How To Clean Jeep Windows & Best Products To Use

If you own a Jeep (we’ve owned 3), especially a Jeep Wrangler (we’ve owned 2), then you already know the appearance of the soft top and windows plays a large part in determining how good your Jeep looks.

And how it will look for years to come.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean the windows on your Jeep Wrangler, plus which products are the best to use that won’t damage your soft top windows.

How To Clean Jeep Windows

Perhaps the easiest (and safest) way to care for your vinyl soft top and its plastic windows is to clean the entire surface with a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. You could also choose a product specifically designed for cleaning Jeep windows and soft top convertibles (see below).

Here are some do’s & don’ts to remember when cleaning the windows on your Jeep Wrangler soft top:

• DO use a CLEAN soft terry cloth or cotton rag to wash your windows

• DO wipe the windows from left to right or right to left to clean them

• DO use a CLEAN soft terry towel or cotton rag to dry the entire surface after washing

• DO rinse thoroughly to completely remove whatever cleaning agent you’ve used

• DO apply a protectant to ultimately protect and extend the life of your entire soft top and its plastic/vinyl windows

• DO NOT use bleach — it will strip the soft top’s vinyl and plastic windows of their natural properties

• DO NOT use common household cleaning products — they tend to contain silicone or petroleum solvents

• DO NOT use household spray window cleaners — they tend to contain alcohol and/or ammonia which will rapidly dry out the natural oils in your windows

• DO NOT use paper towels on the windows — they will definitely scratch your windows

• DO NOT apply much pressure while cleaning — because even the smallest particles of dirt can scratch the window

• DO NOT wipe in a circular or swirling pattern — this goes against the natural grain of the Jeep windows themselves and could create scratches

Best Products For Cleaning Jeep Windows

So, which product should you use to clean your Jeep’s windows? There are many to choose from, yet not all are safe for the windows, and some will even cause Jeep windows to fog, yellow or crack.

As longtime Jeep owners, we have only used Jeep-specific cleaning products when we wash our soft top and its windows. As a result, our windows have always looked great because of it.

Not only is the application process is easy — just spray it on, then wipe it dry — these products will remove even the toughest soils, while repelling dust and dirt and preventing mildew from forming on your soft top. At the same time, they leave no residue, leaving you with a fresh clean surface.

If you plan to own your Jeep for many years, and you care about how it looks, then chances are, you too will only want to use “the best” products when cleaning & maintaining your Jeep.

Top Commercial Products For Cleaning Jeep Windows

Why it’s great:

• Can be used on both the soft top and the Jeep windows.

• Prevents soft top from fading from exposure to UV sun rays — the sun’s UV rays break down fibers in threads and weakens vinyl over time, so RaggTopp acts like sunscreen for your soft top.

• It’s simple… just spray it on, then wipe it dry.

• Leaves no residue.

• Can even be applied in direct sunlight.

• Removes the toughest soils & stains.

• Since it doesn’t contain silicone, RaggTop cleaner will not harm the paint, chrome, glass surfaces, rubber, vinyl or plastic windows of your vehicle.

• Repels dust, grease and dirt, while also lessening the growth of mildew.

• Designed exclusively for exterior vinyl to withstand repeated washings.

• Truly repels water — even at the zippers and seams — which ultimately guards against small leaks and drips over time.

• Tested and endorsed by HAARTZ — the world’s leading supplier of convertible topping fabric for virtually every U.S. auto manufacturer, including Chrysler’s Jeep division and Bestop.

• The non-aerosol formula is also non-toxic.

• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable — contains no petroleum distillates, freon, or chlorofluorocarbons and is Ozone friendly.

• When used with RaggTopp Protectant afterwards, you’re applying a complete system of protection for your Jeep.

Why it’s great:

• Utilizes a unique “colloidal” action to lift and suspend oil, grease and dirt.

• North America’s largest RV and truck cap manufacturers, van converters, and boat builders use 303. It does not contain soap, detergents, toxic organics, phosphates, nitrates or caustics; also no silicone or petroleum solvents.

• It does not contain soap, detergents, toxic organics, phosphates, nitrates or caustics.

• Protects against rubber’s worst enemies: UV light and ozone.

• Actually lifts, separates and holds in suspension the oils, grease, dust, soils, etc., which have been penetrated the surface of your soft-top & windows.

• There are no special storage requirements.

• It’s non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-toxic, non-explosive, non-fuming, non-caustic and 99% biodegradable.

• Completely safe to use with no effects from over exposure.

• Leaves no residue.

• Good for both, vinyl and fabric convertible tops.

• As an added bonus: 303’s colloid cleaners can also be used as a hand cleaner, to deodorize and clean pet stains from carpets, even for washing fruits and vegetables to remove residue and dirt prior to eating. 303 cleaners are safe for anything that water will not damage.

