Jeep washing tips
 

Hey guys,

Just picked up my first Jeep a couple weeks ago. It's a 2009 Wrangler Unlimited with 20 thousand KM's on it and boy do I love it. Wasn't initially looking at a Jeep, but figured I'd take it out for a test drive and pretty much knew on the spot that I wanted it.

However now that it is starting to warm up a bit in the next few weeks I was hoping to actually get out and wash it properly. The only time I washed it was a couple weeks ago after we had the big snow in Southern Ontario and the back window, and the Jeep itself was just covered with salt and snow. During that wash though all I did was spray down the windows, and just washed the body.

I've read plenty about the windows being very sensitive to any abrasive materials and chemicals that can ruin the windows. So I was hoping that you guys might point me in the right direction when it comes to products that you all have been using to clean your soft tops.

I've read some things about 303 and Raggtopp but I haven't been able to find anything about them being sold in Canada.

Looking forward to your suggestions!!!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

you should be able to buy 303 at any boat store. I bought a similar product for boat tops from ct last year. It works great, top looks brand new after I spray it down. I love washing my Jeep... takes a couple of hours to do it right, but its worth it!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

I use " Clear-to Sea" on the windows...buy it at any boat place. It will remove FINE scratchs and just well, works great. I also use spray silicone for the wheel wells and such. Makes them look really nice and the mud,etc, just falls off the next time you wash. Be carful with the silicone as some brands are not plastic friendly ! Read the label.

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

That is good news! I'll have to see if I can find some this week. When you apply 303 do you just spray down the top with it and then let it dry? Or does it have to be wiped off? I assume that's all on the bottle, but I thought I'd ask anyways.

Is 303 good for the windows as well? I've read that it can be used on them, depending which one you get.

Thanks for the info! I will check and see if I can find "Clear to Sea" as well along with 303. As far as the silicone goes, would you be able to find out the exact brand of the one that you purchased? Would be appreciated!

Thanks again!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

I ALWAYS use The BESTOP products... They are great!!!
recommended for soft tops, accessories, exterior/interior vinyl and fabric
Safely removes the toughest soils and stains
Will not harm Jeep and truck finishes
Easy application
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

I also use

---> Bestop Protectant and the Vinyl Window Cleaner


Try not to use the protectant in direct sun... it works better in the shade.
The windows come out very clean too.
I like it when poeple tell me that my Jeep looks brand new :) ... even if it's a 2007!!!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

I ALWAYS use The BESTOP products... They are great!!!
recommended for soft tops, accessories, exterior/interior vinyl and fabric
Safely removes the toughest soils and stains
Will not harm Jeep and truck finishes
Easy application
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

I also use Bestop Protectant and the Vinyl Window Cleaner
http://www.thejeeperstore.com/care_products.html

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Heuuuuu oups!!! Sorry! I don't know what happend :)

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Use to be able to get 303 at Canadian tire not they don't stock it here anymore. 303 is like Armourall but better. Use it on the rubber roof seals to keep them clean and sealed from leaks.

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

I use Pledge on the ragtop windows, works great, leaves a shine where the rain drops bead right off somewhat like Rain-X on a hard window surface.

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

X2 Best Top products for me too, IMO they are the best....and it's who built your top (OEM) I uese all three...The cleaner and protector for the top, and the window cleaner.

Yes, you need to be cautious with the windows, they can scratch pretty easy.

Hey jared181920,

Great choice on the Jeep, sounds like you are hooked, welcome to the family....don't forget to wave!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Just as a warning, I'm a huge newb :)
So this may sound like a silly question, but for the sake of convenience in the winter with a hard top are automatic car washes okay?
I picked up my 2008 with 16,000km's on Monday and it's already gotten dirty!
Boooo Calgary slush-crap!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Take it to a U-wash and just hose it off. There will be lots of time in the spring to wipe it down and make it shiny again. I don't use autowashes cause they don't get into all the nooks and crannies ie spare tire.

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

My previous vehicle was a 2 seater hybrid with aluminum paneling so I never had to deal with the rust issue - and apparently I am ultra paranoid about it with Stella.
I'm sure a few days won't hurt it by any means, but it sounds like your right that the easiest till spring is just hose her down once a week.
Thanks very much for your help! :)

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

When I was stock I went through the auto car washes all the time soft and hard top. Now if im in a rush and just want most of the salt off pronto I still use the touchless car washes a few times in the winter. In the summer its all about the hand washes and pampering for my Jeep!

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Too much washing in the winter just allows all that new FRESH salt to get into the seams and panels.. It also washes off any undercoating such as RustCheck or Krown you may have put on.

Use to have a 98 Ram PU, rustchecked every year. It was immaculate for 8 years. Then one winter my oldest son's car died so I let him use the truck everyday to go to work. Being the great kid that he is and working at a car wash he faithfully lovingly washed Dad's pride and joy everyday before driving the 55 klm commute home on salty hwys. Well, by the spring my immaculate RAM had rust sprouting out all over. Moral of the story:
Washing TOO much is worse then not washing at all.

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

I usually just get my wife to wash mine...lol

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh rough.

Took her through the manual yesterday, and then of course this morning it snowed!
Eff you mother nature!

What do y'all recommend for using against the salt?


Thanks,
Michelle :)

Re: Jeep washing tips
 

Recently any vehical I've owned I've never taken them through a car wash....The odd time it's gone through a touchless, including the JKU, never had an issue.
Most winter wash's are a good rinse at the coin-op to get the salty crud off. It the temp gets above 3 degs C or so I will even hand wash in the driveway. (nabiours look at me like I'm nuts)

Soft top....don't dare go though any car wash, even touchless....hand wash only, and don't forget the Best top products to keep in lookin good and protected from the UV and bird poop.

Happy detailing