How To Clean Tinted Windows

If you've made the investment of tinting your home or car windows, you want to make sure you're looking after them. Unfortunately, using the wrong cleaning products or tools can damage the tint. So to help you keep your tinted windows looking their best, here's everything you need to know about cleaning them safely.

You should avoid harsh cleaning agents, especially ones with ammonia. Wiping with a damp microfibre cloth or chamois is normally sufficient. For greasy marks, small amounts of detergent can be used.

How To Clean Tinted Windows On A Car

There are loads of products that are marketed at car windows. But you should always inspect the bottle to check which chemicals it contains. You want to avoid any cleaning products that contain ammonia. There are some tinted window specific products that you can use that are gentle while still cleaning effectively.

The great news is that window tint is like a non-stick fry-pan - it's very easy to clean and usually doesn't require any fancy products or procedure to make it spotless. Our recommendation is to simply use a damp chamois or microfibre cloth, with plain water.

If you have grubby marks or grime that a wet cloth hasn't completely removed, detergent is ok to use. A small amount of dishwashing liquid in water can be effective. Just make sure to wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove any excess detergent residue.

It is important to avoid using citrus-based cleaners, which are incompatible with window tint film. We have heard some people like to use vinegar to clean glass. We also recommend avoiding that on tint, just to play it safe.

It is worth remembering that the tint is applied to the inside of your window. So you can wash the exterior of your car as usual.

How To Clean Tinted Windows In Your Home

Some home window cleaning solutions contain harsh chemicals that can damage your window film. It's best to avoid any with ammonia or citric acid as, over time, they can damage the tint on your windows. You can use the same procedure on your home windows as you can for car windows. Simply a damp chamois or microfibre cloth will be sufficient to remove the vast majority of marks and stains. Water with a small amount of detergent is an effective cleaning solution for greasy residue that doesn't come off with plain water.

How To Get A Streak-Free Finish

There is nothing worse than cleaning your windows and then realising that they dried with streaks. However, there is a way to make sure this doesn't happen and leave your windows looking their best.

You will need three cloths to get the best effect. You'll want to use soft materials like microfiber, especially for the final stage.

The first cloth is the one that you do the majority of the washing with. You use this to apply your cleaning solution and clean the grease and dirt off. Next, you use the second cloth, or soft squeegee, to remove the excess liquid. You're trying to remove most of the water in this step. However, to avoid streaks, you'll want to make a final pass with your third soft dry cloth. Drying the windows this last time is what will prevent the streaks from appearing.

When To Clean Your Tinted Windows

After your installer tints your windows, it's essential to let the adhesive cure fully. To do this, you'll need to wait to clean them. The amount of time you need to wait will depend on the film and adhesive used. It's always a good idea to check with your installer.

Tint is applied with water and a small amount remains after installation, this water forms droplets under the film which cleaning can disturb leaving marks under the film. Cleaning is best left until all the moisture has dried which is normally 2 - 12 weeks depending on the tint and amount of sun exposure.

How To Clean Windows Before Window Tinting

Before you get your windows tinted, you should make sure they are as clean as possible. You can give them a good clean with any window cleaning product, or just soap and water. You'll then want to dry off the windows to avoid any streaks forming.

The good news is that Tint Mart North Lakes are seasoned experts at tinting car and home windows. We use the best professional-grade cleaning solutions and tools, and have honed our techniques to achieve an impeccable finish for your window tinting job!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use glass cleaner on tinted windows?

You can use some glass cleaners on tinted windows, but you should avoid ones that contain harsh cleaning chemicals. The most important ingredient to check for is ammonia. If a glass cleaner contains ammonia, it's best to avoid it all together.

Can you use Windex on tinted windows?

Most varieties of glass cleaning spray, including Windex®, contain some form of ammonia. So while it's suitable for cleaning untinted glass, it's best avoided for tinted windows.

What does ammonia do to tinted windows?

You should avoid using ammonia on tinted windows. The tint is held in place using a special adhesive. Ammonia breaks down that adhesive over time. So every time you use a cleaning agent with ammonia in it, it will dissolve small amounts of glue from around the edges of your window. Eventually, the tint will begin to come away from the window.