Best Products to Maintain a Convertible Top
A convertible top makes your car stand out, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle. Dirt, UV rays, and water can quickly wear it down. With the right products, you can keep your top looking new and performing properly for years.
Convertible Top Care Essentials
Keep your fabric or vinyl top safe with this simple wash-and-protect system.
Why Convertible Tops Need Care
Convertible tops face harsher conditions than most parts of your car. Fabric and vinyl tops are exposed to:
- UV rays that cause fading and brittleness.
- Rain and water that promote mold and mildew.
- Dirt and debris that embed into fibers.
Without proper care, tops can shrink, crack, and leak. Regular maintenance keeps them functional and looking sharp.
Best Cleaner: The Super Soaper
The Super Soaper is a safe, foaming soap that gently removes dirt from fabric and vinyl convertible tops without causing damage.
- Foaming action lifts dirt safely.
- Safe for delicate convertible materials.
- Works with foam cannons or pump sprayers.
Pro Tip: Instead of scrubbing aggressively, use your hands to gently agitate the surface when the top is brittle or aging.
Best Protectant: Tough As Shell
Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray creates a protective hydrophobic barrier on convertible tops, helping water bead off while resisting UV damage and dirt buildup.
- Repels water to prevent mold and mildew.
- Shields against UV rays and fading.
- Easy spray-and-wipe application.
- Works on both fabric and vinyl tops.
Note: Apply only after the top is fully cleaned and dried. Never seal in dirt or contaminants.
Step-by-Step Top Care Workflow
- Rinse the convertible top thoroughly to remove loose debris.
- Foam with The Super Soaper and let dwell for a few minutes.
- Agitate gently with hands or a soft brush if needed.
- Rinse until water runs clear.
- Dry completely using a microfiber towel or blower.
- Spray Tough As Shell evenly across the surface.
- Wipe with microfiber to ensure full coverage and streak-free finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using harsh cleaners—damages fabric and vinyl fibers.
- Scrubbing with stiff brushes—causes wear and tears.
- Skipping drying—leads to mold and mildew growth.
- Forgetting protection—tops deteriorate quickly without a UV/water barrier.
Related Guides
How to Clean a Convertible Top
Best Products to Maintain Car Shine
Best Products to Maintain Glass & Windows
FAQ: Convertible Top Maintenance
How often should I wash my convertible top?
Monthly for daily drivers, every few months for garage-kept vehicles.
Can I use a pressure washer?
Yes, but keep the nozzle at least 12–18 inches away to avoid damaging fibers.
Is Tough As Shell safe for fabric tops?
Yes—its water-based formula works on both fabric and vinyl tops.
What’s the #1 mistake owners make?
Neglecting protection—most tops fail early because they’re never sealed against UV and water.
