Last Updated on September 23, 2022 by
Soft Top waterproofers and cleaners are what you want to be using for your convertible when the good weather comes round again. Winter can leave your soft roof a mess with dirt, tar, bird droppings, mould and other nasty buildups. Fabric roofs do require a lot of maintenance as they are exposed to the elements consistently, therefore if you do have a convertible, you need to be using a solution regularly on the roof.
A good solution should be able to effectively clean aswell as protect the retractable fabric roof from further damage or wear. Although these roofs are obviously designed to be waterproof, you don’t want them to look drenched but instead have a water bead look to it. Check out our 5 top waterproofers and cleaners for soft tops to ensure all year protection for your convertible car roof.
Best Soft Top Waterproofers in the UK Reviews
|
Image |
Waterproofer |
Top Type |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Top Pick |
Fabric |
|
 |
Canvas |
||
 |
Canvas |
||
 |
Canvas, Cloth, Mohair, Vinyl |
||
 |
Fabric and Canvas |
#1. Autoglym AG 255003 Convertible Soft Top
Autoglym is a name that you’re likely already familiar with from our previous reviews on car maintenance products, and as a result, you’re probably aware that you should expect excellence while using this brand. Autoglym made the top of our list with their complete convertible soft top care kit, and it’s not hard to see why.
This kit comes with not only an excellent waterproofer but also with an application sponge and the soft top cleaner you’ll need to use before applying the waterproofer. This eliminates the need to go shopping around for other supplies, and you know you’re getting great quality.
This formula is easy to apply for both the cleaner and the proofer – simply spray, work into the fabric with the supplied sponge, and leave overnight. You’ll wake up to a clean, protected soft top.
Pros
- Complete kit for soft top care, including the sponge, fabric cleaner, and waterproofer sealant
- Extremely easy to use
- Easy to use spray bottle application
- Waterproofs effectively by creating a protective hydrophobic layer
Cons
- Specifically made for fabric soft top hoods, and should only be used on those types
#2. Renovo RUP5001117 Ultra Proofer
The Renovo Ultra Proofer will refresh and protect your canvas soft top so that it looks better than it did the day you bought the car. The formula has been recently revamped and improved and now provides added UV protection. Additionally, it inhibits the growth of any mold or mildew and prevents water damage to your soft top.
After cleaning your canvas top with Renovo Fabric Soft Top Cleaner, applying this proofer will prevent the harmful penetration of everyday dirt or grime, so your soft top will stay cleaner longer.
Pros
- Water-based formula
- Neutral colour that will work well with any canvas colour
- Offers great UV protection
- Comes in 500ml or 1-litre volumes
- Inhibits mold and mildew growth
Cons
- Not suggested for vinyl soft tops
#3. Protex World Convertible Soft Top Canvas Waterproofer
The Protex World Convertible Soft Top Waterproofer is perfect for protecting the canvas soft tops of any convertible. Used after an appropriate cleaner, this nano silicone-based sealant will protect your soft top from any kind of environmental damage and will do a fantastic job of waterproofing it from rain or any other source of water.
This waterproofer is incredibly simple to apply and is quickly absorbed. You should be sure to apply it on an overcast or cool day, to ensure that exposure to the sun or heat won’t cause it to dry unevenly or too quickly. If it does dry unevenly or too quickly, it may not waterproof your soft top as effectively as intended.
Pros
- Seals and protects canvas convertible tops
- Nano silicone-based formula
- Protects against moisture and other environmental damage
- Great for two-seater convertibles
- Easy to apply and quickly absorbed
Cons
- This product should only be used on canvas soft tops since that’s what it was made for specifically
- You may need an additional bottle, or the litre bottle, for four-seater convertibles
#4. Meguiar’s G2112EU Convertible Waterproofer
Meguiar’s is constantly present any time you look for a product to maintain or clean your vehicle. Their convertible top waterproofer is another excellent example of the quality of their products, and in addition to that, this is the only aerosol-type spray on our review list, which helps it to stand out more.
