How To Clean A Jeep Gladiator Soft Top
The Jeep Gladiator is made for off-road driving, but taking it on a journey means you have to withstand extreme conditions, such as dust, mud, dirt, and debris. Your off-road vehicle is in for a beating! Make sure you know how to clean a Jeep Gladiator soft top to ensure your vehicle looks squeaky clean and ready to conquer its next adventure.
While the Jeep Gladiator has many top types, the soft top version is growing in popularity because of its versatility. The downside to that is that it requires extra effort to care and maintain if you want it to last for many years. This guide has everything you must know about cleaning a Jeep Gladiator soft top to maintain its function and looks.
Key Takeaways
• The Jeep Gladiator soft top is vulnerable to damage from dirt, debris, mud, and dust when off-roading. Giving it proper care ensures it will remain in good condition and looks new.
• When cleaning a soft top, use only a gentle cleaning product and scrub.
• Avoid using abrasive ingredients, strong chemicals, or pressure washing a soft top as it can cause more damage.
• Ideally, you must clean your Gladiator soft top after every use rather than wait for the dirt to accumulate.
Why Choose a Jeep Gladiator Soft Top?
Caring for a soft top requires you to follow only accepted recommendations to prevent damage. Indeed, it is more care-intensive than a hard top Jeep.
So, why should you choose a soft top over a hard top? The first reason is that it offers unparalleled freedom, especially when embarking on an off-road adventure. It gives you the ability to drive off-road with your top down. Some Jeep enthusiasts also like the rugged look of a soft top, which is true now that you can find more fabric options, such as Twill and Sailcloth.
However, you must be aware that choosing a Jeep Gladiator soft top comes with a bigger responsibility. You must know the proper upkeep and maintenance procedure for a Jeep soft top. Plus, it consists of several components that you must be aware of when caring for them.
How to Clean a Jeep Gladiator Soft Top
Whether you are driving through a muddy trail or rocky terrains, your Jeep Gladiator soft top is vulnerable to the elements. The sun, dirt, mud, and debris are the some of the worst enemies for any off-road vehicle. It’s crucial that you know how to clean a Jeep Gladiator soft top to keep it in the best condition for as long as possible.
The challenge with cleaning the soft top Jeep is that it is vulnerable to damage from the sun’s UV rays, as well as resin and sap from trees. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid them whenever you can. Winter and ocean elements can also have a harsh effect on the Jeep soft top. Grime, salt, and snow can negatively impact the condition of the soft top.
Follow these general recommendations when cleaning a Jeep Gladiator soft top.
1. Wash it with Water
Whether you are dealing with a minor or major dirt, you should always start cleaning your Jeep Gladiator soft top using water. No need to use any chemicals or abrasives just yet.
Use a soft towel to wipe it once you remove the top layer of dirt, or any debris from off-road driving.
2. Use a Cleaner
After initially cleaning your Gladiator with water, the next step is to apply a cleaner. It is essential that you choose cleaners made with gentle ingredients. Avoid harsh cleaners at all cost. The fabric and woven materials on a soft top is vulnerable to damage, so use only gentle cleaners.
3. Clean the Windows
You should also clean the windows of a Jeep soft top. Since the windows are made of a vinyl type material, and not glass, they are prone to scratches. Using a household cleaning material can damage the soft top windows. Use a cleaner on the windows to enhance the visibility.
4. Use Lubricant to Clean the Zippers
For the zipper portions of the Jeep soft top, you can use a lubricant, such as WD-40. It helps to clean and keep your zippers lubricated. Apply a small amount of the lubricant to a toothbrush and use it to remove dirt and grime.
5. Clean the Top
The top part of the Jeep Gladiator soft top is most vulnerable to damage because it is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, especially if you park it outside at all times. Use a soft brush to clean the soft top and eliminate any debris, such as pollen and dust.
Do this regularly after every journey so that you can avoid any major dirt that requires more intensive cleaning later.
Bonus Tip for Spot Cleaning
If there are any specific stain spots on the Jeep soft top, you will need a mild foaming cleaner and a gentle brush. Scrub onto the stained part, but make sure to support the bottom of the soft top material. Do this a few times until the stain is gone.
Maintenance Tips for a Jeep Gladiator Soft Top
The best way to maintain your Jeep Gladiator soft top is to provide preventive care. Follow these reminders to keep your soft top in the best condition:
• If possible, park your Gladiator soft top in a shady area or a garage to ensure less exposure to harsh elements.
• Use a gentle cleaner and protectant to preserve the look of a Jeep soft top. Be sure to choose a protectant that can prevent UV damage.
• Always clean and lubricate the zippers; if they run smoother, there is less chances of damage to the zippers.
• When applying cleaning products, do this in a circular motion to ensure even distribution.
• When cleaning, be sure to clean the inside part of the soft top material.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning a Jeep Gladiator Soft Top
While it is essential to know how to clean a Jeep Gladiator soft top, you must also be aware of the things you shouldn’t do when caring for it.
• DO NOT use hot water when cleaning the Gladiator’s soft top.
• DO NOT run it through an automatic car wash.
• DO NOT use a pressure washer on the soft top as it can damage the seals and stitching.
• DO NOT use harsh cleaning products, such as those that contain alcohol, abrasives, and ammonia.
Wrap Up
If you’re an off-road enthusiast, then chances are you drive your Jeep Gladiator a lot for those intense terrains with lots of mud, dirt, and debris. Make sure to give your Gladiator soft top the proper cleaning and care to make it last longer. Also, don’t wait until there is a lot of dirt as it can be a hassle to wash your Jeep at this point.
Aside from properly caring for your Gladiator soft top, make sure to get the Jeep Warranty to cover for any unexpected repairs or servicing. Taking proactive steps to extend the lifespan of your vehicle, especially if you use it for off-roading a lot, ensures you have more off-road adventures ahead of you.
FAQs
Does the Jeep Gladiator soft top leak?
No. The materials and design of a soft top are engineered to prevent any leak so you can drive them in any weather condition.
How long do soft tops last?
Most Jeep Gladiator soft tops range from five to ten years, depending on the material and its overall quality.
Can you wash a soft top car?
Yes, but make sure to use only the recommended cleaning products. Avoid strong and harsh chemicals when cleaning a soft top. Using power washers is also not recommended.
Can you use soap on a soft top?
Using a soap and water solution is the best way to clean a Jeep Gladiator soft top, especially when dealing with minor dirt and stains.
