“I have removed the mould from my Saab convertible hood, but white marks have been left afterwards!”

This is a very common issue that convertible owners find, in fact, these marks are often mistaken to be left over mould, that the customer will continue to scrub at, to no avail.With my considerable years of experience with soft tops, and usually after viewing a photograph in this sort of scenario, I can be confident that the marks present on the top after cleaning are in fact damage known as “scarring“. This occurs when the top has been allowed to become so badly ingrained with mould, that it has taken root within the fabric/membrane and caused permanent damage to the top. Then when the top is thoroughly cleaned, and the mould is removed, it leaves scarring behind, which unfortunately cannot be removed.

I recommend that you have another go at cleaning the top to the best of your ability using these instructions:

Mist spray the top and then paint on Fabric Soft Top Cleaner leave the solution to process for approximately one hour, the optimum time for the active ingredients to work. Using hand hot water the surface should then be scrubbed with a bristle brush, being careful around stitched areas. It is essential to use hand hot water. Finish by rinsing off with water. Repeat the whole process as necessary.

You can then try to improve the look of the marks by applying the Soft Top Reviver to the whole top, which should help to mask the scarring. However, I do advise you that this may not completely get rid of the marks, but it should certainly make a noticeable improvement.If you do wish to apply Soft Top Reviver, remember it is imperative to check that all previously applied proofing agents have been removed during the cleaning process! To expedite this you can simulate a shower of rain (not a soaking) with a rose attachment on a watering can. If the sprinkling of water from the watering can soaks in evenly all over then so will Reviver, as it is a water-based product.

When you are sure that you have removed all previously applied proofer (you most likely will have already done this whilst cleaning off the mould) you can start to apply a refreshing coat of Reviver in order to help mask these marks. I recommend applying at least 2 coats but no more than three to the whole top! You will then need to apply Ultra Proofer to help keep the top protected from becoming ingrained with dirt, mould, algae and mildew in the future.