My 97 Jag has a horribly dirty and somewhat smelly soft comfortable top. I can't use a carpet cleaner because I can't scrub the fabric without tearing at it and causing damage. What has anyone experienced and found to be valuable and fairly simple to clean dirt and stains from the interior of a soft convertible top.

Thanks...Ritzy needs cleaning

 

Rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner (yes, brake cleaner) will work. If the stains are reddish brown, and the fabric is limp and droopy though, the foam backing has deteriorated. If this is the case (and it is very common), the reddish stains will return after a while from the foam dust. The only permanent solution is a new convertible headliner. It is not particularly easy to install, so an auto upholstery ship is your best bet.

 

Any thoughts on how much a new liner would cost. I have considered this?

 

Aftermarket liners are about $200 on ebay. Labor depends on the individual shop, but will probably be several hundred dollars.

 

Brake cleaner . . . yes . . . brake cleaner . . . .

The cleaning will not last if you have deteriorated foam sitting on the fabric but it sure will for months.

 

Here you go this is what I did Franks XKR Story. - Page 12 Hope this helps.

 

[QUOTE=frankc;1299504]Here you go this is what I did Franks XKR Story. - Page 12 Hope

 

Well I used car upholstery cleaner (foam in a can with a plastic brush attached) - it worked an absolute treat - grime gone and no watermarks

 

I am losing faith in this forum.....really.....brake cleaner? It would stain and destroy the fabric and if it got on any leather or other paint it wouldn't be good. I ended up having it cleaned professionally at Tint world and it looks brand new. But brake cleaner....no....can't buy that one.

 

Bet they used brake cleaner while you were reading old magazines in the waiting room.

 

It's comments like that and that kind of mentality that ruins a good forum. What a shame and put down to all thegood folks on here.

 

The main ingredient in original formula (=chlorinated) brake cleaner is perchloroethylene. Also known as 'Perc', it's the solvent used in dry cleaning fluid.

Makes a bit more sense now, eh?

 

reedmtn, unless I'm missing something, I honestly don't see anything offensive in Mike's comment. He was just teasing you. It's actually a funny thought if the "secret formula" of the professionals turned out to be $4 brake cleaner from AutoZone.

 

reedmtn,

You would be wise to heed the advice of many long-time members here, even if that advice seems somewhat unconventional at times. The voices of experience can and will save you thousands of dollars during your ownership period of these cars if you will only listen. Keep in mind that anyone giving consistently bad advice will eventually be sniffed out and booted by the forum administrators....

 

Apologize if I offended. It was not intentional. And sorry my poor attempt at humor was not taken that way. I enjoy this forum very much and that is largely due to the respect shown most of the posts.

Again, not meant to offend.

 

Still using brake cleaner . . . .

 

I used a cleaning fluid called Afta. I think it is the same cleaner Dry Cleaners use for clothing. Used a little on a non fiber cloth, rub gently. Go too far color fades. Works well on most items EXTEPT plastic. I'd keep it away from the urethane wood as well. Rich