• Works best when used with 303 Protectant afterwards.

Why it’s great:

• Penetrates deep into the surface of the plastic to remove dirt while filling the voids with a micro-thin layer of protective wax.

• Developed for use in the aviation industry – specifically, for cleaning and protecting aircraft windshields and painted surfaces.

• Recognized as one of the most effective plastic cleaners, protectant sand polishers on the market.

• Seals the pores in plastic surfaces with a micro-thin layer of shiny, protective wax, keeping the shine/clarity in and dirt out.

• Just spray on the plastic surface, wait a few seconds, then wipe clean.

• Regular use will help prevent hazing, yellowing and oxidation which diminishes the plastic’s luster, strength and appearance.

• Cleans and protects plastic windows — in one step.

• Plastic becomes resistant to dirt, debris, oil, and scratches.

• Its anti-static properties repel dust and lint.

• won’t damage your plastic like harsh household cleaners, because there’s no ammonia, alcohol, or other harsh products.

• Contains no CFCs.

• Safe to use on all plastic and vinyl windows.

• Gives you a cleaner, more lustrous finish than ordinary cleaners.

• Leaves no smears or smudges.

• Plexus makes colored plastics vibrant, clear plastic becomes virtually transparent,and plastic paints gleam like new.

• Water beads up and slides right off when it rains.

Why it’s great:

• Comes in an aerosol can which is easier than a pump and it won’t drip.

• Works great on textured surfaces like a Jeep Wrangler soft top.

• After cleaning, the entire surface is smooth and shiny; you can tell it’s protected without feeling sticky or looking cloudy.

• It fills in fine scratches in your Jeep’s vinyl windows while protecting from future scratches.

• It’s ammonia-free so it can be used on all plastic, glass, and painted surfaces… including motorcycles and sunglasses.

• Works extremely well on dried up bugs.

• It’s an incredible glass cleaner on its own.

• The cost is half that of most other Jeep cleaners.

BONUS TIP: As an extra precaution, prior to storage (say for the winter), always go through the process of cleaning and protecting your soft top and Jeep windows so they will still appear soft and supple when you take them out of storage.

More Ways To Care For Jeep Windows

Since we’ve been married, my husband and I have owned 5 Jeeps (3 Wranglers and 2 Grand Cherokees). And when we’re not driving our own Jeep, we’re usually renting one (a 4×4 Wrangler on vacation). We keep a Jeep Bucket List of places that we’d like to go next, and we’re always crossing more states off our list of ‘Places That We’ve Jeeped in the USA’. As our daily driver, we keep the soft top on our Jeep Wrangler year round (and the back window permanently rolled up) so the dogs can enjoy the ride. Yep… even in the winter! I’ve been sharing my best Jeep ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998. When I’m not Jeeping or writing about Jeeps, you’ll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

A Collection Of Tips To Clean & Care For Your Jeep Soft Top, Windows And Zippers

The truth is… if you don’t want to buy a special product to clean your Jeep soft top and vinyl windows, then your safest option is to simply use a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Regular ‘ol soap and water will keep dirt from building up in your Jeep’s zippers as well.

That said, your best option is to actually buy a specialty product that was designed specifically to clean and protect your soft top and vinyl or plastic windows.

Personally, from the day that we’ve owned our 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (which was only owned for a few months by someone else), we have used products that are specifically designed for the cleaning and protection of Jeep soft tops and windows. As a result, our soft top is still in excellent condition.

Following are a bunch of random tips that I’ve saved through the years. They provide a number of other options when it comes to caring for and cleaning your Jeep’s soft top, windows, and zippers…

Caring For Your Jeep’s Soft Top & Windows

It’s unavoidable… if you let dirt and grime build up on your Jeep’s soft top and vinyl windows, it will ultimately lessen the life of your soft top.

Time and the sun’s harmful rays will take their tole on your Jeep’s soft top over time. So why accelerate the process by adding dirt and grime to the mix?

Instead, you should wash your Jeep’s windows and soft top semi-regularly. (We try to do it every month or so, and anytime it’s especially dirty. But I’ll be honest, we don’t clean & protect it as frequently as we used to.)

