Nowadays convertibles are becoming extremely popular. In case you do not know what it is, a convertible car has a controllable roof. You can drive with or without the roof depending on the weather and of course, your preference. Whether you want to soak in some sunlight, or simply enjoy the cool breeze while driving, a convertible can help you do that.
However, unlike regular cars that people often do not clean for months, the same cannot be done with convertibles. It’s recommended to clean it at once every two weeks so it does not loses its shine and also maintains full functionality.
As time-consuming and frustrating it can be to wipe off those persistent stains, it’s important to do so if you want to maintain the aesthetic appearance of your car. With that said, most people make convertible top cleaning harder than it really is by not using the right car cleaning kits.
For starters, you do not want to wash the top of your convertible with regular soap or local cleaning agents. In the worst-case scenario, doing so may even cause damage to your convertible top. Thus, make sure that you’re on the lookout for the best convertible top cleaners in the market.
Sounds like too big of a chore? Do not worry because, in this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about convertible car cleaning kits along with the best options in the market.
Things to Watch Out for When Purchasing Convertible Cleaning Kits
1) Chemical Quality
Not all chemicals are good for your car, and some may do more harm than good. Even if your convertible top looks clean for the time being, eventually, extended usage of a bad cleaner might make the top lose its shine and colour. Thus, always be on the lookout for chemical quality.
2) Easy Application
Cleaning your convertible top can already be a staggering task. If the cleaner does not have a good applicator included, then it may become even more challenging. While it’s always good to purchase a cleaner that comes with an applicator, not having one isn’t always a deal-breaker. If the reviews are good, then you can consider purchasing an applicator separately.
3) Protective Layer
Buying a cleaner and protectant combined can always be a good investment. It would help you avoid regular work as a protectant adds a layer to the top to protect it from dirt, dust and other elements.
10 Best Convertible Car Top Cleaners
1. Meguiar’s ME G2016 Convertible Top Cleaner
Meguiar’s is famous for making some of the best car care products out there and this convertible top cleaner live up to the brand’s name. If the persistent stains and dirt were too annoying for you to wipe off, then this cleaner will add immense ease to your life.
Most people often worry that the harmful chemicals in a cleaner may damage the top of their convertible. However, Meguiar’s is known for its high-quality formula that is easy on the body of your vehicle.
Aside from that, this cleaner can also be used to wipe away bird droppings, oil or other stains that can be hard to wash.
Pros
- Removes all sorts of stains.
- High-quality formula.
- Can be used for all convertible tops.
Cons
- Produces a lot of suds.
2. 303 Convertible Fabric Top Cleaning and Care Kit
Have an event come up that demands you to get your car clean as soon as possible? This convertible top fabric cleaner will resolve all your problems.
Even the most stubborn stains can be cleared with this care kit within a few wipes. And if that wasn’t enough, then it also leaves behind a layer of protection so you do not have to worry about cleaning your convertible every week.
To wrap it all up, the high-quality formula of this care kit also increases the life to the tops.
Pros
- Increases the tops life.
- Rapid cleaning effect.
- Protection against stains and soil.
Cons
- Sticky on rubber.
3. Porsche Cabriolet Top Protectant and Waterproofer
Overexposure to the sun and other environmental factors can cause your convertible top to lose its shine. Therefore, if you want to make it as clear as a crystal and also, restore it to its original appearance then this Porsche protectant and water-proofer can get the job done.
Driving your vehicle in rainy weather may not be the best idea. All the moisture can cause the top to lose its shine. However, this protectant will help you avoid that.
The best part is that it takes no more than 1 hour to dry. Thus, if you are planning to go out on a rainy day, then this protectant will be a lifesaver.
Pros
- Makes your car roof as good as new.
- Easy to apply.
- Long-lasting results.
Cons
- Unpleasant smell.
4. RaggTopp Fabric Convertible Top Cleaner
RaggTopp has some of the best convertible car top cleaners, and this kit further proves that. Whether you want a special car cleaning brush or a microfiber towel, you will find it included in the kit.
Moreover, the kit also includes a cleaner to make sure you can easily wipe away all the dust and grime. And once you’re done cleaning, you can spray the protectant to keep your car in tip-top condition for longer periods.
Overall, this convertible cleaning kit is probably all you need to keep the top clean.
Pros
- Comes with a brush and two microfiber towels.
- Wipes even the most persistent stains.
- Works best on vinyl.
Cons
- Low-quality brush.
