Experts Explain How To Clean And Protect The Soft Top of Your Mazda Miata or Fiat 124 Spider

If you are a lucky owner of a Mazda MX-5 Miata or a Fiat 124 Spider, you may be wondering how you should (and should not) clean and protect the soft top. Torque News is fortunate to be located near Haartz Corporation in Massachusetts, the exclusive supplier of soft top materials to Mazda and Fiat. We reached out to Haartz and asked them how owners should properly care for the top.

“All our softtop materials are made for superior performance and are durable, ensuring longevity no matter the elements – sun, rain, snow, etc.,” said Matthew Williams, director of business development at Haartz. “Additionally, we have developed and approved for use on our softtop materials RAGGTOPP convertible care products, manufactured by Wolfsteins Pro-Series. The RAGGTOPP Convertible cleaning system, including a premium brush, were developed to provide full top material care and cleaning. We recommend this brush and care products to further lengthen a material’s lifespan.”

RAGGTOPP products are available from Amazon and may also be available near you at a retailer. Although every convertible car company recommends hand washing, a convertible top can be safely cleaned with dilute car wash soap without risk of damage. The brush from RAGGTOPP is a good way to help clean the soft top material seasonally. It is not necessary to scour the top on a regular basis.

As a former (and future) owner of an NC-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, this author can also say that it is wise to allow a soft top to dry before folding it down for storage. This can help prevent any mold or mildew from becoming an issue. If you use your garden hose to wash the car, always dry the top gently to avoid leaving any mineral deposits on the top, glass or paint. Soft bath towels work best and they are very inexpensive if you buy them at a place like Walmart of the Dollar Store. Why skimp? Don't use a shop rag!

Doug Haartz told Torque News this past week at an event, "The Haartz Stayfast material is the best possible material for the Spider and Miata." Doug added, "With just minimal routine care it will last the life of the vehicle."

Haartz also makes tops for automakers such as Rolls Royce, BMW, Porsche, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz. Haartz manufacturers its materials on all U.S.-market vehicles in Acton Massachusetts and has been U.S.-based since 1897.

Related Story: Convertible Tops May Soon Be More Stylish Thanks to Haartz

Image Notes:
Torque News wishes to thank Facebook Fiat 124 Spider 2.0 Fan Club 2017+ members, Michelle Lynn Taylor and Bill Johnson for the images they contributed.

Follow John Goreham at @JohnGoreham on Twitter.