Hello-I am having problems getting white de-icing chems. out of my soft top. Is there a product to break down the white stuff? Any help appreciated. Thanks

Dave xk8, 2004 4.2 w/,30k miles.

 

Not familiar with the stuff. Does the label mention calcium chloride? Or are you talking about road treatment chemicals? That could be calcium, also. In that case try a little vinegar on a spot, then rinse it off. I'm a chemist but just guessing. Treating the top with Raggtop or 3M 303 should help.

 

Make sure you get it clean before treating it, or you will effectively seal in the problem. Raggtop comes with a top cleaner along with the top treatment, so that may be worth a shot. You could also carefully try isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.

This (along with the fear of rust and since I run summer rubber) is why my car is still hibernating.

 

Thank you for the reply. My entire community is painted white. I'm guessing it is some new cheap chem penndot got its hands on. Not to sound like a tree-hugger, although I'm an environmental eng.; but $'s name that tune regarding what depresses the freezing point. Magnesium based chlorides seem to the flavor of the season here. Thanks again.

Dave-2004 xk8 4.2 w/<30k miles.

 

Thanks again-I'm staying out of the weather and the white dust is like clay at a race-track; it is literally everywhere. I will try your suggestion.

Dave-2004 xk8 4.2 w/<30k miles.

 

I am updating the above discussion I had regarding my soft-top white problem. I found a link from my DMV discussing the issue.

FYI only: PennDOT Engineering District 6-0 - Winter Maintenance Notes

Thanks in advance for your experience and time. dave

 

Very informative, Dave. I would hesitate to use any acid stronger than vinegar to dissolve the magnesium and calcium, and I'm not sure if it will work, but I think it's unlikely to discolor or damage the top fabric.
You should get some of the dust collected on a clear piece of glass and see if it dissolves before trying it on the top.

 

I will try to attach pics of how extensive the white(MgCl2??) anti-icing bond-breaker is in my neighborhood. all white in the road cart-way is the stuff-not snow.

 

pic 2 deicing compound obscuring blue handicap indicator markings:

 

speaking of alcohols, I spoke to my skin guy(who chopped some cancer cells off my crown from jagging around topless) and he said to use ethyl alcohol(denatured) to remove magnesium compounds from canvas or tarp. Giving it a try tonight.