How often to clean convertible top?

[marlinspike]

I have no experience with a convertible until my girlfriend bought one (2004 BMW 330Ci) in January. First day weather allowed, I cleaned and treated the top with the RaggTopp kit. Looked 100x better after that. It looks like every time you use the RaggTopp cleaner though you also have to treat it with the RaggTopp fabric top protectant. It would be both a pain and expensive to do this every wash. Do I have to? Or is there something else I can do for the normal washes? I've just been hitting it with a strong blast of water when I wash it, and then a lint roller after every 3 washes, seems to be doing pretty well, but wanted to make sure.

 

[BYUBubba]

I spray mine off each time I wash. If it looks dirtier than normal I use a horsehair brush and mild soap without any gloss enhancers to clean it. That usually keeps it looking good. When the water doesn't seem to be heading up as well on it I use the RaggTop cleaner with the horsehair brush and then retreat it with the convertible top protectant/sealant. His usually ends up being twice a year or less but my convertible is a garage queen when it isn't being driven and 75% of the time I am driving it the top is down.