This product won’t clean your soft top, but Meguiar’s does have a cleaner that’s conveniently sold from the same page as this waterproofer, so you can get both products with just a couple of clicks. The waterproofer alone offers fantastic UV protection and additionally protects from other damaging elements such as acid rain, bird droppings, staining elements, and more.
It’s also unbelievably simple to apply this waterproofer to your car – just spray it on and wipe off any excess. Let it dry naturally, and you’ll have a well-protected soft top.
Pros
- Provides a long-lasting weatherproof barrier for your soft top
- Specially developed and balanced for use on canvas, cloth, mohair, and vinyl convertible tops
- Provides protection from UV radiation and damage, acid rain, bird droppings, stains, and more
- Comes in a convenient, easily-applied aerosol spray
- Repels water and stains while preventing colour fading from UV exposure
Cons
- Pressurized container may burst if heated or crushed
- May irritate the skin, so wear protective equipment when using this waterproofer
#5. Car Gods 54 Pontus Convertible Fabric Roof Sealant
This sealant not only protects your car’s soft top, but improves the appearance of it as well. Car Gods 54 Pontus Sealant is Ph-neutral and acid-free, making it as safe to use as possible with minimal irritants to both you and your soft top.
This formula was crafted specifically to reproof, protect, and preserve your cabriolet hood, and it does an amazing job of that. The hydrophobic formula not only repels water and acid rain, but it also repels dirt and grime that might damage the look and quality of your car’s soft top. Additionally, it protects your canvas or fabric soft top from any mold or mildew growth, as well as protecting from UV radiation and subsequent damage.
It’s quick and easy to apply, and Car Gods 54 is a brand that produces fantastic, high-quality products to keep your car looking it’s absolute best.
Pros
- A great solution for protecting both canvas and fabric soft tops
- Reproofs, protects, and preserves your cabriolet hood
- The formula is hydrophobic and will repel both dirt and water
- Ph-neutral, acid-free formula
- Prevents mold and fungus growth
Cons
- Not suggested for use on vinyl soft tops
Waterproofer for a Soft Top Buying Considerations
What Material Soft Tops it Works on
The two most common soft top material types are fabric and vinyl, so most cleaners and waterproofers are geared toward those top types. Aside from being made of different materials, they also require different levels of upkeep, so it’s important that you know what kind of soft top you have on your vehicle before purchasing any products to maintain it, as you could unintentionally cause damage to your soft top.
Chemicals and Base
The chemical makeup and base ingredient of your waterproofer are important in determining its level of effectiveness and use. You can bypass reading the ingredients list or manufacturer’s website for the ingredients if you prefer to check reviews, as there are almost always reviews that will go in-depth about the particular product you’re looking at.
However, it is typically better to be aware of what chemicals you’re exposing yourself to by using any chemical-based product. This is especially true if you have any health issues or happen to be pregnant or breastfeeding. Your waterproofer might be water- or silicone-based, for example, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any bleaching agents or other strong chemicals to worry about. Additionally, you should always work with these products in a well-ventilated area just to be on the safe side.
Colours
There is a wide variety of waterproofers that are suitable for all colours and soft top materials, however, not all waterproofers are created equal. Some are colored with specific dyes to enhance the look of the tops they’re applied to. Darker tops would benefit from additional dyes, as it will make the colour of your soft top more rich and vibrant, refreshing the look of it. Lighter soft tops might have difficulty achieving the same finished look since waterproofers made specifically for them may lack any kind of bleaching agent and will obviously lack dyes.
The Final Word
Like you would if you were a detailer that regularly polished and waxed your car paint, soft top roofs need the same, if not more love and care. Retractable fabric roofs are great for taking in a nice summer breeze, but the shorter Autumn and Winter months are where the damage is done to the roof. Most people with soft top roofs neglect them, but it really is as simple as applying a cleaning and protective solution yourself to it. Our best soft top waterproofer picks all are effective, some more than others, so choose one that appeals to your convertible.
