Convertible Soft Top Care

1. Close the roof fully and work in the shade, out of direct sun, on a cool surface.
2. Remove loose debris — brush or vacuum off leaves, grit and dust so you don't grind it in.
3. Pre-treat heavy soiling, algae or stains, then apply a dedicated fabric or soft-top cleaner (a fabric-safe APC can help on tougher marks).
4. Agitate gently with a soft brush, working with the weave. Don't scrub aggressively or you'll fluff and fade the fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly with low-pressure water until it runs clear. Repeat on stubborn areas rather than scrubbing harder.
6. Let it dry completely — ideally overnight, indoors or under cover.
7. Re-waterproof: once the fabric is bone-dry, apply a fabric waterproofer or sealant evenly to restore water repellency. Recoat as directed.

• Only use products safe for fabric or vinyl soft tops. Avoid acidic wheel cleaners, strong solvents, bleach and traffic-film removers — they discolour fabric and can rot the stitching.
• Never let cleaner dry on the fabric. Keep it wet and rinse fully.
• Re-waterproof when water stops beading — usually after a few deep cleans, or a couple of times a year.
• Vinyl roofs prefer a gentler cleaner and a dedicated vinyl protectant rather than a fabric waterproofer.
• Treat organic staining early — the longer algae, sap or droppings sit, the deeper they set.

Work a dedicated fabric or soft-top cleaner (or a fabric-safe APC) into the affected area with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. For heavy algae, treat, let it dwell, agitate and repeat rather than scrubbing hard. Let the roof dry fully and re-apply a waterproofer afterwards.

Soften first — lay a damp cloth with a little fabric cleaner over the mark for a minute or two, then lift it away; don't grind it in. Rinse the area and treat any residual stain with a fabric stain remover. Removing it promptly stops the acids setting a mark.

Don't pick or scrape at it. Soften the sap with a fabric-safe stain remover or cleaner, let it dwell, then gently lift with a soft brush or cloth and rinse. Repeat rather than forcing it. Keep solvent-based tar/sap removers for painted or vinyl surrounds, not fabric — and always spot-test first.

Keep the pressure low and the lance well back. High pressure forces water through the weave and can damage the fabric and seams. A gentle rinse is all you need.

A fabric-safe, diluted all-purpose cleaner is fine for tougher grime and spot-cleaning — always test on a hidden area first and rinse well. For regular cleaning, a dedicated soft-top cleaner is gentler on the fabric.

Whenever water stops beading and rolling off — typically after a few deep cleans, or a couple of times a year. A well-sealed roof stays cleaner and dries faster.

Not always. Fabric hoods take fabric cleaners and waterproofers; vinyl hoods prefer a gentle cleaner and a vinyl-specific protectant. Check your roof type before choosing a product.