With the Proper Care, You Can Avoid Damaging the Film
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Windows, like most things on the planet, inevitably get dirty. Even post window tinting, the struggle remains. Fortunately, cleaning them is usually straightforward—just spray them down with water, and you’re set. But when you have a film on top of the glass, you might wonder if the traditional cleaning method could cause damage to it. Good catch, because yes, it can.
Car window tinting, especially when it’s done using high-quality films, is an investment, and nobody wants to ruin them. In this guide we’ll explain how to clean tinted windows without causing any damage.
Preparing the Arsenal
Before you begin the cleaning process, you’re going to have to make sure your arsenal has the right equipment for the job. Using the wrong ones can do more harm than good, after all. Here is all that you will need:
- Get yourself two microfiber towels, also colloquially called lint-free cloths. Do not use generic towels, napkins or anything else as they tend to leave behind tiny little scratches.
- A mild, ammonia-free cleaner. Ammonia can break down the adhesive in tint films, leading to bubbles or discoloration. Stick to products labeled “safe for tinted windows.” Also, use lukewarm water.
- A squeegee isn’t required for a decent cleaning job, but it’s recommended for a fine, spotless finish.
Guide to Cleaning Tinted Windows
Once we have all our cleaning equipment ready, it’s time to get our hands wet and dirty. Using gloves is recommended, but not necessary. Follow the steps below to a T and get spotless windows:
Step 1: Finding the Right Time and Place
As with most things in life, timing and location matter. It isn’t recommended to clean your windows during extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, direct sunlight, or cold temperatures. Each of these environmental factors can negatively impact the process. Ideally, clean windows with tints indoors, or if you’re working outside, ensure the weather is calm and cool.
Step 2: Making the Proper Cleaning Solution
You can always buy a pre-made solution made specifically for window tints. However, if you enjoy the thrill of DIY, the solution you create must be gentle—ideally, a combination of lukewarm water and mild soap that isn’t too soapy or too watery. We want that perfect mix.
Step 3: Dry Cleaning the Windows and Spraying the Solution
First, use a dry microfiber cloth to get rid of the dust and debris. DO NOT use generic towels here, as that will end up scratching the tint or glass. Once you’re done with that, spray the solution onto the cloth and rub it onto the window with sufficient force, but not aggressively. You can spray it directly on the glass as well, as long as you do so in a controlled manner. Too much moisture tends to seep into the edges of the tint, and nobody wants that.
Step 4: Doing the Actual Cleaning
Alright, now run the cloth in a circular motion across the window while applying steady pressure to remove those pesky, stubborn stains. If a stain is particularly tough to deal with, apply the solution on top of it and let it sit for a while before wiping it off. Remember, be firm, not aggressive.
Step 5: Drying the Surface
Dry the glass with another clean, dry microfiber cloth. For a spotless finish, you can buff the surface or use a squeegee, as we mentioned earlier. Be extra careful when drying the edges to avoid peeling or lifting the tint.
Mistakes Made When Cleaning Tinted Windows
Let’s start by saying that it’s not illegal to have dirty windows. That sentence isn’t something you hear often. However, take into consideration that dirt can make your window tint appear darker than it really is, leading to a law enforcer assuming you’re breaking local window tinting laws—especially under strict standards like California window tint laws, for example. Explaining the misunderstanding may be simple, but it can be a headache—so it’s best to keep your windows clean and avoid this situation altogether.
With that said, here are the common mistakes we see people make:
- Using just any old cloth you find in your garage is far from recommended. Microfiber cloths are special because they are soft and lint-free. The same cannot be said for most other clothes, so it’s best to stick to them. Use one cloth for dry cleaning and the other for wet wiping.
- Many household glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can break down the tint film over time. Ensure that whatever solution you pick does not contain ammonia.
- Firm and circular motions are the right way to clean the windows, not aggressive or random movements.
- It may seem tempting to use a sharp object to clean a particularly hard-to-reach spot, but that’s a mistake. Spray the solution onto the area and let it sit for a while. Then, use a combination of a microfiber cloth and lukewarm water to clean it.
- A warm, sunny day may seem like the perfect time to clean tinted windows, but it really isn’t. The ideal day is cool and not windy. Direct sunlight makes the water dry off too quickly, leaving behind streaks.
How Often Must Tinted Windows Be Cleaned
That depends entirely on how dirty they get. Some roads are extremely dusty and require regular cleaning. However, for most average drivers across the United States, once a week is more than sufficient. With that said, it does vary from one driver and their route to another.
Consider Professional Window Cleaning Services
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning tinted windows, you can opt for professional window cleaning services. Windows cleaning companies have the right equipment and experience to get your windows looking as good as new in no time.
Conclusion
Car window tinting changes the way most people clean their windows. Gone are the days of just pouring water on the glass, wiping it down, and hoping for the best. Now, you need to take the right approach. Use gentle cleaners, soft cloths and light pressure if you want to keep the tints in perfect condition for years to come. Follow these steps, and you should be golden!
