Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
Tinted windows require specific upkeep to ensure that the benefits last for a long time. The plastic film that attaches to your auto glass to give your windows, windshield, and rear windows a tinted look which is what distinguishes tinted windows from standard (transparent) car windows.
Because window tint film is more susceptible to the harsh chemicals found in home glass cleaners and disinfecting sprays, it’s essential that you utilize the correct cleaning procedures while caring for your tinted automobile windows.
We’ll walk you through every step should know about cleaning and maintaining tinted car windows in this article, and spoiler alert: it’s a lot easier than you think!
UNDERSTANDING THE TINTED WINDOWS CLEANING PROCESS:
Before we begin cleaning window tints, we must first grasp what they are and how they function. Window film reduces the percent of the sun’s UV radiation from entering your car, house, or office. This reduces glare while also protecting the skin and eyes from injury. Window tinting protects furniture, fabric, paintings, and tapestries from withering and discoloration by blocking UV radiation.
Most people are unaware that tint is a small piece of dark film applied to your window’s interior. Most people will reach for a bottle of Windex and a paper towel to wipe their tinted windows.
Attempting to wash a tinted window like this is the worst thing you can do.
Most over-the-counter glass cleaners, such as Windex, are ammonia-based. Ammonia has a pH of 11.6 and can be pretty damaging to the color.
On all tints, ammonia can cause withering, peeling, splitting, and spotting. Because window tint film is such a thin layer, it can easily be scratched or ripped. Hence paper towels should not be used as they may actually damage your window film.
The most straightforward approach to cleaning your tinted windows is to use a microfiber cloth to apply an ammonia-free soap to the inside of the glass.
When the entire window has been coated, dry it immediately unless harsh filth necessitates a second pass. However, avoid the tint’s borders, where the cleanser might seep below and create bubbles.
STEP-BY-STEP CAR TINTED WINDOW CLEANING PROCESS:
Step#1: Park your vehicle in a shaded place:
Cleaning windows in bright sunlight causes the cleaners to dry too rapidly, making them difficult to clean effectively. Find a shaded area or a garage to stop your car and clean it. Parking under sappy trees, such as pines, should be avoided since tree sap can harm your automobile’s finish.
Step#2: Always clean your windows last:
Save the windows for last when washing your car. In this manner, you won’t end up scrubbing or blasting dirt onto freshly cleaned windows. Furthermore, if you’re using other ammonia-based cleaners, avoid getting any on your tinting. To make washing the windows easier at the end, spray the tint-safe cleaner ahead of time if they are filthy.
Step#3: Wipe away dirt with a tint-friendly cleanser.
On the interiors and exteriors of windows, an ammonia-free cleaner can be used. Follow the steps on the bottle to see whether you need to mix your cleanser in a container first. Scrub interiors and exteriors separately, e.g., horizontally vs. vertically, to prevent missing anything. Clean around the tint film margins with a moist cloth, then wipe with a dry cloth to avoid cleaner from seeping beneath the tint film. For cleaning, use a single microfiber cloth. Then, with the other cloth, dry the windows.
Step#4: Use a bucket of water to rinse your cloth
To avoid spreading dirt across your windows, rinse your microfibre cloth in water after every two wipes. Take care not to get the tinting’s borders too wet with cleaners or water. If moisture penetrates the tint film, it may peel away from the glass. For homes with hard tap water, use distilled water rather than tap water in the bucket. White stains on your glass might be caused by hard water.
Step#5: Check for missed patches.
Examine your windows from both the inside and outside of your car for any missed places. To detect any patches, adjust your viewing angles and take a few steps back. If any areas are missed, spritz the tint-friendly cleanser onto your microfibre cloth, wipe the stain, and then buff dry with the drying towel. If you see bubbles in your window tinting, slowly move the bubbles to the nearest edge with a plastic card folded in a microfiber cloth or a squeegee. Prick a tiny hole in the bubble with a fine-point needle to evacuate the air trapped behind the tinted coating.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How to clean inside of tinted car windows?
When washing tinted automobile windows from the inside, make sure you use just water and no cleaning chemical. Using a cleaning solution may cause the tint to distort or peel off the glass. Soak a washcloth or a soft towel and use vertical strokes to clean your tinted windows.
When cleaning on the top corners of your automobile windows, be sure to wipe in the direction of the tinting film’s edge. Wiping in the other way may cause the tinting film to flake off. If you notice tiny air bubbles forming on different parts of the tinting film, use a credit card folded in a paper towel to force them out.
How to clean ceramic tinted windows?
Ceramic window tints have a high ceramic particle concentration, which reflects UV rays and considerably minimizes solar heat penetration.
These non-metallic particles do not conflict with electrical signal strength, yet the color allows for optimal visibility. This film is said to be one of the greatest alternatives on the market since it can absorb double the amount of heat as the other options. As a result, it is frequently the costliest. But when it’s about cleaning them, it can be effortless. Just use some plain water to clean it or a cleaning solution dissolved in water to wipe it off.
The main thing to keep in mind is to always to use an ammonia-free cleaning solution, or you might risk destroying your tinted windows.
Can you clean tinted windows with vinegar?
Cleaning your tinted windows with vinegar and water is a standard and safe method. Also suitable are vinegar or citrus-based cleaners that do not include ammonia. The most important thing is to use ammonia-free products.
How to clean newly tinted car windows?
Wait a week after installing the new window film before washing the inside of the window where the film was placed. After a week, clean the windows utilizing an ammonia-free window cleaning solution and a delicate cloth or rubber squeegee. We highly suggest foam cleaners as they do not leave any streaks and are usually devoid of ammonia. Never scratch/scrape the film with a razor or use anything abrasive to clean your tinted windows, as this can harm the film.
How often should you clean tinted car windows?
There is no precise timeline to follow. It is just suggested to clean them every three to four weeks using simple water or an ammonia-free cleaning solution to keep them clean and fresh looking.
How to remove stickers from tinted car windows?
Soak the stickers in soapy water using a sponge. This approach works best with paper stickers, but it may also be used with plastic-based decals. Then, peel a corner of the sticker using a glass scraper/plastic spatula/expired credit card. To avoid using the scraper as much as possible, consider peeling the sticker off by hand.
After that, apply a window degreaser to dissolve any sticker remnants and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Wipe away the sticker residue with a clean cloth or sponge/towels.
What’s the best way to clean tinted car windows?
The best way to clean your automobile windows is to use an efficient yet mild glass cleaner that will break up the grime, mud, dust, and other debris that has clung to your tinted windows.
Do not use an ammonia-based cleaning since this will destroy both the tinting film and the glass itself. If you don’t want to buy a bunch of commercial glass cleaners, a pH-neutral soap or dishwashing solution will also get the job done.
CONCLUSION:
If you thought having your windows tinted meant you wouldn’t have to clean them as often, think again. Whether your windows are tinted or as clear as a hall of mirrors, you will have to keep an eye on them regularly.
The only distinction is in the items used for each style of window.
Tinted automobile windows necessitate the use of particular cleaning agents that will keep them spotless without promoting peeling or breaking. You must also apply the proper procedures, as described in this article, to clean your tinted car windows efficiently and successfully.