Quality car-wash liquids aren't gimmicks. Besides being fully effective cleaning agents, they're also kind to the washed surfaces.

Check your local friendly auto-parts store/s and your car dealer's parts place for cleaning agents specifically intended for soft tops. And don't forget soft-top protectants either.

If applicable, an appropriate protectant helps preserve the material's color and texture while keeping the surface cleaner for longer. In some instances bespoke soft-top cleaning/restoring fluids come in pump-spray containers and are applied after the top is washed, and before it is rinsed.

Vinyl tops should periodically have a suitable dressing fluid worked into the grain with a firm fine brush as directed by the carmaker or dressing maker. Use such dressings sparingly. They're not cheap, and slip-slop-slap applications don't improve the results. Unless the convertible regularly gets particularly grubby, it isn't necessary to lavish a protectant or dressing upon the soft-top at every wash.

Progress has seen glass rear windows become the rule for contemporary convertibles. However, there are exceptions in the plastic panes of some (mostly older) models.

Whereas glass backlights require no special washing techniques other than keeping protectants and dressings (and car wax) away, a bit of pre-emptive care is advisable for plastic windows.

After washing the windows, clean-dry 'em with a damp chamois or microfibre cloth. Resist coarse cloths and paper towels which can score the soft plastic. Wipe the window with horizontal strokes, not random swirls, and regularly turn the chamois/microfiber over (clean side down) between frequent rinses.

Regular glass-cleaning fluids may be too aggressive for plastic. Besides lifting grime and film (inside and out), bespoke plastic cleaners can minimise surface scratchings and may avoid or at least delay the onset of yellowing.

Lastly, with the wash done (or after rain), don't stow the top until it is completely dry. Leaving the lid lowered when damp, let alone wet, invites mildew along for the ride. And while traces of mold may be no big deal, your soft-top will be all the better for a spot of prevention rather than facing an extra round of rub-adub-dub.

After all, convertible life is meant to be less about work than play.

This article was originally published in August 2010