Date:         Sun, 6 Apr 2014 17:15:42 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Cleaning the Pop-Top Flocking?
Comments: To: turbowesty <turbowesty@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <7F8A1C13-6C5C-47C8-B6A3-FFDEAB46D8CC@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I've cleaned the top fuzz (which is plastic) several times over the years,
and finally found an easy system that works and lasts.

First, completely mask off the canvas and the interior with painter's
plastic. Remove the top mattress to be safe.

Use a bleach based mold cleaner in a spray bottle, or make your own.  A 25%
to 50% bleach solution will work fast!  Bleach will completely dissolve any
dark mold and mildew and clean off grease with very little scrubbing, if
any.  Just let it soak for 30 minutes or so.   Of course, do this outside
with good ventilation, and it's best to wear a mask rated for toxic fumes.

When it's done its job use a home type upholstery/rug cleaner or rent one
and use plain water to rinse.  Use lots of water, go over it two or three
times.  Do your upholstery too when you are done with the top!

After it dries, spray a saturating coating of Zep mold preventive, an odor
free organic product made from crab shells (chitin):
http://www.zepcommercial.com/product/Clear-Shell-Mold-and-Mildew-Inhibitor
This stuff really works!

I got this at Home Depot last year, and most RV shops carry it. This is the
first winter my rig has survived outside storage with no mold or mildew
growth on the top fuzz (there is plenty of moss on the outside of the van
though).

I'm in the damp northwest. If it works for me, it will work for you!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
turbowesty
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 9:55 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Cleaning the Pop-Top Flocking?

I'm about to clean the inside of the pop-top and would appreciate any
suggestions on what solutions / compounds / tricks people have up their
sleeves for this.

And no, the Bell Industries' power washer method isn't an option, it's still
attached to the Vanagon :)

Regards, Peter Kraiker
nextchapter.kraikerphoto.com
Toronto, ON, Canada
'82 L Westfalia 1.9 TD 5 Spd (Babe)