Does lichen damage my soft top roof?
Quick answer: Lichen doesn’t usually “eat” soft-top fabric, but left in place it traps moisture, stains the fibres and can abrade the surface (and stitching) as it beds in. Remove it sooner rather than later: soak with a dedicated hood cleaner, agitate with a stiff brush, rinse and repeat. Avoid pressure washers; if needed, use a very mild bleach solution on the main fabric only, then re-proof.
The lichen does not do any damage to your roof. The roof is made of tough synthetic fibres and lichen weaves its self between them, making it hard to remove, but it isn't damaging them directly.
However, lichen needs something to grow on, and it is feeding on dirt which is in the fibres of your roof. This dirt and grit is abrasive and causes wear. The mat of lichen will hold this grit in place.
Although lichen doesn't damage your roof directly, it is a symptom which indicates that your roof is being damaged by dirt and grit.
With that said, we have seen plenty of damage to roofs by people trying to remove lichen. You should never use a pressure washer to remove it as this can cut the fabric, and harsh chemicals can damage both the fabric and the rubber seals. Very mild bleaches can be used such as Milton Fluid, but care should be taken.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 08/09/2025 17:02
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Service: Convertible Roof Cleaning
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