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THE BEST IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL WINDOW TINTING
Film Systems Blogger • November 17, 2019
Top-Notch Tint: How to Clean Tinted Windows in Your Home
Tinted windows can give you privacy and save you energy, but only if you care for them the right way. Find out how to clean tinted windows.
Up to 30% of heated and cooled air
-- that's how much you lose through your windows.
That's a lot of waste, especially when you consider how much electricity goes toward heating and cooling.
It's pricey, especially in Florida, where energy bills are 15% higher
than the US average. The good news is, professional window tinting can cut all those heat losses and gains. As a result, you can save money on your heating and cooling bills.
Are the steps on how to clean tinted windows complex and time-consuming? Not exactly, but there are special considerations that you need to take to ensure they last you for a long time.
Ready to learn all about tinted window maintenance? Keep reading below to find out what you need to know.
First Cleaning Should Come Only After Complete Curing
Depending on the type of window tint
you chose, you need to wait for a few days to let it cure. Some dry completely within a couple of days, while others need at least a week. Don't worry, as your professional window tint expert would tell you the specifics.
What's important is to follow the installer's recommendations before you clean your windows. Complete curing is vital to the tint's efficient adherence to the glass panes. If you clean it too early, the extra moisture can get in between the tint material and the glass.
This can then result in bubbles forming on your newly-tinted windows. Not only will this ruin its aesthetic appearance; it can also shorten the life span of the tint.
In rare cases, new tinting may have tiny bubbles between them and the glass. This doesn’t always indicate an installation gone wrong -- it only means that it’s not 100% cured yet. If you have professionally-installed window tint
though, these bubbles shouldn't occur.
That said, wait until the tint is 100% dry before you follow this next step to clean tinted windows.
Say No to Ammonia
Ammonia is an inorganic compound used in over a hundred household products. Many of these are cleaning solutions, as ammonia is potent enough to break down grime and stains.
It's also quick to evaporate, so it helps avoid streak marks on surfaces like glass. This property makes it a staple in many glass cleaning products.
The thing is, ammonia is corrosive to metal, which is a common material in window tint. Cleaning tinted windows with an ammonia-based solution can cause the tint to fade. It can also cause the tint to become brittle, making it more prone to damages.
Besides, long-term exposure to ammonia
can cause eye, throat, lung, and skin irritation. Inhaling ammonia solutions can also cause coughing, while physical contact can cause burns.
So, always check the label of commercial cleaners before using them on tinted windows. Make sure it's completely ammonia- or bleach-free.
Make Your Own (Mild) Cleaning Solution
Many Florida cities, including Cape Coral and Fort Myers, have the cleanest air in the country. If you live in these areas, cleaning your tinted windows would be even easier since there won't be much dirt on them. You only need to spray some warm water on a microfiber cloth to wipe down the windows with.
For dirtier windows, you can use a mix of mild (ammonia-free!) detergent and warm water. Spray some of the soapy water onto a microfiber cloth and gently run it down starting from the top of the window. The key is to wipe down in one direction and not up and down, as this will only spread the dirt.
For stubborn dirt spots or stains, spray the soap mixture directly on them and allow to soak for a few minutes. This will soften them up so you could easily wipe them off. If some dirt remains, give it a few more spritz and then wipe with a gentle, circular motion to loosen the dirt.
Rinse the cloth after a few wipes to prevent it from smearing dirt. If you don't have microfiber, you can use a cotton rag, but choose one that’s not too stiff. You can also use a sponge, but make sure it doesn't have a scrubber surface.
Use a Squeegee After Rinsing to Prevent Streak Marks
A squeegee's flat and soft rubber end makes it a good cleaning tool for sensitive window tint. It lets you remove most of the liquid that stays on your window during cleaning and rinsing. With this, you can worry less about dried streak marks or spots on your tinted windows.
You'll find squeegees online and in hardware and home maintenance stores. They only cost about $10 on Amazon, but they're nifty in keeping your windows shiny and streak-free.
To use, gently run the squeegee from the very top to the bottom of the window. Then, wipe the tool's rubber blade with a cloth or paper towel to get rid of excess water. Repeat these steps until you've squeegeed all your windows.
To finish, use a fresh and dry microfiber towel to "polish" off your windows. Include the window sills, wiping them completely dry especially if they're wood. Don't use paper towels on the windows themselves, as they could be abrasive enough to scratch the tint.
Clean Your Tinted Windows Regularly to Make Them Last Long
The most reputable window tinting specialists offer warranties on their products and services. Depending on the tint type and brand you choose, it may come with up to a 15-year warranty.
However, you should also do your part in maintaining your tinted windows. Regular and proper cleaning will also help lengthen their life span. Besides, no one wants dingy windows, as these can make an entire home look spooky and unkempt.
Follow These Steps on How to Clean Tinted Windows the Safe and Proper Way
There you have it, your ultimate guide on how to clean tinted windows the right and safe way. Follow these steps, and you can keep your treated windows efficient, shiny, and pretty. Best of all, you can protect your new tint and ensure that they remain scratch- and damage-free.
Don’t have energy-efficient window treatments at home yet? Then there's no other better time than now to get energy- and money-saving tinted windows! Give us a call now
and we'll be happy to discuss your tint options and even give you a free project estimate!
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