Convertible roof vacuum recommendations

[ukpolak]

Hi All - have read a handful of convertible roof threads on here. Took delivery on a new 4 vert a month ago and today washed down with (meguiars) car shampoo and agitated with a detailing brush. All good as new but then the car is a month old and the top was protected before delivery :-)

I bought the autoglym soft top wash and protect kit but won’t use it until it really starts to look grimy and the products (300ml) are only good for two applications of 150ml each, and the kit was £30!

Instructions for the kit however are to use a vacuum and I also read that periodic vacuuming will help remove dirt even if I’m not washing the car. I’m fine with this and have done research.. there’s a Screwfix titan special which apparently can suck up leaves, water from paddling pools etc - £40 bargain but I worry the 1200W is way too much for a wet/dry vacuum of the convertible hood.

Any recommendations or is vacuuming a convertible hood just stupid?! I have seen other battery shark ones but apparently run time is like 10-15 min. YouTube routines all differ and keen not to ruin the hood. Thank you

[paul_c123]

I've never vacuumed a convertible roof. Vacuum cleaners are good for loose dirt; and wet/dry vacs are good at sucking water out of fabrics. But on a convertible roof, I can't see the real need to suck water out of it during cleaning. It should be 100% waterproof. Its more for fabrics which can temporarily be wet, but ought to be dry in normal use, eg carpets, seats in a car. A wet/dry vac helps there.

Maybe there's some kind of process where the roof is wetted, then the wet/dry vac sucks up the water/dirt in solution or suspension??? Its what seems to do it on carpets, to get them super clean.

[Huzzah]

I use a dyson stick with the upholstery attachment. (I don't vacuum it wet]

Edited by Huzzah on Saturday 12th April 15:52

[Mikebentley]

Firstly what’s a “4 vert”?
Is the other option open to you to blow the roof off? I have a cheap dog grooming blower that I got for about £25 which blows like a dockyard slapper. I’ve gt the folding canvas top on my 2022 Defender and I use it on that.

[Panamax]

I use a vacuum cleaner (Sebo or Miele) fitted with its brush attachment. Works a treat. Beyond that brushing my personal opinion is that the less you fiddle about cleaning a modern convertible roof the better.

[ukpolak]

Thanks chaps - yes it’s a new 4-series convertible. When I see the roof in action my heart skips a beat with all the wires, pipes and material folds, but so far so good. I had a 2009 hard-top Z4 and the roof mechanism failed due to a faulty micro-sensor but am hoping the latest 4 series models are more reliable.

Appreciate the advice re blower vs vacuum and I’m probably over thinking it for the moment.

The titan Screwfix wet n dry one did look impressive for DIY and I’m a sucker for buying tools!

Cheers All.

[TerryPeace]

I have always used a vacuum to clean dust of a dry but dustry convertible roof. If you just brush it off it ends up on the paint. Unfortunately my vacuum packed in. It was old. Now not available. Any suggestions? 4 series Cabrio.

[bigtomski]

What I find brilliant on my convertible roof is one of those sticky lint rollers. Takes loads of dust off.
Takes about a minute, I keep one in the boot and sometimes quickly clean the roof if I’m idly waiting for the other half while in supermarket car parks etc.

Edited by bigtomski on Saturday 4th July 19:09

[ukpolak]

So after one year of ownership, I haven’t ever had the need to vacuum but I do brush the cloth top pretty much weekly. Indeed sadly if does end up brushing the dust down the side of the car but I am generally able to blow it away. People think I’m crazy as they walk past, but I like to keep it clean.

I washed the car today and noticed small green areas in the cloth top folds (algae) so I used some autoglym soft top cleaner, rubbing the diluted product on to the roof before rinsing off, and it has come up almost like new. This is the first time I’ve used specialist cloth top cleaner on the roof, one year after ownership, with just regular car shampoo applied in previous (monthly) washes.

I think the clothing lint remover roller is a top suggestion as clearly always going to be best using sticky pads to remove dust and these can then be thrown away. Will pick up some from the supermarket tomorrow - thanks.

[Mikebentley]

I would be very careful washing the canvas roof with any car shampoo products. The canvas will have a hydrophobic treatment applied to help it repel water. Shampoo or soaps may damage it.