How To Clean a Canvas Top Car
Cleaning a canvas top car must be done carefully to retain the beauty of the material. In addition, a canvas top car needs to be cleaned frequently because canvas is a porous material which allows dirt and grime to become trapped in the fabric. If not cleaned properly and on a regular basis the canvas top will look dull and worn out.
1. Get out of direct sunlight. When cleaning a canvas top car, stay out of direct sunlight, because the heat can dry the soap or cleanser too quickly and cause streaking and filminess to occur.
2. Spray the canvas top down with a garden hose. Before you begin cleaning your canvas top car, spray the car top liberally with cool clean water from your garden hose. This will loosen dirt and grime from the fabric and make cleaning easier.
3. Use hot soapy water. Any mild detergent mixed with hot water will clean a canvas top car effectively. You can purchase soap specifically designed for use on canvas tops, but regular dishwashing soap or liquid laundry detergent will suffice. If you choose to use a canvas top cleaner, follow packaging directions to avoid misusing the product.
4. Use a bristled brush. A soft-bristled brush works well on ground-in dirt. After dipping your brush into your soap solution, use circular motions on your canvas top to clean out dirt. Repeat this process until the top is clean. For especially dirty tops, let your soap solution soak into the canvas top for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
5. Rinse with cool clean water. After you have finished cleaning your canvas top car with soap and water, rinse it with cool, clean water from your hose until the water runs clear. Remember to also rinse the body of the car as well, so the dirt from the canvas top doesn't adhere to the painted finish.
6. Gently dry the canvas top. Using clean, lint-free towels gently dry the canvas top making sure all traces of water have been removed. Failing to do so can result in water spots. Using a chamois or microfiber cloth will also work but make sure you wring out the excess water between dryings.