Having a fresh new window film is an exciting thing. The sophisticated feeling of your newly tinted windows, be it your home, business, car, or yacht, is one to be desired. However, what many people are unaware about is when and how to clean their new film to ensure that it lasts longer and does not get damaged in the cleaning process. Because of this, we at Window Tint USA have compiled an easy-to-use guide to ensure you clean your film in such a way that you get the most out of it.
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When To Start Cleaning Your Window Film
Window film is specifically cut out for the shape of the window it is meant for and is then placed on the inside of that window. Window film is essentially “stuck” on to the inside of the window by an extremely strong glue-like adhesive. Because of the strength of this adhesive, it will take some time to cure. To cure just means that the adhesive needs to dry. This curing time is different for different brands of film, but we recommend that you resist the urge of keeping your brand-new film spotless for at least a week after getting it. This will ensure that the film has had enough time to properly adhere to the window and reduces damage to the film if it is cleaned or if the window is opened or rolled down. It is important to know that when new film has been placed on a window, it has the tendency to look hazy, lumpy, streaky and form little air bubbles. This is normal and will usually go away once the film has completely cured. Do not try to even out the air bubbles or clean the film as this is the most crucial time frame and it is most easily damaged right after being fitted.
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Say No To Ammonia
Ammonia is one of the main ingredients in most household and window cleaning products. We advise that you should avoid products with ammonia when cleaning windows with any age of film, but especially if it is new. The reason for this is that ammonia “eats” away at the tint over time and then the tint can fade or become damaged. These damaged areas are prone to peeling and then the film is ruined. It is recommended to use foam cleaners, such as Stoner Invisible Glass, as these often do not contain any ammonia. They also do not leave streaks when cleaning with them. Remember that when using these you need to work quickly because they tend to dry fast. If you want to be extra safe, the alternative is using a spray bottle with only water or soapy water in it. This is will be just as effective, and heavy-duty cleaning materials and products are not needed.
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Throw The Scourer Away
The best material to use when cleaning a window that has just recently been tinted or has been tinted for a long time is something that is soft and gentle. Using abrasive scrubbing sponges or steel wool will cause scratches on the film and this will result in damage over time. The best materials to use is something like a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth, a soft synthetic sponge, or a rubber squeegee. Soft paper towels are adequate when cleaning the film. Ensure that when you are cleaning the film that you do not leave it wet and make sure that you have thoroughly dried it. Do not use the same materials to clean window films that were used on the outside of the window or used for the frames and window panes.
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If All Else Fails…
In the event that none of these methods adequately clean your window, you can always seek professional cleaning help from people who are familiar or specialize in cleaning tinted windows.