SOFTTOPP Tech Tips Guide by RaggTopp Product Tech

SOFTTOPP Jeep Care Products offer a Cleaner and Protectant system for your fabric or vinyl Jeep or SUV soft top.

Cleaning and protecting your soft top is essential both to keep your top looking new, but also for the longevity of the top, helping you to avoid replacement in the future. SOFTTOPP Products are the only cleaning and protection system tested and endorsed by the HAARTZ Corporation, the manufacturers of all original and aftermarket Jeep and SUV soft top material. HAARTZ recommends cleaning and protecting your soft top at least twice a year, to restore water repellency and protect from UV.

DETERMINING THE MATERIAL OF YOUR TOP

The first thing to do is to determine the material of your soft top, as this will dictate which SOFTTOPP Protectant you need to use. A quick and easy way to do this is to pour a few drops of water onto your top and rub it in with your fingers. If the water soaks in a little bit, your top is considered fabric. If it beads off the surface, the top is considered vinyl.

A few additional notes:
• The majority of late model Jeeps (JL) arrived from the factory with a Twill top. This is considered fabric.
• If your top is advertised as having HAARTZ Sailcloth material, this is considered vinyl.
• One Touch tops, Sunrider tops, and factory Gladiator tonneau covers are considered fabric.
• Aftermarket tops are generally sold with the option of fabric or vinyl, so if you have an aftermarket Jeep top, please refer to the manufacturer.

Application is easy:

HOW TO APPLY SOFTTOPP CLEANER:

1. Soak your soft top and spray SOFTTOPP Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner onto the surface.
2. Use a brush in a light circular motion to work the cleaner into a lather; let stand for a 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Tip: Use artificial drying methods to speed dry time (i.e., drying towels, a heat gun, or leaf blower).

HOW TO APPLY SOFTTOPP FABRIC PROTECTANT:

1. Make sure your top is completely dry before application.
2. Shake the can well and apply 2-3 light even coats, alternating between horizontal and vertical coats, letting dry about 5-10 minutes between coats.
3. Let the top dry at least 12 hours before putting it down again.

THE "MIKE PHILLIPS METHOD": Another effective application method for soft tops was popularized by AutoGeek's Mike Phillips. Wear disposable gloves and gently massage the protectant into the top. Check out Mike's video explaining his tip here.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION TIPS:

• Have a step ladder ready! If you have a lifted vehicle, you'll probably need it to reach the middle of your top.
• Make sure to coat the seams! The seams around your plastic windows are the first thing to be affected by the elements. Try using disposable gloves to massage SOFTTOPP Protectant into the seams.
• The sun is your friend! The sun not only helps speed drying times, but it also improves the bonding process. Try to work on a nice, sunny day if you can.
• SOFTTOPP Protectants are designed not to do any harm to your paint or glass. If you see any overspray, just wipe it away with a microfiber towel. Taping off the car will help to avoid overspray, but is not necessary.

HOW TO APPLY SOFTTOPP VINYL PROTECTANT:

1. Make sure your top is completely dry before application.
2. Spray SOFTTOPP Vinyl Protectant directly onto the vinyl surface at a distance of about 18 inches, or spray onto an applicator pad or microfiber towel and wipe onto the vinyl.
3. Wipe dry with a clean microfiber towel.
4. One coat is all that is required.