How to Clean Tinted Windows: An In-Depth Guide

Why It's Important to Clean Tinted Windows a Certain Way

Standard windows in your car or home are made of glass. Glass is a resilient material that can take a little harsh scrubbing if necessary. If the windows are tinted, you must be much more careful. 

Windows are tinted with a thin film that's usually applied to the inside. Sometimes it's applied to the outside, but this is rare because tinting is more prone to damage if placed on the outside of the windows.

Tinting film is very delicate and can be damaged if you're too rough with it. Not only is it sensitive, but tint can be expensive, also.

If you damage the films while washing them, you'll have to replace them. There's no way to repair window tint, so it maintains it's efficiency.

The cleaning methods listed below are safe for your tinted windows if you remember to be gentle. You'll also want to ensure you avoid certain things that increase the risk of damage. Those things are detailed out in the next section.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Tinted Windows

Certain things are more likely to damage your window tint. Avoid the following to ensure your film doesn't become damaged as you're cleaning them.

Rough Scrubbers

Any rough scrubbers have the potential to tear your window tint. Coarse cleaning supplies include scrub brushes, metal scrubbers, and sponges with a scouring pad attached.

Ammonia-Based Cleaners

Ammonia is a harsh chemical that can damage your tint film. It is recommended you avoid any cleaners that contain ammonia.

Ammonia-based cleaners can be identified because they're usually blue. Check the labels of any products you're thinking of using to verify.

Sharp Cleaning Tools

Anything with a metal blade will cut and rip your window tint. This includes squeegees with metal blades. You can, however, use squeegees that have rubber blades if you're careful.

Don't Clean Before Allowing to Cure

The window tinting film needs to cure to your window before you can clean it. Curing takes at least 24 hours. The longer you can go without washing your film the first time, the better.

Regularly Cleaning Tinted Windows

If your windows aren't too dirty, there are two methods you can use to clean them. You can choose to clean them naturally or use a cleaning product for a little extra power.

Natural Cleaning Option

The natural cleaning option is the safest for your tinted windows. All you need is a spray bottle of water and microfiber cloth.

Start by misting your tinted windows. Don't saturate the film. A few sprays are all it takes to get the window tint damp.

Using the microfiber cloth, wipe the moisture from your windows. Be certain they're completely dry.

Get a new cloth or fold it over and use a new side. Wipe the windows in an up-and-down pattern first. Follow that up with a side-to-side pattern.

Check for streaks. If streaks exist, wipe the windows using the pattern above again. If there is still dirt, mist the window and repeat the process until you're satisfied with the results.

Using Glass Cleaner

You can use an ammonia-free glass cleaner to wash tinted windows. Spray the windows lightly with the glass cleaner. Wipe with a microfiber towel.

Check for streaks. If there are streaks, wipe the windows once more. Remember to follow a vertical pattern followed by a horizontal pattern.

Roll down the windows and wipe the top edge of the window when finished. If you don't, a line of dirt will remain that streaks your windows each time you roll them down.

Clean Tinted Windows That Are Really Dirty

The methods above work well for routine cleaning. But what if the tinted windows have gotten filthy?

Grab a soft, absorbent sponge. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. You'll also need a dry microfiber towel.

Soak the sponge in the soapy water and then wring out until it isn't dripping. Wipe the windows carefully with the sponge, rinsing often.

Once finished, wipe the windows dry with the microfiber cloth. When dry, you want to follow this method up with one of the two routine cleaning options above. This will help ensure no soap remains behind to streak the windows.

Do You Still Have Questions About How to Clean Tinted Windows?

Tinting film is a thin, delicate material that is easily damaged. For this reason, you need to be gentle when cleaning and follow the directions listed above.

Do you still have questions about how to clean tinted windows? Or, are you considering tinting the windows in your home or vehicle?

Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. Custom Glass Tinting can also assist in setting up an appointment to have your windows professionally tinted if desired.