Soft top cleaning

[CLKdream]

Hi there,

I've got delivery of my CLK 240 recently and (read the manual first!!) not knowing the cleaning instructions, I washed the soft top with normal car wash soap and water. Have I just made a mistake? After reading the manual, it says that it shouldn't be washed as it may lose the water repellent agent. Any advise?
Thanks

 

[BTB 500]

I doubt that a single wash will have done any harm, but follow the instructions in future! I wash the windows as normal (with a mitt) along with the rest of the car, but just hose the soft top off with clean water (not at the moment though ).

If really necessary you can buy hood cleaning and re-proofing kits (made by Autoglym etc.). I think even M-B do a kit.

 

[davidsw]

Mb do a cleaning and proofing kit resonable price and the Autolglym kit worked well on mine . But do ensure whole car is masked !!!

 

[Chrishazle]

Seen a few threads re soft top cleaning and renovation, recommendations seem to split evenly between Renovo and AG. Used all 3 stages of Renovo on my 968, worked really well (blue hood) BUT as above, mask up thoroughly, especially if you're recolouring. The "paint" is thinner than water and gets everywhere, and once it dries on the paintwork it's a mission to remove - I ended up having to use paint correction stuff to get it off!

Also, if recolouring, do not fold the hood for at least 24 hours after treatment, or you'll get lovely white crease marks in your newly recoloured hood (guess how I know...)

 

[CLKdream]

ha ha.... funny stuff. Thanks guys. the hood is alright, but I guess it is one of the few things that I will learn being a first timer in convertibles after 30 years of hard top experience. Thanks to all.

 

[Doodle]

From the 1995 SL manual:

Dry cleaning:
Brush top (always from front to rear) with a soft-bristled brush.

Wet cleaning:
Brush the dry top. Wash with a mild detergent and an ample supply of lukewarm water by wiping with a soft bristled brush or sponge from front to rear. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

In general, regular spraying or cleansing with clean water is sufficient to keep the top clean. Wash the top only when heavily soiled, not every time the car is washed.

 

[jam38]

Revive your convertible soft top with Renovo - YouTube

I will be doing this when I get some free time. I bought the kit off eBay as it is cheaper than their website.

 

[Andros1973]

a good water rinse,let it dry good and then use the sticky roller brush,i forgot the brand,but looks like a brush with a roll of stickers on,roll it on ur roof,and dirt,cats hair,etc will start sticking on the brush.Cut the used piece of sticker,then its ready for the next use,

 

[tony jr]

Seen a few threads re soft top cleaning and renovation, recommendations seem to split evenly between Renovo and AG. Used all 3 stages of Renovo on my 968, worked really well (blue hood) BUT as above, mask up thoroughly, especially if you're recolouring. The "paint" is thinner than water and gets everywhere, and once it dries on the paintwork it's a mission to remove - I ended up having to use paint correction stuff to get it off!

Also, if recolouring, do not fold the hood for at least 24 hours after treatment, or you'll get lovely white crease marks in your newly recoloured hood (guess how I know...)

I have used several products on my wife's soft top but Renovo is by far the best product I have ever used and the only one that I will use in the future!

 

[Simon_M]

Those sticky 3M lint rollers are good at getting the dust and pollen out of the roof.

Don't forget a vacuum too!

S

 

[justgeoff]

Renovo every time, no if's no but's. Used it for over 20 years.

 

[CLKdream]

Thanks; it seem to be the general consensus...Renovo. The soft top looks great now but time will come when I have to treat it.

 

[malcolmsmill]

car shampoo is probably a mistake... its a detergent.

detergents contain "wetting" agents to make them clean easier... you should use a pure soap.

detergent can be neutralised with a neutralising solution such as the one by graingers (or is it grainers) from camping and outdoor shops.

woven tops will benefit from a waterproofing spray (graingers again) for woven cloths... the non wax type for outdoor clothing.... it waterproofs ordinary polycotton and withstands a storm at 60 on a motorbike (its colourless and not visible)

 

[BTB 500]

I'd be very cautious about using any kind of waterproofing spray on a hood with plastic windows (R129 for example) as they're often solvent-based.