Cleaning soft top

[maxm37]

Anyone have the best way to clean the canvas top
When I came back from Gilbert, the constant rubbing of my head on the top made my head all black
Thanks

[Lifer]

Leave it alone. You don't want to ruin the "patina," after all. Besides, it would be a lot of work to clean it. Just wear a cap or a do-rag next time.

[Tom @ Snake River]

Every time I have tried to clean canvas, I have lived to regret it.

[maxm37]

enough said, I'll leave it alone
Thanks

[m-37Bruce]

Charles & Tom are right, best left alone. If you must, do it on a sunny breezy day, no soap what so ever, also no hot water. Make sure the canvas is installed, or you might not ever get it mounted again. Like Lifer said, get a hat!

[Tom @ Snake River]

Okay, here is a better answer with all my experience. I just pulled out a WWII vintage litter strecher.
On the dry canvas use a brush and then compressed air.
As stated you may use a cold water high pressure washer or garden hose, if the canvas is strapped into place to keep it from shrinking.

Useing detergents, "especially with bleach" is never a good idea. However if the canvas has an oil stain or really dirty you might try to experiment first with whatever you decide to use.

When it comes to canvas straps and straps with buckles, I have put them into a cloth or small burlap bag and put a nylon tie on the top and throw them in the washer and only then with a mild detergent with no bleach. Expect some fadeing.

The stupidest thing I have ever done is throw a piece of web gear in the washer and then pour the detergent with bleach onto the item. It came out looking like a tie-dyed t-shirt.

Good luck. Tom

[m-37Bruce]

The stupidest thing I have ever done is throw a piece of web gear in the washer and then pour the detergent with bleach onto the item. It came out looking like a tie-dyed t-shirt.

Good luck. Tom

Hey Tom,
I think you might be onto something there, "tye-dyed od"....better get R & D on this right away!