5. Surf City Garage 109 Top End Convertible Cleaner and Protectant
Trying to make the vinyl top of your convertible shine? Do not worry as this cleaner and protectant are specially designed for that purpose. If there are any deep stains in your convertible’s vinyl top, then they might be persistent to clean. However, with this cleaner, your life will become must easier.
Formulated with high-quality ingredients to make sure it gets the job done without causing any harm to your car. Moreover, it also acts as a protectant and leaves a lasting layer to ensure you do not have to spend your time cleaning every other day.
Overall, this cleaner and protectant offers a great all-in-one solution and is worth every penny.
Pros
- Special formulation to keep your car safe.
- Both protectant and a cleaner.
- Helps to effortlessly wipe every stain.
Cons
- Discoloration on some lighter colors.
6. Forever Car Care Black Top
Want to restore the appeal of your car top? This black top cleaner will more than get the job done. In fact, unlike other top cleaners in the market, the chances are that just a single coat might be enough to get your desired results.
Apart from that, the application sponge that comes along with it is also top-quality, making it much easier for you to apply the coating.
Overall the ease of use and the results this cleaner brings on black vinyl tops makes it more than worth the money.
Pros
- Easy to apply.
- Usually a single coating is sufficient.
- Makes the top look as good as new.
Cons
- Lasts less than 2 months.
7. Chemical Guys HOL_996 Convertible Top Cleaner
We know how harsh some chemicals can be. If you want to safely remove all the dirt and stains from your car-top, then Chemical Guys convertible top cleaner never disappoints. It is made with a top-quality sprayable formula, thus, also making it easy to apply.
Apart from that, this kit also comes with a protectant so you do not have to worry about cleaning your car every other day. Make sure to apply the protectant once you’ve wiped off all the dust and then, enjoy long-lasting results.
We would even go as far as to say that this top cleaner can restore the factory appearance of your car.
Pros
- Sprayable formula.
- Cleaner and protectant.
- Works great in all colours.
- Removes even the most persistent stains.
Cons
- The sealant may not work for a small roof surface area.
8. NIGRIN 74182 Convertible Hood Cleaner
Tired of trying to wipe off the stubborn dirt from your cat top, without seeing any results? We understand how persistent some stains can be, and this is exactly where this NIGRIN convertible hood cleaner excels.
It offers a deep cleaning effect and wipes away even the smallest of particles in its way. However, don’t worry because, like the other car care kits on our list, this one is also made from top-quality formulation to avoid any car damage.
The end-results will leave your car top with a colour refreshing shine and make it look as if you have directly taken it out of the showroom.
Pros
- Refreshing and restorative results.
- Removes even the most stubborn dirt and stains.
- Deep cleaning effect.
Cons
- Instructions are not in English.
9. Griot’s Garage Top Cleaner
Among other materials, vinyl and rubber can be the most persistent to clean. However, this cleaner will not only make your car top look spotless, but also, leave the surface with a matte finish.
Knowing how big of a problem UV rays can be, do not worry because this cleaner also offers protection from UV rays to your car top.
Moreover, apart from the car tops, you can also use it on a variety of different surfaces including the tires, interior engine and plastic. Overall, this is one of the best car top cleaners and protection on the list due to its flawless results and U.V protection.
Pros
- Offers UV protection.
- Makes vinyl and rubbers crystal clear.
- Highly versatile.
Cons
- The solution is watery.
10. RaggTopp Premium Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
Last on this list is not actually a cleaner, but a convertible top cleaning brush by RaggTopp. As important as having a quality cleaner and protectant is, having a good brush is also necessary to effectively wipe all the dust and grime.
The bristles of this brush are made from high-quality fibrillated Nylex, thus, keeping it soft and strong at the same time. Moreover, it can also gently wipe away all the debris with minimum effort.
Most cleaning brushes have hard bristles that end up damage the top of a car. However, such is not the case for this one, thus, making it secure a place in our list.
Pros
- Soft bristles.
- Gentle on the car.
- Makes cleaning much easier.
Cons
- A bit costly.
Conclusion
Convertibles can be quite useful in both good and bad weather and having one is certainly a blessing. However, if you do not take care of it then over time, it may start to lose its appearance. In the worst-case scenario, all the dirt and debris may even damage its function.
We understand that cleaning a convertible top can be a time-consuming process. Especially, if you are not using the right cleaning kit. However, if you have good car care products by your side, then you can eliminate hours of labour and get the job done in minimum time.
Thus, if you are trying to enhance the appeal of your convertible and want to keep it clean at all times, then make sure to invest in a high-quality top cleaner.
We hope this guide will help you pick the best top cleaner to help you avoid the hassle once and for all.
