How to Clean a Fabric Convertible Top

Special care on top of regular washing is critical for droptop longevity.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jun 13, 2024 | 2 min read

Ford

Dropping the top is a great way to put a smile on your face, but fabric convertible tops require special care. Here's a look at car cleaning products and techniques for keeping your convertible's cloth roof in great shape.

Regular Washing Is a Must

Modern convertible tops are much more robust than their early counterparts. New tops are better at resisting UV light, weather, and cold. Still, regular cleaning is necessary to ensure that a top stays in like-new condition.

You might be surprised to discover that the most critical factor in keeping your cloth convertible top clean is simply washing your car regularly, using the same products and techniques you would on the rest of your automobile. Maintaining a consistent schedule goes a long way towards preventing grime buildup on the top's fabric.

Stubborn Stains Require Dedicated Cleaning Products

What happens when a regular wash doesn't remove dirt, stains, and other gunk from your convertible top? It's time to turn to a specialized cleaning routine that considers the roof's material.

Unlike paint or chrome, a cloth convertible top typically responds well to brushing, as there's no finish to scratch or scuff. As with upholstery, a top has many tiny fibers that can grab onto dirt and hold it tight, requiring a gentle brush to help break grime free. Brushing and washing with a regular car wash solution and rinsing is often enough to remove a stain or clear up a filthy top. Always make sure the roof is wet before you brush.

For areas that don't respond to brushing and soap, you can try using upholstery cleaner, which sometimes comes with a brush integrated into the can to help loosen dirt. This type of foaming solution helps push dirt up once it's been worked into cloth fibers, reducing the amount of elbow grease required to clean everything.

Drying a convertible top is like drying the upholstery. Avoid using a cotton drying cloth that could leave lint behind, snagged by those same tiny fibers that catch grime. Instead, pat dry with a lint-free, microfiber drying towel.

Specialized Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Cloth Top

Like applying wax to your vehicle's paint to help protect it from the elements, a cloth convertible top also benefits from additional shielding against the sun, weather, and contaminants such as bird droppings and pollen.

Several companies offer spray-on convertible top treatments that bond with fabric, similar to sprays that add additional waterproofing and stain resistance to boots, shoes, and upholstered furniture. Just spray on one or more light, even coats to a clean and dry top for best results.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.