Should I wash the top everytime I wash the car?Also how to wash the top?

[motoadve]

Should I use car shampoo and a sponge, and should I do it everytime I wash the car?

[Perfectlap]

Only Rinse it with a stiff stream of water each time you wash.
Spot clean it with Raggtopp Cleanser and a soft tooth brush.
DON'T get any detergent on the top it will fade and attract dust which
is what breaks down the threading.
Coat the top with Raggtopp protectant every couple of months.
Keep it covered with a soft top cover (sold on Ebay search Boxtser cover)

[Norminhouston]

Buy a two part Raggtop kit. Be sure to get the one for fabric. Wash thoroughly as per instructions, let dry for at least a day and then apply protectant. You will be amazed. After that it is only necessary to rinse gently each time you wash.

Norm

[SD987]

I agree with Perfectlap, and just wash it with a stiff stream of water. Although, I probably wouldn't have used the adjective "stiff".

987 #1 had the blue top and was overcleaned early in its life, not to good effect.

And definitely don't put the top down damp, that's how you get those crop circles in the fabric.

[Perfectlap]

ahem...class it up!
two more:
buy an OXO feathertip brush when you clean the top with Raggtopp and try the top with one of those $8 absorbers. THose things suck up water quick and leave behind no lint. Work well on the galss too. Just don't use it on paint where it goes squeak squeak (a no no).
Rinse off the top before applying Raggtopp. You don't want to apply the protectant if there is dust on the surface, it will trap it into the fabric and then your are worse off than not doing it all.
Renovo also makes a spot cleaning foam that just sits ontop and pushes out the debris without agitating too much.
and during the colder months warm up the car and blast the heat before lowering the top.

I will echo PL's comments. Just use water and dry-off. I will also add that the sticky tape roller for lint and dirt is a must-do too! At least every week or sooner if dusty or gets lint & stuff on it.

I also carry a clean towel and spray bottle filled with distilled water in my trunk for emergency bird-droppings on the top or paint. Heck, I could even add the water to the overflow bottle for the engine if needed.

And a top cover is a great investment ($60) and added insurance if parking more than 2-4 hours.

[NickCats]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

ahem...class it up!
two more:
buy an OXO feathertip brush when you clean the top with Raggtopp and try the top with one of those $8 absorbers. THose things suck up water quick and leave behind no lint. Work well on the galss too. Just don't use it on paint where it goes squeak squeak (a no no).
Rinse off the top before applying Raggtopp. You don't want to apply the protectant if there is dust on the surface, it will trap it into the fabric and then your are worse off than not doing it all.
Renovo also makes a spot cleaning foam that just sits ontop and pushes out the debris without agitating too much.
and during the colder months warm up the car and blast the heat before lowering the top.

Perfectlap,

Any idea where I can get a OXO feathertip brush ?

Thanks,

Nick

[Adam]

It's a bad idea to wash the top unless it needs it....unless it sees lots of mud/dirt bird droppings, sap ect. I have had my car for 3 yrs and never washed the top with soap. Washing it with soap removes the protectant. I would just give it a light rinse when you wash the car if that. I do however apply raggtop protectent once a year. My car is a garaged car that doesn't see alot of crap so your situation may vary.

[Perfectlap]

Oxo brush here for $10

http://superiorcarcare.net/oxobrsq.html

[NickCats]

Thanks, Perfectlap !