Caring for the Boxster’s Soft Top

The other day, my husband washed the Boxster’s soft top for the second time since we took delivery in November 2015. He’s always been the type to hand-wash our cars himself (apparently, he’s a “man who polishes his car also polishes himself” according to this blog, lol), but when it comes to the soft top, the owner’s manual clearly states, “It is not necessary to wash the convertible top every time you wash the vehicle.” He was also told this at delivery.

So, since it “didn’t look that dirty to the eye,” he hadn’t washed it, and more than a year passed since the last care session.

There’s a lot of information online about how to wash a convertible top. Some say, “It’s fine to use an automatic car wash,” while others insist, “Absolutely no automatic washes! Only hand washing!”…

However, for almost all convertible cars, whether domestic or imported, most manufacturers advise, “Do not use automatic car washes or high-pressure washers as they may damage the soft top.”

By the way, in a previous blog post titled Porsche Owners File #3: Boxster Black Edition Review, the owner mentioned,

“I was worried about how to wash the soft top if it got dirty, whether washing it would be a hassle, and how much it would cost to replace it when old. But when I asked the dealer, they said, ‘Don’t be overly nervous, just wash it like a normal car.’”

Still, washing the soft top takes some courage, doesn’t it?

Porsche’s Official View

“When in doubt, the best source is the Porsche owner’s manual!” So, I checked the Boxster series manual (2015 model revised edition), and here’s what it says:

The lifespan and appearance of the convertible top can be preserved for a long time with proper care and handling. Improper care or handling can damage the convertible top or cause leaks.

That said, it’s not necessary to wash the soft top every time you wash the car. Usually, “washing the convertible top with clean water only” is sufficient. Regarding specific care and cleaning instructions, it states:

Daily Handling

・To prevent stains and wear, only open the convertible top when it is dry and clean.
・Always open the convertible top only in good weather (to avoid stains and scratches caused by moisture that may become permanent).
・Since prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the fabric and rubber or cause fading, park the vehicle in the shade whenever possible.
・Do not remove snow or ice with sharp-edged tools.
・If the convertible top cover or seams leak, treat with convertible top-specific care products.
・Remove bird droppings immediately (the acids in droppings can cause the rubber to swell and lead to leaks).
・If the convertible top cover gets dirty, use a soft rubber sponge to gently rub off the dirt.

Wow, there were so many things I didn’t know. My husband once said, “Never open the top right after it rains,” and I wondered why — now I understand it’s to avoid damage.

Next, some precautions about washing the soft top.

Cleaning Precautions

・Using a high-pressure washer or steam cleaner may damage the convertible top.
・Some automatic car washes may damage the convertible top.
・Do not apply hot wax treatments to the convertible top.

So, high-pressure washers are definitely a no-go — they can easily cause damage. Now, the actual cleaning steps:

Convertible Top Care and Cleaning

① Use a soft-bristled brush to brush along the fabric weave and remove dust from the convertible top.
② Only if dirt is stubborn, wash with lukewarm water mixed with car shampoo and convertible top cleaner, gently scrubbing with a sponge or soft brush (*Porsche car shampoo recommended).

③ Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all shampoo and cleaner.
④ After washing, use Porsche-approved convertible top care products to perform maintenance at least once a year.

⑤ Be careful that the care products do not get on painted or glass surfaces (wipe off immediately if they do).

That’s basically it. Annual care is sufficient.

Washing the Boxster’s Soft Top – The Results

Taking all this into account, my husband washed the Boxster’s soft top recently, and it turned out much cleaner than expected. He said,

It looked like the soft top wasn’t dirty at all, but it was actually quite grimy and dull. After washing, the red color of the top came back beautifully.

Here’s how he actually cleaned it:

1. Used a clothes brush to lightly remove dust and dirt. (He does this occasionally as routine.)
   He uses this brush:
   
   

   マーナ 洋服ブラシ S001

   created by Rinker

   マーナ (Marna)

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2. Lightly sprayed water on the soft top to loosen dirt.
3. Instead of car shampoo, he used a mild liquid detergent for clothes (made from natural ingredients) lightly on the brush, gently rubbing to create foam. He paid special attention to the weave and the seams around the window frame, which tend to get dirtier.
4. Rinsed thoroughly with water until all foam was gone.
5. Let it dry, and that was it.

Even without water-repellent coating, if you regularly brush the soft top and keep the fibers standing properly, it apparently repels water reasonably well.

By the way, regarding water-repellent coatings on the soft top, he used to apply them in the past, but stopped because the effect wore off quickly compared to the effort involved.

・Update 2020/4/22
Recently, my husband started using the AUTOGLYM Cabriolet Fabric Hood Cleaning Kit, which is very easy to apply and has strong water-repellent power. This kit includes both cleaner and waterproof protector, and since you don’t need to dry the top before applying the protector, it’s very convenient. He says it’s the best product he’s used so far.

I see — caring for the soft top doesn’t require being overly cautious or frequent cleaning, but with proper care, you can keep it looking great.

I wonder how other convertible owners usually care for their soft tops?