These tips should help you get the longest life from your Jeep’s soft top and vinyl windows…

• Generally speaking, you should try to avoid parking under trees. That is, unless you like to clean your soft top more often than usual.
• For older Jeep windows with serious scratches, fading, fogging, or stains try using Mopar Jeep Cleaners by Chrysler.
• You want to avoid window cleaners and products with ammonia or alcohol in them like Windex, Formula 409, Fantastik, etc. These tend to dry out plastic and will eventually lead to cracking and discoloration.
• While you’ll hear a number of people recommending Pledge spray polish (regular, not lemon) on Jeep windows, it’s in your best interest to avoid it. Over time, it will cause your Jeep’s windows to turn yellow.
• I haven’t tried this, but supposedly the Jeep Window & Plastic Restoration Kit is good at removing haze and cloudy patches in vinyl convertible windows.
• Mothers Plastic Polish also works well on a Jeep’s vinyl windows, as indicated by these reviews.
• I’m told the Novus Plastic Cleaner & Polish is good at removing scratches from a convertible’s vinyl windows before they get too bad.
• Plexus Plastic Cleaners work very well on a Jeep’s soft top windows… and more. It seals the pores in plastic surfaces with a micro-thin layer of protective wax. That way, the plastic becomes resistant to dirt, debris, oil, and scratches. You can also use Plexus on your Jeep’s bumpers and headlamps.
• For what it’s worth, I know of a Jeep Wrangler owner who used to get all of their cleaning products and had all their soft top & window repairs done at a Marine shop. One time, the Jeep dealer quoted $12,00 to replace the Jeep’s vinyl windows. Instead, the Marine shop replaced them for $150!
• While I’m not crazy about their recommendation to use Pledge on vinyl windows (see above), I like how these Sailors tend to think outside-the-box when it comes to creative uses for everyday products! Many of their practical ideas would apply to the use and care of a number of different items around the house — not just your Jeep’s vinyl windows.
• You definitely want to avoid car washes, because the high-pressure sprays and rotating brushes will force water into the vehicle. Taking your Jeep soft top through an automatic car wash will scratch the Jeep’s windows and might even tear the seams. Plus, some of the chemicals can cause irreversible damage to the vinyl itself.
• And finally, while the super-powerful vacuum cleaners at car washes are pretty good for keeping the interior of your Jeep clean, you can’t beat the convenience of a portable car vacuum cleaner. They’re pretty darn powerful these days!

Before Rolling Up The Jeep Rear Window…

• Here’s something that we’ve learned from experience: it’s just a fact of life that rolling up the Jeep’s back window will fog the window itself by introducing lots of very tiny, fine scratches as the vehicle moves. This is true even if the window has recently been cleaned.
• To avoid having to roll up the back window, one Jeep owner installed 2 grommets in the bottom of the material under the back window (one in each corner), and he uses bungie cords to attach the rear panel to the roll bar whenever he wants to open it.
• Another idea, if you’re actually going to roll up the rear window, is to place a clean towel, a soft cloth, or pages of a newspaper against the plastic window, then roll the window with the towel, cloth, or newspaper inside the roll. This keeps the window’s surfaces from rubbing and getting scratched whenever the vehicle moves.
• We use the Clover Patch Jeep Window Cover & Roll Up Bag to protect our vinyl Jeep windows from scratches when they’re not on the Jeep.
• A word of advice: If you go on vacation to the beach and leave your Jeep windows rolled up, whenever you roll them back down, you will not be able to see through them! The blowing sand and rubbing action while the vehicle is moving is like taking a sheet of sandpaper to your Jeep’s windows.
• Speaking of the beach… you don’t want to handle your Jeep’s vinyl windows when you happen to have sunscreen on your hands. It will turn the windows cloudy.
• And finally, a winter tip: Never try to roll up your Jeep’s vinyl windows (or even loosen them) while frozen in the winter. They will shatter like real glass!

What About Those Jeep Zippers?

If you have trouble with the zippers when opening or closing your Jeep windows, try these tips:

• If they don’t open or close smoothly and easily, you might try lubricating the Jeep zippers with a spray lubricant that’s suitable for vinyl zippers. Keep in mind, spray lubricants typically cause dirt and grime to collects in the zipper, defeating your purpose.
• Some Jeep owners carry a small bar of soap in the glove box. By rubbing the bar of soap directly onto the zipper itself, it will lubricate the zipper without attracting as much dirt & grime as the spray lubricants do.
• If you can’t easily grasp the tiny zipper pulls around your Jeep’s windows, attach a keyring to the zipper tab. As long as it’s large enough for you to fit your finger through, you’ll be able to work the zipper much easier now.

Since we’ve been married, my husband and I have owned 5 Jeeps (3 Wranglers and 2 Grand Cherokees). And when we’re not driving our own Jeep, we’re usually renting one (a 4×4 Wrangler on vacation). We keep a Jeep Bucket List of places that we’d like to go next, and we’re always crossing more states off our list of ‘Places That We’ve Jeeped in the USA’. As our daily driver, we keep the soft top on our Jeep Wrangler year round (and the back window permanently rolled up) so the dogs can enjoy the ride. Yep… even in the winter! I’ve been sharing my best Jeep ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998. When I’m not Jeeping or writing about Jeeps, you’ll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).