Why go to the trouble of buying a convertible, driving it in the British weather and not bothering to clean the car properly with the best soft top cleaner? The UK averages about 150 rainy days a year, so if you're putting up with a convertible, the least you can do is buy the best soft top cleaner possible.
A car shampoo may be perfect for paintwork, but it won't cut it on the roof, you'll need something specific. Failure to take proper care of your soft-top material can be disastrous. Not only will the fabric look awful and stained, but you'll also develop mould quicker, and the fabric could even degrade and lose its waterproofing abilities.
The best soft top cleaner at a glance:
Editor's pick: Autoglym Convertible Soft Top Clean & Protect Complete Kit - buy now from Amazon
Best soft top cleaner for quick cleaning: Meguiar's Convertible Top Cleaner - buy now from Amazon
Best soft top cleaner for neglected soft tops: Carbusonic Convertible roof cleaner kit - buy now from Amazon
A properly maintained soft top will look so much better and should keep your head nice and dry should the weather turn British. Getting your hands on the soft-top cleaner is essential for any convertible owner, and we've selected our favourites right here.
The best soft-top cleaners
Editor's pick
Our number one choice for cleaning and protecting a soft top, Autoglym's convertible kit, comes with a cleaner, protector and an applicator sponge. Suitable for use on mohair, double duck, fabric or canvas roofs, it's great for removing stains and ensuring that the roof remains as waterproof as possible.
Pros
- Comprehensive kit
- Great stain remover
Cons
- Possibly overkill
Best soft top cleaner for quick cleaning
The perfect option for a quick spruce up, this soft top cleaner from Meguiar's can cut through oil, bird dirt and stains while also keeping the waterproofing elements intact. The product is biodegradable too, which means you won't be harming the planet as you clean your car.
Pros
- Good for the planet
- Effective for general care
Cons
- Better options for heavier cleans
Best soft top cleaner for neglected soft tops
The perfect choice for a barn find or a convertible that's sat neglected for a couple of years, this set of three products from Carbusonic will totally restore any lost lustre. The mould remover is a welcome addition if the car's been sat outside, as is the black dye (use on a black roof only). The silicone waterproofer will ensure that the roof does its job of being waterproof.
Pros
- Great kit for cleaning and sealing
- Restores lost shine
Cons
- Missing a brush
Best soft top cleaner for value
If you're on a budget and still wanting solid results, then this kit from Turtle Wax is well worth considering. The cleaner uses active detergents to dislodge dirt, remove mould, bird poo and stains, while the conditioner helps the fabric to be more stain-resistant and it helps the waterproofing.
Pros
- Great value
- Cleans and restores fabric
Cons
- There are more effective options
Best soft top cleaner for restoring PVC windows
You'll inevitably have seen some older convertibles with cloudy, yellowed PVC rear windows that don't look nice or work as windows. As replacement parts can be difficult to source and expensive to fit, restorers like this from E-Tech are a clever solution. This compound works to remove the aged layer of PVC, similar to a headlight restoration kit, meaning you'll be able to see through the window once more.
Pros
- Restore plastic windows with ease
- Simple to use
Cons
- You'll need other products to actually clean the roof
Best soft top cleaner for tonneau covers
Also designed for cleaning pickup tonneau covers, this interesting product from 303 Products is designed to cut through oil and stains while offering better waterproofing. And if you happen to own a Dodge Dakota Convertible, you can kill two birds with one stone with this product.
Pros
- Multi-use design
- Also serves as extra waterproofing
Cons
- You may need the rest of the kit
Soft top cleaners: what you need to know
Why should I clean a soft top?
Not only will it keep your car looking car looking better and worth more money if you decide to sell it, but a properly maintained roof will also last longer and shouldn't be as prone to deteriorating, something which can easily do serious damage to your interior.
How do I clean my convertible?
This depends on how much you trust the waterproofing abilities. If it's a modern and safe example, start with a jet of water to remove any surface grime and prepare the surface for a good scrubbing. It's probably worse skipping this step if you own a TVR.
Now it's time to clean the fabric with your chosen soft top cleaner and a good detailing brush that can scrub away anything that may have embedded itself in the fabric. In a pinch, an all-purpose cleaner can be deployed, but note that there'll be no protection added.
Pay special attention to seams and edges, as these will often be hotbeds of collected grime and will probably need some extra agitation.
Finally, rinse everything off to stop the lifted grime from re-seeping into the fabric and dry with a quality microfibre drying towel. Now is the time to apply any protective substances for an immaculate car roof.
What about folding metal convertibles?
You shouldn't use soft top cleaners on folding-metal roofs because they will not do anything. Even the best soft top cleaner won't be able to adapt to successfully clean metal. Instead, use regular car shampoo and wash it like any other body panel (just make sure to close the roof first).
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Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.