The first step in keeping your car looking its best is a regular and thorough clean, but that can be a tricky job if you’ve got a convertible. Soft top roofs can be tricky to clean, and often get a build-up of moss and algae that turn it an unsightly green colour.
To help you keep your convertible looking pristine, we’re walking you through the best soft top roof cleaners and how to use them.
How to clean a soft top roof
Before you start cleaning, check for any signs of damage like rips or tears to the fabric. If you do spot anything, it’s probably worth repairing these first to avoid doing any more damage as you clean.
You should also remove any large debris before you start. Use your hands or a vacuum to take off any larger bits of debris like leaves or stones.
You can then begin cleaning the fabric with a dedicated cleaner. Follow the instructions on your cleaner, but most need to be applied to a damp roof and left to work – you can usually agitate with a sponge too for any particularly stubborn spots.
We wouldn’t advise using a pressure washer on a fabric car roof as it can cause damage to the seams, so rinse with a hose or bucket.
If you haven’t cleaned your roof in a while or you have some particularly stubborn spots of grime, you might need to do two rounds of cleaning for the best results.
Once the stains are out, you can apply a dedicated protectant to keep your fabric roof guarded from the elements and help it to stay cleaner for longer.
Best soft top roof cleaners
There are plenty of great convertible roof cleaners available. The Meguiar’s Convertible Top Cleaner is gentle but effective on a variety of roof fabrics, from canvas and cloth to mohair and vinyl. Not only does it lift staining and contaminants like bird droppings, but it leaves behind a long-lasting waterproof barrier to protect your soft top over time.
If you’re after a dual-action formula to clean and protect, Car Gods have got you covered. The Car Gods 54 Helios Soft Top Cleaner takes care of the grime and moss in a gentle pH-neutral formula, before you lock in your results with the Car Gods 54 Pontus Soft Top Water Seal. This extra layer of protection can be used on all fabric soft tops and canvas, providing a hydrophobic finish to repel water, grime, and moss.
Want a complete cabriolet roof cleaner kit? This Cabriolet Fabric Hood Maintenance Kit from Autoglym has everything you need to care for your soft top, including their Soft Top Cleaner, Soft Top Protector, and two specialised sponges for cleaning and applying.
How to remove algae from a soft top roof
Mould, moss, and algae are common problems on soft top roofs. That’s because these fungi breed in damp environments, and unlike a traditional metal car roof, the fabric of your soft top is the perfect spot.
Algae and mould can be persistent, so you might need to use a stronger substance beyond your regular soft top cleaner. Even if it looks like it’s been cleaned, the spores are likely still there which means the mould will soon come back.
To kill the spores and get that deep clean, white vinegar is a great tool. Clean your car first, then mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and treat the surface of your roof, then wipe over it with a clean microfibre cloth.
You can then go in with your dedicated roof cleaner to lift any residual staining or grime.
You can find a variety of car cleaning kits, professional products, and handy tools over at Halfords.com, whatever detailing task you’re taking on. Or, head to your local store and chat with one of our experts about the right products for you.
