July 17th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Soft tops are a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and have long since been a staple of summer road trips! However, they require special attention and can be trickier to clean than hard-top cars, due to their more delicate nature and the fact they are more susceptible to issues such as dampness and mould. That’s why we recommend following these tips for keeping your soft top protected and looking its best for years to come.

Use the Right Products

The most vital part of cleaning for and protecting your soft top to ensure it stays looking its best is to use the right products! If your soft-top is a second vehicle it may be tempting to use your regular shampoo in order to save money and time, however, while this shampoo is fine for use on the body, it is very unlikely to be suitable for use on the actual soft top part of your car.  that your regular contact shampoo is suitable for use on the more delicate fabric of a soft top. This can be due to abrasive chemicals needed in car wash products that are needed to remove dirt, grease and mud can be too harsh for the delicate material of the roof and may lead to as these cleaners may contain agents that are too abrasive leading to discolouration of the fabric deteriorating which can lead to leaks forming over time.

That is why it is important to invest in a reliable product that has been designed specifically for use on the roof of your soft-top vehicle. These products will contain less abrasive cleaning agents that have been formulated for use on fabric and will not only help to remove the dirt and grime that will build up on your roof over time but will often contain active ingredients that can help to protect against mould and mildew that can develop on your roof when water is left to sit for long periods of time. This can be especially beneficial for those who keep their vehicles in storage for a large portion of the year.

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Once you have all the right products and it comes to actually cleaning your car, we recommend the use of a soft-bristled brush alongside your chosen cleaner, avoid scrubbing even on heavily soiled areas and instead and rubbing in circular motions while being careful not to apply too much pressure to this will avoid scratching or wearing the fabric. We also recommend removing excess moisture with a soft microfibre cloth since if you leave too much water to sit as this may result in damp or mould development.  

Maintain Regularly

This is the case for all vehicles but it is important that you are taking the time to It is important to remember to regularly maintain your soft top, and don’t let too much dirt or water build up on your roof as this can result in damage. If your vehicle is not stored in a garage and is exposed to the elements then it is even more vital that you set a regular maintenance routine. And the very minimum you should be deep cleaning your soft top twice a year – more often is of course ideal.

If you notice damage such as the fabric beginning to wear or small holes and tears it is incredibly important to promptly repair these before the issue becomes worse, after all replacing a full soft top can be very expensive depending on the make, model and age of your vehicle.

Uses A Protector

Once your soft top has been fully clean it is highly recommended to use a protector to seal the fabric. This will create a repellent barrier and will help protect against water damage, keeping your roof looking its best for longer.

The sun can also cause more damage than you may realise to your soft top so if you want to take the extra step to protect the fabric of your roof and keep it looking its best then it is advisable to use a sealer that offers UV protection. This way the fabric and colour will be protected from UV rays preventing it from becoming sun-bleached. In order to keep your roof protected it then you should re-seal it at least twice a year however, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your desired product as these may require more frequent or less frequent application. but always check with the product’s application method as this may advise more frequent applications.

Get A Cover

Last but certainly not least whether you keep your car in a garage or it is stored on a driveway then it is highly recommended to invest in a high-quality waterproof cover, this will help to shelter it from the elements such as sun, rain and snow that can cause damage and will also help to protect against dust, debris or damp that can occur in a garage. Not only will this make it easier to main your vehicle’s appearance but the first clean when taking your vehicle out of storage will be much easier on yourself too. Soft tops can be expensive to replace--and if you're like me, you may not want any other type of car!

So, here are our tips for maintaining and protecting your soft top vehicle. Soft tops as incredibly fun and stylish cars and repairs can be expensive depending on the age and model so its important to take these steps to keep it clean and protected all year round so that you can maintain its stylish look and keep enjoying those days cruising in the summer with the roof down for years to come!