How to Clean Jeep Soft Top Windows

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 21, 2020 References

Most soft top jeeps have plastic windows that, though unique and stylish, are a bit tricky to clean. Thankfully, there is a simple process you can use to clear up your jeep’s windows without damaging them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Clearing up a Cloudy Window

1
Wipe the window down with water. Dip a fresh microfiber towel in water and wring out the cloth until the fabric is damp but not soaked. Then, fold the towel and wipe it across the plastic window. After every 2 to 3 passes, switch to a new, clean side of the towel.
- If you’d like, you can spray the window with a cleaning solution like Invisible Glass or Plexus before wiping it down.^{[1]
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- To avoid damaging your window, do not wipe it using circular motions.
2
Rub a plastic repairing solution into the window. Place a few drops of a plastic repairing liquid onto a clean microfiber towel. Then, rub the liquid into the window using long, straight line motions. Repeat the process until the window appears clear.^{[2]
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- This process should normally take between 5 and 10 minutes.
- Look for plastic repairing solutions, such as Plastex Liquid, at auto repair stores.
- Do not rub your window using circular motions as doing so could damage the plastic material.
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3
Dry the window with a microfiber towel if necessary. In most cases, your window will dry naturally as you rub the repair liquid into it. However, if your window is still wet after applying the solution, blot the moist areas dry with a clean microfiber towel.
- This is particularly important when cleaning the interior side of the window since you don’t want water or plastic repair solution dripping into your car.
4
Cover your window with a sealing spray. After washing your window, grab a bottle of RaggTopp Protectant or a similar sealing solution. Then, spray it onto your window, let it set for 5 to 10 minutes, and wipe it off with a clean microfiber towel.^{[3]
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- This will give the window an extra layer of defense against sun rays, water, and other environmental hazards.
5
Do not use window cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia. When washing your soft top jeep window, do not, under any circumstance, use an alcohol or ammonia based cleaning solution like Fantastik, Windex, or Formula 409. These substances will make the plastic dry and brittle, leading to discoloration and cracks.^{[4]
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- In addition, stay away from furniture polish sprays like Pledge since they can tint your window yellow.
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Avoid paper towels and terry towels. When washing your jeep, stay away from paper towels, terry towels, and other coarse fabrics. These materials can leave lots of residue on your window and, in particularly bad scenarios, may even scratch it up.^{[5]
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- If you have to, you can use a paper towel or terry towel to dry your window. Just make sure that, instead of rubbing it on the window, you gently dab it onto the plastic material.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Soft Top Fabric

1
Rinse the hood with water. Using a hose, rinse off the entire soft top hood with water. Make sure to soak the fabric thoroughly, that way you loosen up the material and remove as much dirt, grime, and gunk as possible.^{[6]
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- If you’d like, you can use a power washer instead of a hose. Just make sure to hold the nozzle at least 2 ft (24 in) away from the soft top to avoid damaging it.
2
Clean the fabric with auto shampoo. Spray the soft top thoroughly with either auto shampoo, like Chemical Guys Foaming Soap, or a vehicle fabric cleaner, like Ammo Shag Fabric Cleaner. Then, rub the solution with an interior cleaning brush to agitate it. When you’re finished, rinse off the shampoo with clean water.
- For the best results, move your brush in straight line motions.
- To get dirt out of a corner or seam, tap the area with the end of your brush.
- For most jeeps, a thorough cleaning should take around 20 minutes.
- You can purchase auto shampoo and vehicle fabric cleaner at auto supply stores.
3
Scrub the fabric with a stiff brush to remove deep stains. Over time, stubborn patches of soil, bird droppings, or green mold may stain your jeep’s soft top fabric. To remove these patches, shampoo the affected areas and gently scrub them with a stiff bristle brush. This will force the stains up, creating a paste-like substance that you can rinse off with water.
- As with your interior cleaning brush, move the stiff bristle brush in straight line motions for the best results.
- Use this technique sparingly to avoid damaging the material.
4
Dry the fabric with a shammy towel. To dry the fabric, purchase a shammy cloth like The Absorber or Mighty Cleaner. Then, press the towel down into your soft top fabric to dry it off. When you’ve removed as much water as you can, park your jeep in a warm place so it can finish drying.^{[7]
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- To prevent mold, only air dry your jeep after you’ve removed as much water as possible.
- If you’d prefer, you can use a microfiber towel instead. However, make sure you use and wash the cloth a few times beforehand, otherwise it may leave unwanted particles on the hood.
- Do not use a terry towel or paper towels to dry your hood. Doing so will leave small amounts of residue that are difficult to remove.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Waterproofing Your Soft Top Hood

1
Mask the edges of your hood with tape. If your jeep has a canvas or vinyl soft top, you’ll need to coat the material with a hydrophobic protective spray to keep mold-causing moisture out. Before using the spray, however, make sure to cover the seams between your car’s hood and body with masking tape.
- Masking your jeep will prevent the hydrophobic solution from affecting your paint job.
- If any hydrophobic solution gets on your jeep’s body, rub it off with a cloth dipped in pre-wax cleaner or polish.
2
Spray on a canvas hydrophobic solution if you have a canvas hood. Purchase a can of canvas-specific hydrophobic spray, such as RaggTopp Protectant, from an auto supply store. When you’re ready to spray the car, shake the can for at least 30 seconds and hold it about 8 in (20 cm) from the material. Then, spray the hood using straight line motions.
- For the best results, spray on at least 3 coats of protective material. Make sure to let the spray dry for at least 10 minutes between coats.
3
Use a vinyl hydrophobic solution if you have a vinyl soft top. Buy a can of RaggTopp Vinyl Protectant, 303 UV Protectant, or a similar vinyl-specific hydrophobic spray. When you’re ready to waterproof the car, shake the can for 5 to 10 seconds and spray the solution onto a sponge or foam applicator. Then, rub the solution into the hood using straight line motions and let it set for about 5 minutes.
- When the solution finishes setting, tamp it dry if necessary using a shammy or microfiber towel.