Tinted windows are not just an aesthetic choice but do a lot to protect your vehicle and privacy. These windows can be of different types, like the ceramic tinted windows, which are less prone to damage. Therefore, keep your windows in tip-top condition for them to last longer. Follow proper instructions while cleaning them and use appropriate cleaning products.

First things First: Cleaning Tips

You should avoid products that can cause windows damage and follow the right procedure.

• Preparation: park your vehicle in the shade where it will dry slowly. The shade prevents your cleaning products from drying on the surface and forming a white film on tinted windows. Ensure you clean your windows as the last parts of your vehicle’s body.
• What to Avoid: be on the lookout for cleaning products that damage the tint and avoid them.
• Ammonia‘s products lighten the tint’s color and cause the film to become brittle and easily damaged.
• Abrasive Cleaning Materials: like the newspapers, scourers leave behind scratches on the surface of tinted windows.
• Sharp Objects: especially when removing air bubbles, avoid sharp tools like razors instead, use a credit card. Knife risks leaving scratches on the tint.
• Use Right Cleaning Products: the best thing to clean tinted windows is a cleaner with a microfiber towel. Use a separate cloth for inside and outside of the window. You may also use a window tint cleaner at-home

Make a solution with two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol with few baby soap drops, put them in a spray container, and then top up with distilled water.

• Wipe down, and buff dry your tinted windows. Spray some ammonia-free cleaner onto the tint before wiping away the dust or dirt. Gently clean with a cloth, then carefully dry the surface with a microfiber towel.
• Use a credit card in case bubbles appear between the tinted film and glass of your window. Use the short side of the credit card, wrapped with a soft cloth, push the bubbles to the edge of the window where they escape.

Window Tint Cleaner: Which Should I Use?

There are different products you can use to clean tinted windows but avoid Windex on tinted windows (unless it is Ammonia free Windex). Mostly the cleaner contains ammonia, which damages the film over time. Use the following;

• Dilute white vinegar solution made of equal parts of warm water and vinegar
• Vinyl window cleaner meant for vinyl windows and vinyl car tops. It’s a gentle formula than the ordinary brand of vinyl cleaner.

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How Clean Tinted Windows Residues

1. Using Vinegar

• Dilute white vinegar, use equal parts of warm water and vinegar and place the mixture in a spray vessel.
• Spray the mixture on the tinted windows.
• Wipe the windows clean with a soft towel or cloth.
• Complete the cleaning on all windows. A second treatment may be necessary to remove large amounts of residues.

2. Using Vinyl Window Cleaner

Vinyl has a gentle formula than a typical window cleaner. Two popular varieties of vinyl window cleaner are RaggTopp and Bestop.

• Spray the cleaner on the tinted windows
• Using a moist cloth, wipe the cleaner from the windows
• Dry the windows with a dry, microfiber towel or rag to prevent water stains.
• Repeat the process on all of the windows.

3. Ammonia-Free Glass Window Cleaner

• Spray the ammonia-free glass window cleaner on the tinted windows. The ammonia-free glass cleaners include; Biokleen Ammonia Free Glass Cleaner, Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner.
• Wipe the cleaner away using a soft, dry cloth or rag.
• Repeat the process on all of the windows. You may require a second treatment for heavily soiled windows.

How to Fix Hazy Window Tint

• Soak a clean cloth in lukewarm, soapy water. Wipe coating with the towel to remove surface dirt and grime. Use a squeegee to dry excess water.
• Clean the exterior of the window with window cleaner.
• Peel the window coating if it’s reusable and still looks hazy.
• Clean the interior of the window with window cleaner and dry it.
• Wash the coating in lukewarm warm soapy water.
• Rinse off any dirt left to restore coatings’ appearance.
• Fix the window coating according to the set instructions.

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Cleaning Tinted Windows?

Give your windows the appropriate time to dry, from a few days. This time depends on the climate during installation and the type of film applied. Some hazing and even water pockets may appear during this time and will disappear once the film dries.

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Cleaning tinted windows require caution to avoid messing with the film. Please take note that regularly cleaning your windows can help prolong their lifespan. Again, ensure you use the right cleaning procedure and products too.