Window tinting offers a great deal of advantages. They filter out more UV rays than regular car windows, safeguarding your vehicle’s plastics and upholstery against sun-induced cracking and fading. They play a pivotal role in keeping your car interior cool during warm summer days. Moreover, they provide added security by offering protection against shattered glass and enhance your privacy, be it while parked or on the road.

However, these tinted windows demand specific care to ensure these benefits endure. What sets tinted windows apart from conventional car windows is the presence of a plastic film that adheres to your vehicle’s glass surfaces. This film is far more susceptible to the harsh chemicals commonly found in household glass cleaners. Thus,  it’s best not to use the same methods of cleaning tinted windows as you would regular glass windows. 

In the following guide, we’ll discuss the process of preserving and cleaning window tints, ensuring that you’ll be able to use their benefits for years to come. 

Wait For It To Cure

If you have recently had new window tints installed, it’s important that you wait approximately a week for the film to cure. This period enables complete adhesion to your vehicle’s glass surfaces. During this period, it is advised not to roll down your windows. Using any type of cleaning product during this period can disrupt the curing process and may result in the separation of the film from the glass.

If, however, you find the need to clean your tinted car windows while they are in the midst of the curing process, you can opt for a simple solution. Utilize a spray bottle filled with water and a microfiber cloth to gently remove any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on your window film. Otherwise, if you can help it, it is best to wait for the curing period to complete.

Cleaning Supplies

The most important thing to know is that window tint film is much closer to plastic than glass. While it is tempting to use household cleaners on window tints, these cleaners are typically much harsher than needed when cleaning window tints.

As a rule of thumb, you should avoid cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol-based ones. Continuous use of cleaners that contain these ingredients can cause the tints to discolor and become hazy over time. Instead, warm water is enough for most cleaning needs. If you have particularly stubborn blemishes, you can opt for mild detergents for cleaning tinted windows.

Additionally, avoid any abrasive clothes, as they may scratch the film. Paper towels are also not recommended as they can leave behind lint and streaks. A soft micro-fiber cloth is better instead. A squeegee is also great for getting the water off your windows quickly. However, if you plan on using a squeegee, ensure that the blade is in good shape and isn’t dinged up, possibly causing damage to your tints.

Tinted Window Cleaning Tips

• Clean with a Soap and Water Solution. To clean tinted windows, use a mild soapy solution, mild detergent, or simply warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals such as alcohol or ammonia. Apply the solution in circular motions to remove dirt and grime. Alternatively, you can put the solution in a spray bottle.
• Use Microfiber Cloths. Microfiber cloths are lint-free and absorb dirt, dust, and water without spreading them around, and are less likely to leave streaks. 
• Wipe from Top to Bottom. To prevent the formation of smears or patches on your window’s surface, adopt a top-to-bottom wiping approach. This technique not only aids in avoiding streaks but also ensures that any excess moisture flows away from the tint instead of towards it.
• Avoid Windex and Paper Towels. Windex and paper towels can damage tinted windows. Windex contains alcohol that can dry out the tint, while paper towels can leave lint residue.
• Finish with a Thorough Water Rinse: After working your solution into the tint, it’s important that you wash off the surface with clean water. You may clean it off with a different cloth or use a squeegee. Ensure that no soap residue is left on the window, as this can lead to streaks.

Take Care Of Your Tints

While cleaning your tints correctly is a great way to ensure their longevity, making sure that they are correctly installed in the first place is even more important. At ProCarSound&Security, we specialize in installing car window tints properly to give them the greatest chance of lasting through their lifespan. 

We can help walk you through the various tinting options on the market to find what’s best for you and even professionally remove your old tint if you have one. 

If you have any questions about your current tint or a possible future tint, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.