Although convertible cars are some of the most stylish vehicles on the market, keeping a soft top roof clean takes a different approach compared to standard car hoods. Often, soft top fabric replacement is considered the most beneficial way of treating your cherished cabriolet, although this can be costly.
In our years of experience as convertible roof specialists, we’d recommend exploring cleaning methods first, as they can often restore your car roof’s appearance without the hefty price tag. Through our professional tips, and with some extra time devoted to your cabriolet roof, you can transform your faded or algae-forming soft fabric to help it look as good as new!
Signs Your Soft Top Car Roof Needs Cleaning
There are several telling signs that your cabriolet could need a good clean. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Are mould spots and algae growing on the outside fabric of your cabriolet roof?
- Have you noticed tree sap or bird droppings that have stuck to the fabric?
- Is the fabric looking faded but otherwise in good condition?
- Is rainwater leaking through your convertible hood?
If the answer is YES to any of the previous, consider spending an upcoming dry afternoon treating your convertible roof. The longer you leave it, the more likely tears and punctures in the material will occur, contributing to a reduced lifespan of the soft top.
6 Steps to Clean Your Soft Top Roof
Without further ado, let’s get into the key steps for cleaning dirt, mould, mildew, and other contaminants on your convertible top:
1. Brush Off Loose Dirt
Using a soft-bristle brush, gently remove loose dirt and dust from the fabric.
2. Apply a Soft-Top Fabric Cleaner
Mist the roof lightly with water, then “paint on” a dedicated soft-top cleaner (we recommend Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner), following the bottle’s instructions for specific guidance.
3. Let the Solution Soak
Allow the cleaner to work for about 1 hour, so that its active ingredients penetrate the fabric and loosen grime, mould, mildew, algae, and old waterproofing residues.
4. Scrub With Warm Water
Dip a bristle brush into warm water and scrub the fabric surface, taking care around seams, stitching, and windows, to lift out all contaminants.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Flush the entire cabriolet roof with clean water until no suds or dirt remain, ensuring the fabric is completely stripped back to its base fibres.
6. Repeat if Needed
If any stains, mould, or waterproofing residue persist, repeat steps 2 to 5 until the soft top is fully clean and bare. It is easier to leave the fabric to dry in between each clean, as the wet fabric can disguise missed dirt spots.
How to Recolour Your Soft Top Fabric
Once your cabriolet roof is clean and dry, you can begin to restore its original colour. If you don’t need to add colour, you should skip this step and head straight to the reproofing instead!
Using a clean 5cm brush, apply your colour restorer to the soft top fabric – we’d recommend you use a solution such as Renovo Soft Top Reviver (not suitable for vinyl soft tops). Begin in the centre of the fabric and spread outward toward the sides, then work from front to back. Move quickly to prevent wet-join lines, and you may need a second coat for a deeper colour.
Note: Our cleaning and reproofing service doesn’t involve fabric recolouring – this is just general advice for your own maintenance needs.
How to Waterproof Your Soft Top
Now that your cabriolet’s fabric is clean and stripped bare, it won’t repel water on its own, so the final step is reproofing. Use a proofing solution like Renovo Soft Top Ultra Proofer or Fabsil Gold Universal Protector, as this adds a neutral-coloured finish that works on any soft top shade. Most reproofers also add UV protection, plus mould and mildew inhibitors, to keep your roof looking great for even longer!
Start by pouring a little proofer into a clean container and stirring it well – do not shake the bottle itself. Using a 5cm soft-bristle brush, work the solution thoroughly into the fabric fibres; start in the middle of the soft top and move towards the edges.
Let each coat fully dry before applying the next. You’ll know you’ve used enough when the fabric stops absorbing the solution and you see water beading or running off – this shows that the water repellency is good.
Note: You should avoid spraying, as this tends to drift or simply sit on the surface, giving uneven coverage. Don’t cut corners now, you’re almost there!
FAQs
Can you jet wash a soft top roof?
No, you should not use a pressure washer on your soft top roof. The high-pressure water can damage the fabric, especially if it has already been weakened, and push dirt further into the material.
What is the best soft top cleaner?
In our years of experience as convertible roof specialists, we’d recommend Renovo’s Soft Top Cleaner; it’s suitable for all coloured fabric roofs and is particularly strong at removing stubborn dirt. However, other solutions like Autoglym’s Soft Top Clean & Protect Kit and Fabsil’s Gold Universal Protector are particularly popular, too.
How do you look after a soft top roof?
There are several things you should do to properly look after your cabriolet fabric. These include:
- Regular cleaning to wash away dust and dirt.
- Deep cleaning and reproofing at least once or twice a year.
- Check seam stitching for rips or loose threads.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; park in the shade where possible.
- Use a breathable cover in the winter if your car stays outside.
- Act fast on sticky contaminants, such as tree sap or bird droppings.
- Avoid harsh solutions, sticking to the fabric soft top cleaner at all times.
Where can I get my soft top roof professionally cleaned?
You’re in the right place to get your convertible car’s roof professionally cleaned! At Cayman Autos, we specialise in handling and cleaning even the dirtiest of soft top roofs. Our cleaning services start from £280+ VAT, which is significantly cheaper than a folding car roof replacement.
How long does a soft top roof last?
Through proper care, a soft top car roof should last between 5 and 10 years. However, some may last the entire lifetime of the car! If the condition of the soft top hood deteriorates quickly and you notice frequent rips in the fabric, it might be time for a replacement.
How do you prevent water ingress in a convertible roof?
The best way to prevent water ingress in your convertible car is to use a high-quality sealer designed for fabric soft tops. Simply follow our steps outlined earlier, and your roof will stay protected from the typical British weather!
How can you find leaks in a soft top roof?
If you’ve noticed a leak whilst driving your convertible car, or your car’s carpet floor seems damp, it is important to pinpoint where the water is coming from. Once you’ve cleaned and proofed the fabric, sit inside the car and get someone else to lightly hose water over the hood (don’t use a pressure washer). Inspect for any drips, especially around seams and seals.
At Cayman Autos, we offer a free water ingress inspection to help you find the cause of your leaks. Please get in touch with us to schedule this.
Contact Cayman Autos for Expert Soft Top Roof Restoration
If you do not have the time or inclination to carry out these steps to clean your soft top car roof, let Cayman Autos handle the task for you. Our experienced cabriolet roof experts always ensure a professional restoration, regularly working with high-end and low-end vehicles such as Jaguars, Aston Martins, Saabs, and more. If you’d like to get started with us, simply get in touch today!
