One of the main reasons car owners tint their windows is to protect the interior from unwanted glare from the sun and harmful sun rays. This is also why many homeowners tint their windows, but window tinting in this case protects drapes, floors, furniture, and interiors from fading and helps conserve energy. For both, the dye used is a thin polyester film that has been coated with an anti-scratch coating. When cleaning newly installed tinted windows, be sure to wait until they cure properly. For film it is usually three to five days, but with polarized moons it can take twenty to thirty days.
Before you begin cleaning the windows, run your fingers across the window to check for any accumulated dirt and dust on the surface. If you notice any, you should wash both sides of the window using only water to help remove large dirt particles that could cause scratches on the window tint, even with the anti-scratch coating. Make sure the cleaning solution you use on your home or car windows is the correct one. You should not use regular window cleaners or anything that can cause window films to tear, scratch, or fade. You should also not use abrasives because they can leave scratch lines that are very unsightly.
Instead of using coarse brown or white paper towels, scouring pads, coarse sponges, or chemical abrasives to clean windows, use fabrics that are extra soft and lint-free. The cleaning solution used should not contain harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. The reason is that these chemicals will react with the polyester material over time and cause staining and discoloration of the window tint. This will reduce the aesthetic value and functionality of the window tint. So when choosing a cleaning solution, be sure to read the labels to make sure they don’t contain harsh chemicals.
You can also make your own cleaning solution at home. You will need a clean spray bottle in which you mix regular dish soap and white vinegar in water. It should be one part dish soap and vinegar to three parts water. Spray it on a small area on the outside of the window. Wipe the area in a circular motion to remove dust and dirt particles, and then use another cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap scum from the window tint. Pat the area dry with a soft, dry cloth. Follow this procedure for western window cleaning.
