Convertible Roof Cleaner

A roof cleaner is a detergent, and while there is nothing magical about them, they are blended to best deal with the kind of organic matter that you will find on soft top roofs. 

In the UK, the two most popular brands are Renovo's Fabric Soft Top Cleaner and the soap which comes as part of AutoGlym's Soft Top Clean & Protect kit. Both are pretty good and work well.

We don't use either of these as they are expensive and come in small bottles. Instead, we use a traffic film remover, which we buy as a concentrate in big barrels, we then mix it up a little stronger than you would buy off the shelf, but not especially so. This isn't a better roof cleaner, but it works  when used in conjunction with mechanical brushes and plenty of elbow grease. We are often asked what it is we used to get roofs so clean, assuming we have some secret sauce. The secret is hard work and repetition. 

What it means

A convertible roof cleaner is a dedicated cleaning product for soft tops. It is blended to work on mohair and other fabric roofs, and often on vinyl roofs, loosening algae, moss, traffic film and general grime from the fibres and texture without being as aggressive as heavy duty traffic film remover or household cleaners. It is usually used as a foam or liquid shampoo, worked in with soft to medium brushes and then thoroughly rinsed away.

Why it matters

• Safe for sensitive materials: Fabric roofs, stitching and membranes are more delicate than paint. A proper roof cleaner is designed to clean them without stripping colour, attacking threads or upsetting the waterproof layer.
• More effective on biological growth: Good roof cleaners tackle algae and dirt that ordinary car shampoo leaves behind, which helps roofs look better and slows down roof green.
• Helps prevent long term damage: By removing grit and contamination in a controlled way, the right cleaner reduces the abrasion that leads to wear marks, thinning and tears.
• Prepares the roof for proofing or dye: A convertible roof needs to be properly cleaned and free from residues so that proofers and dyes can bond evenly and last.

Where you’ll see it

You will see convertible roof cleaner listed in detailing menus, soft top restoration packages and retail product ranges aimed at cabriolet owners. It may be described as soft top cleaner, fabric roof cleaner or hood shampoo. Inspection notes and quotes may say roof requires cleaning with dedicated roof cleaner or do not use TFR, use roof cleaner only.

Context

Convertible roof cleaner sits alongside roof proofers, dyes and dressings as part of a complete soft top care system. The typical process is to rinse loose dirt, apply the cleaner, agitate carefully, rinse thoroughly and then allow the roof to dry before any recolouring or proofing. Different materials have different needs: mohair and other woven fabrics respond best to fabric specific cleaners, while vinyl roofs are often cleaned with a slightly different product and then dressed rather than proofed. Using the wrong cleaner, or using it too strong, can cause issues from colour loss and rough fibres through to weakened stitching and membranes.

Common mistakes

• Substituting a strong TFR or household cleaner for a proper roof cleaner, which can bleach, weaken or roughen the roof material.
• Using a good roof cleaner but scrubbing too hard with stiff brushes, damaging fibres and stitching while trying to chase every last mark.
• Rinsing poorly so cleaner and loosened dirt dry back into the fabric, leaving patchy results and residue that can affect later proofing.
• Assuming roof cleaner alone will fix deep staining, heavy wear or tears, when those issues may need dye, repair or, in some cases, roof replacement.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 04/12/2025 03:23