Bestop is the number one manufacturer worldwide for premium soft tops for the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep CJ models. A Bestop soft top is one of the simple yet functional purchases you can make for your Jeep. It provides comfort, saves cost compared to a hard top, and protects you from the elements while letting you enjoy it whenever you feel like it.

However, maintaining a Jeep Bestop soft top can be challenging in the long run. Considering the harsh weather and demanding terrain that many Jeep models are subject to, your soft top is bound to show signs of wear in time.

This article breaks down the essentials of maintaining your Jeep Bestop soft top so your investment lasts as long as possible and you get the most out of your top.

The Right Cleaning Frequency

You can get a Bestop soft top for Jeep made of different materials. Some of the popular options the company offers are Black Diamond and Black Twill, and the maintenance routine you follow will vary slightly based on your choice. While the Black Diamond has a plastic-like feel, the Black Twill Bestop soft top options have a canvas feel and are thicker and more durable.

Another factor to consider while deciding on the right cleaning frequency is the environment your Jeep is in. This includes factors like the weather — direct sunlight, and high humidity can adversely affect the health of the Jeep Bestop soft top — and the conditions you drive your vehicle in. For instance, a soft top that spends most of its time in an urban environment is much less likely to pick up dirt than one wrestling through a muddy trail every weekend.

Irrespective of how and where you drive your Jeep, it's a good idea to wash and clean the Bestop soft top for Jeep every month or two, at the very least. You should consider shorter intervals if you live in hot, humid conditions.

Get the Right Tools for the Job

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when cleaning a Bestop soft top for Jeep is using the wrong products. There are two parts to taking care of a soft top; the first is cleaning it, and the second is protecting it. The first can typically be done with just water, while the second (perhaps more important) part of protecting it will require specialized products.

Remember to avoid using a pressure washer to clean the soft top. This includes a car wash or one you may have at home. A car wash can be most detrimental to your soft top, as the high pressures and rotating bristles can cause irreversible damage and scratches.

You should be able to get most of the muck off with just a regular garden hose, a steady flow of water, and some mild detergent. For any residual stains that haven't been cleaned away by water, you can use a Bestop Cleaner with a soft microfiber cloth.

Once that's done, you can proceed to protect the material of the soft top and make it more resistant to dirt in the future. The final step of adding a protectant introduces an extra layer of protection against the elements. If you carry out these steps right, you should find that your Jeep Bestop soft top has an almost hydrophobic quality for the first few days. The protectant will also avoid the yellowing of the vinyl windows.

It's also important to try and carry out this process away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the cleaner and protectant solutions to dry into the soft top before you spread and work them into the material. This can result in patchy, uneven protection and may also cause stains.

To avoid damaging the soft top, it's crucial to avoid using any solutions or products containing vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or other harsh acids. These drastically deteriorate the fabric or vinyl and can cause the soft top to turn rigid and brittle. It's also a good idea to stay away from sub-standard cleaners, protectants, or gloss enhancers as they might end up doing more harm than good.

The Bestop soft top for Jeep is made to be durable and withstand harsh conditions. However, these characteristics are bound to reduce over time, and cleaning and protecting the soft top helps enhance them.

Careful Cleaning Strategies for Vinyl Windows

The cleaning process for the vinyl windows is similar to what you would follow for the soft top. The vinyl can get hard in colder regions, so it's essential to be careful while cleaning them. If you have the option to, washing it with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth should help reduce the risk of damaging the window.

Once you've done that, use a dedicated vinyl window cleaner to remove the smudges and minor scratches and bring the windows as close to their original state as possible. The cleaning solution should be used like you would use wax in polishing the rest of your car. Take a generous amount on a clean microfiber cloth and rub it onto the windows, evenly distributing it in a circular motion.

Once you've covered the whole window, let it sit for a couple of minutes till it dries. Then, take a fresh microfiber cloth and polish the windows with a similar circular motion. You should be left with a clean, transparent vinyl window.

Get All the Parts You Need for Your Jeep Now

Your Jeep was designed to take you places most cars can never go. In this pursuit, you are bound to dirty your soft top. While there's no avoiding that, you can extend its lifespan by taking proper care of it after. This includes following the steps above and ensuring you stick to a scheduled cleaning routine.

Whether you're looking for simple cleaning solutions or more performance-focused upgrades like suspension systems and powertrain updates, 4 Wheel Parts has one of the most extensive portfolios you can find online.