cleaning a softopper

I use Mothers back to black for the canaves about twice a year, seems to work well. But what does everyone else use on the windows? my rear window is no longer see through lol

 

bump

 

Wow all these people with softoppers and no replies....

 

Last bump then I give up

 

I use plain old water and a clean rag. Seems to have worked thus far.

If the windows get really bad I might use some plastic polish to restore the windows. If yours are no longer clear I'd give it a shot or try a detail shop for some fine abrasive wax and go from there.

 

I just scrub mine down at the car wash, my window needs a good cleaning tho

 

I use a carpet cleaner on the fabric then armoral on it to make it shine. I use window cleaner on the plastic and that has worked fine.

 

This might sound weird, but try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser on the windows. Those things are magical. Lol. They work on the weirdest things after you've tried so many other things before.

 

Avoid window cleaners with ammonia.

Cleaning isn’t going to fix that cloudy window anyway, other than prep it to be fixed.

I have had great experiences using auto paint polish liquid to restore vinyl convertible windows....seriously clouded and scratched windows have come out looking like liquid glass. McQuires makes a good compound but brands don’t matter....type of treatment does.

Below link shows the process (and results)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vmrKCKXx9FM

Cheers

ETA....sorry for the necro post...gotta look at dates

 

^I think it's good actually, this is a good topic. I haven't had my softopper all that long and I bought it used so I don't have a lot of experience. But I too was surprised by the lack of info out there about keeping them clean and protected.

So far I've just cleaned mine when I've washed the truck - pressure washer, foam cannon, wash mitt.

For preservation I've been following up a wash (once the canvas has dried) with a nice coating of Aerospace 303 Protectant - spray it on, wipe it to get an even coat and remove excess. There is likely something better out there than this but I know this stuff has good UV protection and that's my primary concern, especially since mine is used and I don't think the previous owner ever protected it with anything.

As for the window, you can use plastic or even just standard paint/clear coat polish. I used my RO buffer with some kind of compound and it made mine MUCH, MUCH clearer (but not at all perfect).

 

Ive had good luck with 303 Aerospace Protestant. It makes it black and shiney, but does fade after time.

 

I don't have any Protestants on hand, does 303 Aerospace make a Catholic cleaner?

 

Revived an eight year old thread for that lame joke?

 

I was looking up how to clear my topper because I can't see too well through the window. Found this thread with great info at the top of the search results. I saw the opportunity to bumo a super useful thread, AND an opportunity to necro-dadjoke it? You bet your butt I'll do it.