Almost all soft top jeeps come with plastic windows. Plastic windows on your jeep look stylish and unique. They are however tricky to clean as you have to be very careful of not damaging them. There is a simple way on how to clean jeep soft top windows properly without the risk of causing any damage.
When you have a jeep with a soft top you will always want to drive it looking its best. Taking your jeep on off-road adventures or simply just driving it around will easily make its soft top windows dirty.
Keeping jeep soft top windows clean and well maintained is one of the responsibilities of owning a 4×4. Soft tops are of made woven materials and vinyl. The windows are not made of glass but instead plastic or a vinyl type material.
Best cleaner for jeep soft top
The soft top windows of your jeep may look clean but dirt and other contaminants may be stuck on the material. Dust and dirt cling more on plastic than on glass windows because of the static they have. This means you will need to clean soft top windows more often than glass windows.
The good and clean look of your jeep soft top and windows is one way of showing off the top condition of your jeep. It also determines how your jeep will look in the coming years. Clean soft top windows enhance their durability, too.
Since soft top windows are made of plastic they can easily scratch. They need some care in cleaning. Harsh cleaning materials can damage them.
Jeep soft top windows get dirty because of the elements that get on them.
- Dirt
- Dust
- Debris
- Road grime
- Hard water
- Air pollution
- Sap
- Ocean air salt
- Other environmental pollution elements
While soft top windows are light and will benefit the overall weight balance of your jeep, the plastic is not durable enough to withstand everyday driving. It is therefore important to regularly clean them to maintain clarity and its top condition.
Cleaning Soft Top Windows
The proper way to clean jeep soft top windows depends on how dirty it is. Dirty plastic windows tend to be cloudy and may block your view of the outside.
What You Will Need
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Microfiber towels
- Protectant
It is important not scrub the windows in a swirling or circular motion as these will go against the natural grain of the windows and can cause scratches.
Option 1: Using Mild Dishwashing Liquid
What You Will Need
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Microfiber towels
- Protectant
Procedure
- Dip a microfiber towel in water with mild dishwashing liquid.
- Wring out the towel until it becomes just damp.
- Fold the towel and wipe the soft top windows from left to right or from right to left. This is to avoid scratching the window.
- Start with the exterior part of the window.
- Make two or three passes then flip the towel to its clean side. Continue wiping for a couple more passes.
- Thoroughly rinse the windows.
- Dry off the windows with another new microfiber towel.
- Apply or spray protectant. This is to protect and extend the life of your soft top windows.
- Repeat steps 1 to 7 on the interior part of the windows.
Option 2: Vinegar
What You Will Need
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Microfiber towels
Procedure
- Mix 1 cup warm water and ¼ cup vinegar in a bowl.
- Soak clean microfiber towel in the vinegar and water solution.
- Wring the microfiber towel.
- Start with the exterior part of the window.
- Wash the plastic windows using a straight line motion from left to right or from right to left.
- Thoroughly rinse the windows.
- Allow the windows to dry for about 10 to 15 minutes
- Repeat steps 1 to 7 on the interior part of the windows.
Option 3: Using Cleaning Solution
What You Will Need
- Plastic repairing liquid
- Microfiber Towels or Buffer
- Protectant
Procedure
- Rub plastic repairing liquid on the window.
- Apply a few drops of the plastic repairing liquid to the microfiber towel or buffer.
- Start with the exterior part of the windows
- Work the towel onto the windows in straight line motion.
- Continue rubbing the towel until the windows are clean. This should take about 5 minutes.
- The windows will normally dry as you rub the plastic repairing liquid.
- If the windows are still wet, use another clean microfiber towel. Blot the wet areas until dry.
- Apply or spray protectant. This is to protect and extend the life of your soft top windows.
- Repeat steps 1 to 7 on the interior part of the windows.
Spraying a protectant after cleaning jeep soft top windows will give them another layer of protection from environmental hazards.
Do’s
- Use soft microfiber towels or cotton rags to wash and dry the windows.
- Rub the microfiber towels in straight lines from left to right or right to left to avoid scratches.
- Thoroughly rinse the windows after washing to get rid of the cleaning agents.
- Apply protectant to safeguard and extend the lifespan of the soft top windows.
Don’ts
- Never use common household cleaning agents that contain petroleum solvents or silicone.
- Never use bleach as it will remove the natural properties of the soft top windows.
- Never use household window cleaners because they are most likely to contain ammonia or alcohol. These chemicals will make the plastic material of the windows brittle and dry which will lead to cracks and discoloration.
- Never use spray furniture polish. It can make the windows turn yellow.
- Never apply too much pressure while washing the windows. Small particles you are getting rid of may scratch the windows.
- Never use paper towels when washing or drying the windows. They will definitely scratch the windows. They can also leave a lot of residue on the windows. If you have to use paper towels especially when drying the windows, just gently dab the paper towels and not rub them onto the plastic windows.
- Never wash or wipe dry the window in a circular or swirling motion. These motions go against the grains of the windows and could cause scratches.
Cleaning your jeep soft top windows will not only enhance the overall aesthetic value of your jeep. It will also make the windows more durable. How to clean soft top windows is a quick and easy process but brings along many benefits.
