How to Clean a Car Roof Lining Without Damaging It

Marks on the roof lining are common: smoke, finger prints from grab handles, make-up, pet hair, food and drink. Cleaning it is not like cleaning a seat. The fabric is bonded to foam and a board with glue that does not like water, heat or heavy rubbing. Done wrongly, cleaning can make a lining sag. Done gently, it can freshen it up.

First, check whether it should be cleaned at all

If it is already sagging or peeling, repair guides advise fixing it first, or leaving it alone. Cleaning an unbonded lining can make the problem worse.
If it is old, an older fabric lining may be fragile. Keep any cleaning minimal.
If it is stained from a leak, a clean will not solve the cause, and the lining may be damaged beneath the surface. See water stains and leaks.

Why moisture, heat and force are the enemies

Detailing guides agree on three rules: do not over-wet the fabric, do not use excess heat, and do not scrub hard. Any of the three can make the adhesive and foam fail. Soaking can also cause mildew later, and rough rubbing can pill or damage the fabric.

What you need

A vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
Two or three clean microfibre cloths.
A mild, non-foaming interior or upholstery cleaner that does not need much water to rinse, or a very mild soap solution.
A dry towel for blotting.

Step by step

Vacuum lightly. Use the soft brush attachment to remove dust, hair and loose debris before any liquid touches the fabric.
Test a hidden spot. Try the cleaner on a small area, such as near an edge, and let it dry to check for colour change.
Apply cleaner to the cloth, not the roof. Never spray the lining directly. Spray a small amount onto a microfibre cloth until it is only slightly damp.
Dab and wipe gently. Dab the stain with the damp corner using light pressure, then wipe in one direction, either side to side or front to back. Avoid circular scrubbing, which can roughen and knot the fibres.
Blot dry. Press a clean, dry part of the cloth or a dry towel against the area to lift moisture.
Ventilate. Open the windows or doors, or use a fan, to let the area dry fully before closing the car in the heat.

Tough stains

For grease or ink marks, repeat the dab-and-blot process several times rather than pressing harder. Allow each application to dry before trying again. If the mark does not lift after a few gentle attempts, stop. Over-working a stain can leave a halo or a damp patch that loosens the glue.

What to avoid

Soaking the fabric or using a wet-vacuum extractor.
Steam cleaners and heat guns, which can soften the adhesive.
Strong solvents or harsh household chemicals.
Stiff brushes and circular scrubbing.

Preventing marks

Wash hands before using grab handles and sun visors if they have been handled with greasy fingers.
Avoid smoking in the car, because tar and nicotine stain fabric and leave odours.
Keep the cabin ventilated in hot weather and fix leaks quickly.

If cleaning does not work, or the fabric has loosened, a re-cover may be the better option. We replace roof linings at your home or workplace in Brisbane Northside, Brisbane Southside, Ipswich and the Gold Coast, usually in about an hour, with a 5 year warranty. Call 0410 104 145 for a free quote or see our roof lining repair service.