How Should I Wash my Soft Top Convertable?
If you are a car lover like us at Prestige Soft Tops, chances are it is important to you to keep your soft top clean and looking at its best. Luckily, we know a thing or two about convertible maintenance and can share with you some tips and tricks on how to wash your soft tops.
Can water damage your soft top?
The answer is yes – In some cases holding a high-pressure water sprayer too close to a soft top, new or old, will damage the fibres and leave unsightly visible patterns that can’t be removed.
Under normal conditions though, your soft top should be waterproof if installed correctly. During rain, water will drain off the canvas in a manner like an umbrella. The vinyl-coated fabric material used for the soft top is durable and will resist rainfall and water for years. The inside of your vehicle will be protected unless there are holes, leaks, or tares. Water is most likely to leak from the rubber seals between the top and windows, rather than the canvas itself. If you notice consistent leakage into your vehicle, keep an eye on the rubber seals as they may need replacement.
If water continues to be an issue, then there may be a problem with the installation of the convertible top on the vehicle. For any questions or convertible top replacements, feel free to get in contact with a member of our team for a consultation.
How can I protect my soft top?
To keep your soft top in the best condition possible, avoid leaving it exposed to harsh elements for prolonged periods of time. Extensive sun exposure can cause damage over time. If possible, keep the vehicle under a carport or garage if you want to ensure a long lifespan. Whilst soft tops are waterproof, a garage can also protect from falling branches, animal droppings and hail.
Use a soft top brush when washing the car to dislodge the dirt particles from the fabric fibres. This process should be sufficient for cleaning most of the time. However, we do recommend using a dedicated soft top cleaner once a month for a ‘deep clean’ if you want to make sure your top is always looking brand new. Do not use solvent-based (alcohol, vinegar, bleach) or household cleaners on soft tops. The chemical compounds within these products can cause damage to the sealant on your soft top. Erosion of the sealant over time can lead to a shorter lifespan and lasting damage.
Deep Cleans
Prestige Soft Tops has partnered with Bowden’s Own for a range of tested, high-quality soft top care products. We recommend using these for your monthly ‘deep clean’ of the vehicle roof.
Begin by giving the roof a thorough hose down. As mentioned earlier, never use a high-pressure cleaner at close range, a wide fan from 50cm is as close as a pressure washer should get.
Apply Sublime Clean over the wet roof, spray generously to let the cleaner soak into the fibres and dislodge grim. Use a gentle soft top brush to scrub the fabric, in a horizontal linear motion. It’s important not to use a circular motion, or be too aggressive, as this can cause damage to the roof fibres. After scrubbing, rinse off the foamy sublime and clean with the hose again. Don’t let the sublime clean dry into the fabric. This can be avoided by applying and scrubbing in small sections. Use a detailing brush to apply and scrub the edges of the roof for a more thorough clean.
Use a soft microfibre towel and lie it down on the fabric’s surface. Pat the towel gently to help it absorb moisture from the material. Then, flip the towel and place it in the next section and repeat. After this process is completed across the whole roof, leave the vehicle to dry completely for a couple of hours, and use a lint roller to remove any leftover fibres from the towel on the roof.
Fabric Protection:
Factory new soft tops come with a protective sealant integrated into the fabric to protect the roof from the elements. However, this sealant will degrade over time and use. To keep your roof in the best condition, reapplying the protective sealant will be required. A deep clean is essential before applying for any fabric protection.
Can my convertible go through a car wash?
This depends on the model of the convertible. For more information, look at the website or manual of the specific car model, or feel free to give us a call and we might be able to provide some clarity. While many soft-top convertibles ‘can’ or ‘are safe’ to go through an automatic car wash, it might not be recommended to maintain the quality of the fabric over time. We recommend using approved soft top cleaning products for your vehicle, and handwashing, following the steps above. If you do use an automatic car wash, make sure your roof is up!
Do you have a soft top that requires maintenance? Check out our range of high-quality cleaning and maintenance products available online. Visit our FAQ or get in contact for any specific questions or enquiries.
If you would like to enquire about one of our products or require assistance, please do not hesitate to email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au or fill out our online contact form so one of our team members can get back to you asap.