Mildew on jeep top

[scyj]

I am in need of suggestions to remove mildew spots on the top of my wrangler. Scrubbing does not do anything at all. So what next I ask? I don't want to put a chemical on that is too strong obviously so if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. Thanks

[Mike Phillips]

Currently Meguiar's doesn't offer a lot of products for working on convertible tops outside of vinyl.

What is your Jeeps convertible top made out of?

[scyj]

I believe it is vinal coated canvas if I am not mistaken. If it helps the top is factory original from 1993

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by scyj
I believe it is vinyl coated canvas if I am not mistaken. If it helps the top is factory original from 1993

Hi scyj,

I've sent the link to this thread to our Director of Training to see what he would suggest, I'm pretty sure at this time we don't offer a product that will solve this type of problem.

Usually to kill mold or mildew you need to use something like a disinfectant, how this would affect the material used to make you top I don't know?

[RamAirV1]

Get some marine type mildew remover like Star Brite Mold and Mildew Remover. It is safe for vinyl. Do a small test spot and see what happens. Put some on a small section and let is sit for a few seconds then wipe it off with a damp rag. I would not use MF towels as the product may damage them. I read somewhere not to use bleach on MF towels. Terry towels will work just fine here.

IMHO, mildew removal is one of the toughest detailing steps when detailing boats. The marine grade mildew removers are the only product I've ever really had any luck with. They have never damaged my vinyl upholstery. Your convertible top is probably tougher than vinyl seats. But still do a very small test spot before you proceed.

You can usually get the mildew remover from a boat dealer parts dept. Auto Zone used to carry it but do not anymore.

RamAirV1

[mirrorfinishman]

Household bathroom cleaning products designed for removing mildew such as X-14 and TILEX will also work very well.

The key to not causing any damage is to always make sure you keep everything wet at all times. Never allow any of the cleaning solution to dry on any surface.

Actually, the best time to clean a vinyl top is on a rainy day. The rain will help to make sure the top stays wet during the entire cleaning process.

It's also a good idea to apply the mildew remover directly to a nylon scrub brush first and then proceed to thoroughly work the cleaner into the surface. Do not apply the cleaner directly to the top.

And always be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

[scyj]

Well i'll try the mildew remover and see what happens. Thanks

[matt_c]

Re: Mildew on jeep top

I used a product called Crud Cutter, which I bought at Lowes for cleaning my Vinyl siding on my house, I simply sprayed it on using my pressure wassher low pressure setting, then took an old wash mit and scrubbed the top. Rinsed with water and it looks like new. However the mold on my top was not terrible, just enough around the edges to be noticeable.

[RamAirV1]

Re: Mildew on jeep top

I used a product called Crud Cutter, which I bought at Lowes for cleaning my Vinyl siding on my house, I simply sprayed it on using my pressure wassher low pressure setting, then took an old wash mit and scrubbed the top. Rinsed with water and it looks like new. However the mold on my top was not terrible, just enough around the edges to be noticeable.

Does it smell like bleach? I wonder if it is similar to the Star Brite Mildew Remover (for boats). I am working with that this week to get the mildew off my boat upholstery.

Fortunately, my #57 Marine Rubber and Vinyl Protectant has done a great job (as usual) and I don't have that much mildew to contend with. I only applied the #57 at the beginning of the boating season and it kept the mildew away until now. IMHO, that is outstanding protection! If I had applied #57 even one more time during the boating season, I would probably have had zero mildew to deal with!

RamAirV1

[matt_c]

Re: Mildew on jeep top

Not really, but it does kill the mildew on the side of the house that gets no sun, and it just rinses off. My guess is that its got some sort of mildew killer in it, not sure what kind though.