To clean a fabric convertible roof properly, you need a specialist cleaner that can penetrate the woven surface and lift contamination from within the fibres — without relying on aggressive scrubbing.
Fabric convertible roofs aren't simply a sheet of cloth. Premium soft tops are typically multi-layer composites, with a tightly woven textile outer face, a waterproof inner layer and a textile backing. Cleaning needs to remove dirt from that woven surface without damaging the fabric, seams or underlying structure.
⚠️ That means no ordinary car shampoo or detergent-based cleaners — and never pressure wash a fabric convertible roof.
Renovo has specialised in fabric soft top care for more than 25 years, with products trusted by professional detailers, restorers and enthusiasts working on everything from everyday convertibles to some of the world's most valuable cars.
Here's how to do it properly.
This guide is for fabric convertible roofs, including canvas, double duck and mohair. Vinyl roofs require different products and care.
What you'll need
- Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner
- A clean 5cm / 2" paintbrush
- A sponge, cloth or bristle brush
- A clean container
- Clean water
- Protective gloves
As a guide, 500ml is recommended for smaller soft tops, such as two-seater convertibles. Choose 1 litre for larger roofs, or heavily soiled and mouldy soft tops that may require repeated cleaning.
⚠️ Before starting, work out of direct sunlight and test the Cleaner on an inconspicuous area to make sure the fabric is colourfast.
1. Brush the roof
Start with the soft top dry.
Gently brush away loose dirt, dust, leaves and debris. You're simply removing anything sitting on the surface before the deep clean begins.
2. Dampen the fabric
Using a fine spray, mist the entire convertible roof with clean water.
The fabric should be evenly damp rather than saturated.
3. Apply Fabric Soft Top Cleaner
Shake the bottle well before use, then pour the Cleaner into a clean container.
Using a clean 5cm / 2" paintbrush, apply an even coat across the entire roof using smooth strokes.
For general cleaning, leave the Cleaner to work for 10–20 minutes. This gives the formula time to penetrate the woven surface and loosen embedded contamination before agitation.
For stubborn dirt or to help remove previous waterproofing treatments, allow 40–60 minutes.
Do not allow the Cleaner to dry on the fabric.
4. Gently agitate
Using warm water and a sponge, cloth or bristle brush, gently work across the surface until the Cleaner begins to lather and the loosened dirt is lifted from the fabric.
You don't need aggressive scrubbing. Let the Cleaner do the hard work.
5. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the entire roof thoroughly with clean water until all Cleaner and loosened contamination have been removed.
For a particularly dirty roof, repeat the cleaning process rather than increasing the force you use on the fabric. Fabric Soft Top Cleaner can be used as often as required.
What about mould, bird droppings or stubborn stains?
Some contamination needs a little more attention.
For bird droppings, tree sap and particularly stubborn areas, apply additional Fabric Soft Top Cleaner directly to the affected area before treating the complete roof. Allow extra dwell time and repeat the treatment where necessary rather than scrubbing more aggressively.
A heavily mouldy or green roof may also require several treatments — which is why we'd recommend having enough Cleaner before you start.
Your roof is clean. What next?
Allow the roof to dry completely before assessing the results.
If the fabric is clean but still faded, don't keep cleaning it. Cleaning removes contamination; it can't replace colour that's been lost through fading.
How to Dye & Restore a Fabric Convertible Roof →
Most importantly, a deep clean removes the old surface protection along with the dirt and contamination. Once you've cleaned your fabric convertible roof, it needs to be re-protected and weatherproofed.
How to Waterproof a Fabric Convertible Roof →
Ready to clean your convertible roof?
Start with Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner, developed specifically for deep cleaning fabric convertible roofs and trusted by professionals and enthusiasts for more than 25 years.
Shop Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner →
Have a question about your roof? Get in touch. Our UK customer service team is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, with specialist knowledge to help you clean, restore and protect your soft top properly.
