Most softtop Jeeps have plastic windows that, while unique and stylish, are a bit difficult to clean. Fortunately, there is a simple process you can use to clean them without damaging them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean a cloudy window
Step 1. Clean the window with water
Dampen a clean microfiber towel with water and wring it out until the fabric is damp but not soggy. Then fold it up and pass it through the plastic window. After you wipe it two or three times, switch to a new, clean side of the towel.
- If you want, you can spray the window with a cleaning solution like Invisible Glass or Plexus before cleaning.
- To avoid damaging the window, do not wipe it in a circular motion.
Step 2. Rub a solution on the window that will repair the plastic
Place a few drops of a plastic repair fluid on a clean microfiber towel. Then rub the liquid onto the window in long, straight strokes. Repeat this process until the window is clear.
- This process will normally take between five and ten minutes.
- Look for solutions that repair plastic, such as Plastex Liquid, at auto repair stores.
- Don't rub the window in circular motions, as you could damage the plastic material.
Step 3. Dry the window with a microfiber towel, if necessary
In most cases, the window will naturally dry out when you rub in the repair solution. However, if the window is still damp after applying it, dry it with a clean microfiber towel.
This is particularly important when cleaning the inside of the window, as you don't want water or plastic repair solution to drip onto the car
Step 4. Cover the window with a sealing spray
After washing the window, take a bottle of RaggTopp Protectant or a similar sealing solution. Then spray it on the window, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe it off with a clean microfiber towel.
This will give the window an additional layer of defense against the sun's rays, water, and other environmental hazards
Step 5. Do not use window cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia
When washing the window of a Jeep with a soft top, do not under any circumstances use an alcohol or ammonia-based cleaning solution such as Fantastik, Windex, or Formula 409. These substances will cause the plastic to dry out and become brittle, which will cause cracking and discoloration.
Also, avoid using furniture polish sprays, such as Pledge, as they can stain the window yellow
Step 6. Avoid paper towels and terrycloth towels
When washing your Jeep, it's best to stay away from paper towels, terrycloth towels, and other thick fabrics. These materials can leave a large amount of residue on the window and in some bad situations can even scratch it.
If you have to use terry or paper towels, just make sure that instead of rubbing them hard on the window, you gently run them over the plastic material
Method 2 of 3: Clean the Soft Canopy Fabric
Step 1. Rinse the hood with water
Using a hose, rinse the entire soft top with water. Make sure you soak the fabric thoroughly, that will loosen the material and remove as much dirt and stains as possible.
If you want, you can use a pressure washer instead of a hose. Just be sure to keep the nozzle at least 2 feet away from the soft top to avoid damaging it
Step 2. Clean the fabric with car shampoo
Spray the soft top well with an auto shampoo, such as Chemical Guys Foaming Soap, or an auto fabric cleaner, such as Amma Shag Fabric Cleaner. Then, shake up the solution with an indoor cleaning brush and scrub it in. When you're done, rinse out the shampoo with clean water.
- For best results, make straight strokes with the brush.
- To get dirt out of a corner or seam, approach the area with the tip of the brush.
- For most Jeeps, cleaning thoroughly should take around 20 minutes.
- You can buy the shampoo and fabric cleaners at auto supply stores.
Step 3. Scrub the fabric with a stiff brush to remove deep stains
Over time, tough dirt stains, bird droppings, or green mold can stain the Jeep soft top. To remove these stains, wash the affected areas with shampoo and scrub gently with a stiff bristle brush. This will loosen stains and create a paste-like substance that can be rinsed off with the water.
- As with the indoor cleaning brush, move the stiff bristle brush in a straight line for best results.
- Use this technique sparingly so you don't damage the material.
Step 4. Dry the fabric with a suede towel
To dry the fabric, buy a suede cloth like The Absorber or Mighty Cleaner. Then press the towel onto the soft top to dry it. When you've absorbed as much water as possible, park the Jeep in a warm spot to finish drying.
- To avoid mold, only air dry your Jeep after you've removed as much of the water as possible.
- If you prefer, you can use a microfiber towel. However, make sure to use it and wash it a few times before, otherwise you can leave unwanted particles on the hood.
- Don't use a terry cloth or paper towels to dry the hood. Doing so will leave behind small debris particles that are difficult to remove.
Method 3 of 3: Waterproof the Soft Top
Step 1. Cover the edges of the hood with masking tape
If your Jeep is made of soft canvas or vinyl, you will need to coat the material in a hydrophobic protective spray to prevent mold-causing moisture. However, before using the spray, be sure to cover the seams between the hood and the body of the car with masking tape.
- Covering with masking tape will prevent the hydrophobic solution from affecting the Jeep's paint job.
- If the hydrophobic protector solution comes in contact with the body of the Jeep, wipe it off with a cloth dampened with wax cleaner or polish.
Step 2. Spray a special hydrophobic tarp protector
Purchase a tarp-specific hydrophobic spray, such as RaggTopp Protectant, from an auto supply store. When you're ready to spray your car, shake the spray for at least 30 seconds and keep it about 8 inches (20 cm) away from the material. Then, spray the hood in straight strokes.
For best results, spray at least three coats of the protector. Make sure to let the spray dry for at least ten minutes between coats
Step 3. Use a hydrophobic vinyl protector if you have a vinyl canopy
Purchase a spray of RaggTopp Vinyl Protectant, 303 UV Protectant, or a similar hydrophobic vinyl spray. When you're ready to waterproof your car, shake the spray for five to ten seconds and squirt the solution onto a sponge or foam applicator. Then rub the solution onto the hood in straight line motions and let it sit for about 5 minutes.