The appearance and functionality of your tint depend on a diligent approach to its protection. Scratches and nicks can become highly visible and detract from its appearance and value.
Use cleaners without ammonia (tinted windows can be damaged by ammonia), and choose microfiber cloths. These materials are gentle and effective, and avoid scratching the window film. Visit Window Tint Denver for more details.
1. Avoid Scratching the Film
If you want your tint to last, it’s essential to clean and maintain it properly. Using the right cleaning supplies and gentle techniques can help your tint look flawless and perform well for years to come.
Avoid scratching the film with abrasive materials. Scratching the film can damage it and cause the adhesive to weaken, leading to bubbles and peeling over time. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth when cleaning. Make sure you’re using a non-abrasive cleaner that is made specifically for window tint.
It’s also important to roll down your windows before applying cleaner to avoid damaging the film with steam. Also, avoid blasting the heat or air conditioner immediately after parking in extreme temperatures, as this can also damage your tint.
Regularly dusting your tint with a soft microfiber cloth helps to keep it looking new and reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning. It can also prevent scratches from forming, which can damage the tint.
You should also avoid using abrasive materials on your tint, such as scrubbing pads or rough sponges. These can cause scratches on the surface of your tint and reduce its clarity. Instead, use a soft microfiber or squeegee when cleaning your tint.
When cleaning your window tint, it’s best to do so in the shade. This will prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and causing white spots on your tint. You should also have a bucket of distilled water on hand to rinse your cloth frequently.
Make sure you’re using a non-abrasive, ammonia-free cleaner when cleaning your tint. Ammonia can damage and discolor the window tint, and it can also weaken the adhesive that holds the film in place. Instead, use a mild soap solution or a window cleaner made for tinted windows.
If you’re having problems with your tint, such as bubbling or edge peeling, contact Shell Shocked Wraps. Our experts can help you get your window tint back in shape! With proper care and maintenance, your tint can last for years to come and provide many benefits, from UV protection to enhanced privacy.
2. Dust Regularly
Tinted windows attract dust and debris like any other surface, and regular dusting is important to keep them looking good. To avoid scratching the film while cleaning, use a soft microfiber cloth or a lint-free paper towel instead of using anything abrasive. If the tint is particularly dirty or smudge-prone, soak it in a mild soap solution for a few minutes before wiping.
Cleaning tinted windows isn’t just about ensuring they look clean—it’s also about maintaining their clarity, effectiveness, and longevity. Unfortunately, many vehicle and home owners damage their window tint by using the wrong cleaners or tools. Understanding how to properly clean tinted windows is essential to preventing scratches, fading, and adhesive breakdown.
Before cleaning, ensure that the windows are cool to the touch and in shade. Also, if your tint was recently installed, wait at least a week before you start cleaning it. Next, gather your cleaning materials and make sure you have a spray bottle with ammonia-free glass cleaner and a microfiber towel or squeegee that won’t scratch the film.
Ammonia-based glass cleaners are one of the biggest threats to tinted windows, as they can strip the protective topcoat and cause discoloration or bubbling. Alcohol-based cleaners are also a no-go, as they can dry out the film and leave streaks. Ideally, you should use a solution made specifically for tinted windows or a homemade mixture of mild soap and distilled water.
Once you have your cleaning supplies, it’s time to get started. Be careful when spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the window, as this can cause it to drip or run into areas you don’t want to clean, such as the back windshield. A better option is to apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth or paper towel and wipe down the window in a circular motion. If you need to reach difficult-to-reach areas, consider investing in a window cleaning extension pole with a microfiber cleaning head or using a paintbrush dipped in your cleaning solution. Be sure to rinse off the cleaner completely with a clean microfiber cloth before wiping again.
3. Remove Bubbles and Edge Peeling
Bubbling or peeling window tint are signs that your tint isn’t adhering properly. Typically, the problem stems from either air, moisture, or adhesive failure. It can be fixed using a few simple methods, depending on the size and location of the bubbles. If you have large areas of bubbling or peeling, however, it may be more effective to contact a professional window tint installer, who can replace the entire section.
Proper cleaning and maintenance is the key to maintaining your window tint for years to come. Choosing the right cleaners and avoiding sharp objects or abrasive cloths ensures that your tint lasts and looks good.
When it comes to cleaning your window tint, a mild soap and water solution or a foam cleaner that is tint safe are the best options. Avoid cleaning products containing ammonia, which can damage and discolor your window tint.
Always use a soft microfiber cloth or a paper towel that is lint-free. Using an abrasive cloth or paper towel can scratch the film. Always dampen the cloth before scrubbing, and don’t forget to dry the edges of the tint. This helps prevent missed spots and streaking.
After washing your windows, wait a week before driving the vehicle again. This gives the tint time to fully cure. If you notice the windows are still sticky after a week, contact your installer for further advice or to have the issue repaired.
Once you’ve waited for the tint to cure, the first step to remove bubbles and peeling is to gently press them down. Use a plastic card wrapped in one of your microfiber cloths to push the bubbles to their nearest edge. If they don’t pop, use a needle to poke a hole in the bubbles and release the air inside.
Another way to prevent bubbling and peeling is to roll down the windows after you drive, especially in hot weather. This helps to reduce heat, which can cause the tint to shrink and degrade over time.
4. Clean the Glass
Over time, sunlight can cause the color of window tint to fade. Regularly cleaning your windows with a cleaner that does not contain ammonia can help minimize this effect and keep your tint looking great.
Always use a soft cloth to clean the glass, and do not apply too much pressure. Scratching the film with rough materials can damage it and lead to unattractive bubbles and lifting of the edges. Be especially cautious when cleaning a small area of the window where there may be an overlap with another part of the window. Using a credit card wrapped in a soft cloth, gently press the edge of the overlap toward the center of the window to avoid scratching or damaging the film.
When cleaning your windows, spray your cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth rather than directly onto the tinted surface. This can prevent the cleaner from evaporating too quickly and leaving behind streaks. Remember to also wipe non-tinted areas of the windows as dirt can easily transfer from these surfaces onto the tinted glass. Always wipe the window in a circular motion, and remember to wash the corners of your windows as well. Washing these parts in the direction of the splice line is especially important for retaining the shape and integrity of your tint.
Once your windows have been cleaned, it is important to allow them ample time to dry. Follow the curing times set by your installer as these guidelines will ensure that the adhesive is completely dry and that your window tint is firmly attached to the window glass. Avoid rapid temperature changes as this can cause the glass to expand or contract, which may weaken the bond between the adhesive and the tint.
A combination of gentle techniques and products, along with regular inspections by a professional can help to extend the life of your tint and ensure that it looks flawless for years to come. With proper care, your tint will provide you with a range of benefits, from UV protection to enhanced privacy, for years to come.