Car Window tint film is a wise investment, offering numerous benefits for your Car, Vehicle, Suv, Truck and Pick up.
Many car owners choose to customize their vehicle with an aftermarket window tint. This is especially true in warm & sunny climates. It will make your car look great and provide some protection, but when it comes time for cleaning, you will need to take special care. Many everyday cleaners and techniques will actually damage your newly darkened glass over time
Understandably, if you’re going to invest in the film for your car windows, you want to get the best and longest life out of them. While Xpel Car Window Film’s products (That we use at Tintix) are designed to exceed the competition as far as longevity.
If you’ve ever seen what can happen to a car window tint that hasn’t been maintained, then you know it’s not a pretty picture. The bubbled or peeling layer of film on the inside of the windows looks terrible — and sounds worse when the windows are rolled down!
Once the car window tint starts to go, there’s no turning back. The affected area will have to be retinted or removed entirely.
With this being said, it’s important to make sure to wash cars with tinted windows carefully to ensure a job is well done and to avoid any bubbling or peeling.
Are you wondering how to clean new tinted windows? or how to clean tinted car windows?
Here are some tips to help you care for your tinted car windows well.
Be Prepared
Before washing the windows, make sure the carwash employee who is performing the tasks has the right tools at hand. These include:
- Shade: Washing the car in a shaded spot rather than in direct sunlight makes things dry slower. That means your job is easier, and there is also less chance of water spots.
- Microfiber towels: Don’t use paper or abrasive cotton. Microfiber towels are soft and can absorb a lot of water. Have at least one towel for applying the wash solution and a separate towel for drying.
- Ammonia-free soap: While tint is usually applied on the inside of windows rather than the outside, ammonia-free soap is generally better for all parts of a car.
When cleaning your tinted car windows, you also need to be careful around the edge of the tint. You don’t want to catch the edge when wiping down the windows or the tint will start to peel away from the glass.
It’s also better to use soft cloths when cleaning tinted car windows instead of paper towels. A paper towel will often leave bits a fibre on the window and it’s hard to get a streak-free shine.
Save windows for last
It sounds simple, but making sure the glass is clean will do more to help you feel like your car is truly clean than anything else will. After all, You have to look out those windows every time you drive.
With this in mind, first, clean the rest of the car before moving on to the tinted windows because the process of washing and rinsing exterior panels can get suds on the glass.
Once it’s time to clean the inside of the windows, choose the cleaner carefully; because the residue from some interior cleaners can turn into a vapour and end up on the tint.
Proper Cleaning for Your Windows
Cleaning your windows properly involves the following steps: First, be sure to wait for the window tint to cure.
This can take between seven and 30 days, depending on the climate, before cleaning.
Some hazing and even water pockets are normal during this time, so don’t worry.
When you’re ready to clean the windows, use a clean rubber squeegee or a cotton cloth. If the cleaner is needed, as I said before, choose one made specifically for window film, and avoid everything that contains ammonia or harsh cleaning chemicals. Warm, soapy water can also work.
To clean, lightly mist the cleaner of your choice, then wipe it with a clean, soft microfiber or cotton cloth.
Turn the cloth regularly to present a clean surface. Once wiped clean, spray again and use a soft rubber squeegee to stroke the glass until it’s dry — moving horizontally from top to bottom. If there is any cleaner residue on the borders of the window, towel it off.
If the window has any residual glue or adhesive from items that were taped to it, use a cotton cloth dabbed with acetone to remove it. Acetone won’t hurt the film but will quickly remove the adhesive. Wipe clean after removing the residue.
Increase Longevity by Installing the Right Tint
Another way to increase window tint longevity is to invest in professional window tinting installation using the best window tint.
Xpel products have proven to offer superior durability and long-lasting tint color. What’s more, they will resist fading and damage while offering exceptional UV filtering and other benefits for years.
Find a professional window tint installer near you (like Tintix) to invest in your car window tint, then use these strategies to keep your tint beautiful for the long term.
If you’re nearby, Visit Us!
Things to Do When Cleaning Your Car Tinted Windows:
- Do use a chemical cleaner that states it’s safe for window film.
- Do clean the exterior of car windows as you normally would, because the tint film is installed to the interior of the window.
- Use soft cloths and squeegees to clean tinted windows.
- Do ask your installer what cleaning product is best to use on the windows.
Things NOT To do When Cleaning Your Car Tinted Windows:
- Don’t clean the car windows right after having film installed, as it needs time to cure.
- Do not use ammonia or other harsh chemicals.
- Don’t roll down your windows that have been tinted for a week after your installation or longer, depending on the weather, when you have the car window tint installed.
