How To Clean Your Car Top Carrier.

This article was taken from the company website for the packright car top carrier, but should hold true for most soft car carriers:

OK, you’re back from a fantastic vacation, rested and relaxed or maybe stressed out from the traffic.  In any event you’ve got to unpack and get settled into “regular” life again.  You may have noticed that your car top carrier has picked up some bug spots or road grime along the way.  To maximize the life of your car top carrier, we recommend cleaning it up a bit, letting it dry, and then folding it up for your next adventure.  To clean a PackRight car top carrier from LakelandGear.com, simply hose it off with fresh water.  You can use a soft bristle scrub brush with mild detergent like “Woolite” if you are having trouble cleaning some areas.  We do not recommend using any chemical products that are harsher than this type of product.

After cleaning, spray off all the soap and suds with fresh water.  Let the car top carrier dry in the sun or breeze.  Fold it and put it back into the stuff sack.  Put the straps inside the bag with the directions so you’ll have everything together for the next time. You will be thanking yourself  later that you took the time to complete this step.

For those of you living in areas with the possibility of severe weather disasters, like costal towns, you can keep your car top carrier packed with essential items you would need for a potential evacuation.  If the time comes you can quickly and easily put the cartop carrier on your car, strap it down, and go.