Your Jeep soft top can easily lose its luster if not cared for properly. In this post, we will show you how to clean your Jeep soft top the right way so it not only looks clean but retains its color and newness for years to come. The soft top on a Jeep is one of the many things that make your Jeep what it is.
When you look at it, little has changed on the Wrangler in terms of looks since the 1940s. Yes, they are a lot bigger, meaner, and sexier, but if you were to take a person from the 1940s, they will easily identify it.
One of the things that have changed little over the years is the soft top on some of the Wrangler trims. The soft top can, however, suffer from negligence or generally from use. To keep it in tip-top condition, you will need to take good care of it and in this article, we will teach you how to do that.
Cleaning Supplies for Your Jeep Soft Top
Let’s start with the supplies you need to clean your soft top. You are going to need regular car cleaning supplies such as soap and water, some clothes and sponges. These are mainly going to be used for the rest of the car.
For the soft top, you will need the following:
- Sponge
- Micro fiber towel
- Stiff bristle brush
- Soft top cleaner
- Protectant
- Soft top window cleaner
Cleaning Jeep Soft Top Step by Step
Step 1: Scrub with brush and rinse
Take your stiff or soft bristle brush and brush off any debris from your soft top. Make sure to get all the dirt out especially from the tight corners. Next, take a hose and hose everything down. Wipe off any excess moisture from the soft top.
You do this to avoid any cleaner from getting onto your windows or body as this may stain or damage them.
Step 2: Scrub with cleaner and rinse
Use the special soft top cleaner with a sponge or brush depending on how dirty your soft top is. If using a brush, scrub as gently as possible while making sure to get all the dirt out.
It helps to also apply the cleaner first and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. As you scrub with the cleaner, make sure it doesn’t go onto the body or window.
As mentioned already, it can stain either of the 2. Make sure to wipe any that goes on them off. Once you’ve scrubbed it down, rinse off all the cleaner thoroughly. Dry it off using cloths. Make sure to use microfibre cloths or sponges on the windows.
Step 3: Use window cleaner on the windows
Next, use soft top window cleaner to clean your windows. Apply it using circular motions making sure to get all the spots. Rinse it off with water. If you do this step wrong, you can end up having cloudy windows and this can actually last for months. That’s the last thing you want. To get the best results, you may want to look at the windows at an angle to make sure all the cleaner is off and the windows are clean.
Step4: Apply Soft Top Protectant
Let your Jeep soft top dry first after you’ve finished cleaning before this step. The protectant shields your soft top from UV ray damage and also restores the original color.
Use a microfibre cloth to apply it evenly over the soft top. Make sure to pay special attention to the roof as it experiences a lot of sun exposure. Once you’re done, remove any excess with a cloth.
Step 5: Zipper cleaner and lubricant
An often neglected part when it comes to cleaning your soft top is the zippers. It’s important to make sure that they are clean and well lubricated. A lot of dirt and debris can collect on the zipper tracks over time.
Use zipper lubricant on all the zipper rails. Run the zippers back and forth to work the lubricant in. You should feel the difference as you do this. Once you are happy, make sure to wipe off any excess lubricant from the tracks with a cloth.
How Often Should I Clean My Soft Top?
How often should you wash your soft top depends on individual factors. If you go off-road or camping often, the answer would be when it gets dirty or once every couple of weeks.
Ideally, you should wash and apply the protectant at least once every three weeks. When you do this, your soft top should keep in good condition for years to come. Your windows will usually be the first to show aging and get cloudy. There are some special buffing kits and products that can bring life back to them.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.