How to treat moss on fabric roof?

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mr.raw

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What do A4 Convertible owners use to keep moss build up at bay? I noticed a small bit where the fabric meets the glass at the rear window.

I am sure i read somewhere here about a product?
 
Hi

I use autogleam fabric hood cleaner and protector. You can buy it in a pack which comes with a special sponge to agitate the cleaner however be carefull not to run the sponge over the back window as will scratch. Also I would not agitate if the hood is damaged at all.
Before you use the protector ensure the roof is dry before applying and that it has enough time to dry, I would not apply it this time of the year unless you have a garage. Also if you get any on the paint work or glass make sure it's cleaned right away as it's a ****** to get off when dry.

I have used the product a few times on different cars and it works well. However there has been minimal moss so not sure how good it would be if the hood is in wore state. Some people use brushes however I would personally not use brushes as a first attempt just incase they damaged the roof.

It would be interesting if you had a before and after shot :)

Cheers
Chris
 
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Ref cleaning the hood of your A4........... if I can add the point of NOT using pressure washers / steam cleaners , they are really bad news for 'mohair' fabric tops, aside from driving the moss, algae and lichen into the weave of the outer facing layer ( resulting in premature return of the green gunk ) , they can also cause de-lamination of the cloth and porosity in the proofing, especially if the is wear evident at the usual suspect points on the top.

There's some good YouTube guides, how-to and other content around if you have a peek. Good luck for a pristine top !
 
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This is really useful info thanks. I've just bought a newA3 cabrio and never having owned a convertible before was wondering what to use to keep the roof pristine. The common consensus seems to be Autoglym to restore and reproof and Meguirs for day to day maintenance. Have viwed to drive roof down at least once per month in winter!
 
I know the handbook says not to jet wash cabs and that the others second that but I must admit that I disregard that, I am careful what way I point the jet though, I spray from front to back keeping the lance near the horizontal taking particular care at the top of the windows and where the hood sits on the boot. If you don't get too close and use a wide pattern you should be fine. IMO the benefit of this is that the pressure washer rinses out a lot of the crud that normal rinsing leaves behind, the water running across the boot can still be quite green for a while after the hood looks clean

I also use the Autoglym kit two or three times a year (Halfords are about £20 but often have them on a 3 for 2) but just wash the roof as normal the rest of the time. The rough sponge is great on the roof and also for getting rid of stubborn marks elsewhere. Be careful with the drain holes at the top edge of the windscreen as the re proofer can block them.

Not saying the others are wrong but the pressure washer works for me and I've not found the rough sponges too abrasive, I sometimes use them on the windscreen when bug splatter is really bad.
 
I get mine from halfords also. However I have only had to apply once a year, when I first got my car I took it in for a service and it was pressure washed and it took all the protection off the roof hence why I personally don't let any one wash my car anymore I am a bit OCD with it. I only use the pressure washer to clean the inner wheel arches.
Once it's protected for standard cleaning I rinse the roof and clean using plain water and a MIT (2 bucket) rinse then dry with a microfiber towel to get rid of the hard water.
A lot of it is personal preference and how OCD you are with it :)
 
I agree, my boys (not as often as they should admittedly) wash the Golf and Polo but I wouldn't let anyone else near the cab, it wouldn't take a pressure washer long to soak the interior or damage the hood, that's why I'm very careful with it.
My thoughts are that if you can drive it in heavy rain with no ill effects it should be ok to pressure wash it.
 
Another vote for the Autoglym kit - good for cleaning and waterproofing. The foam cleaning pad is very effective.

A word of warning though......I found that the spray mechanisms on their bottles are rather cheap and don't always work as they should when being pumped.
.
 
last time i did it:

Clean the roof with autoglym kit (or any other kit such as renovo), then i sprayed the hood with white vinegar (left for about an hour) to kill the moss spores, cleaned it again with the kit, then used a water proofer.
 
Cheers for all the replies folks. Think the Autoglym kit on Amazon is a good deal for now.:)
303 after that in another six months.

Looked at a few youtube vids too :)
 
A very weak solution of milton is great for any stubborn moss on the roof, just don't leave it on too long and give it a good shampoo after, this was recommended by a detailer on the TT forum. He also suggested Fabsil to treat, which gives great water repellency.
 
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