This Is How to Clean Tinted Car Windows

Getting your car's windows tinted can cost anywhere from $150 to more than $500 depending on the type of vehicle you own.

This hefty price tag is a great incentive to properly clean your tinted windows every time. Luckily, cleaning tinted windows probably isn't as difficult as you think.

In this guide, we go over each step and precaution you need to take when caring for your car's tinted windows, so they can last as long as possible. 

Keep reading to learn how to clean tinted car windows yourself. 

Types of Car Window Tints

There are two types of car window tints. The first is factory tint which is when a manufacturer adds pigment to the glass to tint it. The other is aftermarket tint which is a film added to the windows after the purchase. 

Factory-tinted car windows can be cleaned the way you would clean regular glass without worry. Yet, aftermarket tint needs to be cared for in a special way to ensure it stays nice. 

Let It Cure

After getting your car windows tinted with aftermarket tint, they'll need to cure for about a week before you do anything to them. This curing period is essential, so the tint fully adheres to the glass.

You should avoid rolling down your windows, and you certainly don't want to clean them just yet. If you must clean them, only use a spray bottle full of water and a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt. Otherwise, leave them be.

Don't Use Household Cleaners

As with many other parts of your car, using household cleaners on your tinted windows can harm them and cause them to deteriorate more quickly. 

Though your windows are made of glass, the tint is plastic film. Therefore, you should be taking the same precautions as you do with your plastic interior. 

You should always avoid household cleaners, alcohol-based cleaners, and ammonia when cleaning plastic. Heavy-duty scrub brushes and mitts can create even more damage to your tint. 

Using a soft microfiber cloth and water to do the majority of your cleaning will help your tint stay nicer longer. Stuck on stains can be lifted by purpose-built car cleaners for windows when necessary. 

Clean Your Car Windows Last 

Before you attempt to clean your tinted car windows, you'll want to clean the rest of your vehicle first. Cleaning the body of your car first will ensure that you don't mess up your windows after you've already cleaned them.

Spreading dirt or spraying cleaner onto your clean windows is frustrating and only makes the process longer. 

How to Clean Tinted Car Windows

Once the rest of your car is clean, you can learn how to clean tinted car windows the right way. There are only a few simple steps to get it done. Cleaning tinted car windows doesn't need to be stressful. 

Park Your Vehicle in the Shade

Start by parking your vehicle in a shaded area. This is essential to keeping streaks off your windows. Cleaning your car windows in direct sunlight causes the cleaner to dry up too quickly causing streaky windows. 

Use the Right Cloth 

The right cloth for cleaning your car is made of soft microfiber. You can find cloth like these all over the web and in many stores tailored to cars.

After cleaning the body of your car switch to a clean microfiber cloth to ensure your tinted windows are properly taken care of. Spray your water or cleaning solution directly onto the cloth to wipe away dirt and grime.

Avoid Saturating the Edges

As you wipe your windows, avoid saturating the edges with water or cleaner. Saturating them can cause water to get underneath the film which makes them bubble and peel. 

Start cleaning in the middle of the window and work your way out to reduce the amount of product on your cloth. 

Don't Forget the Weather Stripping 

As you clean the windows, you must not miss the weather stripping. When you roll your windows up and down, the weather stripping catches all that grime and dirt on the window's surface. 

Not only does this make your windows dirtier more quickly, but it can also hurt your window tint. Always clean the weather stripping thoroughly to prevent damage. 

Make Sure the Window Is Dry

Before you consider your window cleaning a job well done, you must make sure your windows are all completely dry. Leaving your tinted car windows wet can have major consequences. 

Leftover moisture on your window tint can find its way under the film and cause it to bubble or peel off. 

What to Do if You Find an Imperfection

Finding an imperfection in your tint after some time of having them on is not uncommon. Don't panic just yet. Small air bubbles can easily be corrected without going into the car shop. 

By wrapping a card in a microfiber cloth or using a squeegee you can push an air bubble out on your own. Never use anything sharp to do this like a razor blade or a knife. 

In cases that you can't push the bubble out, you can use a small needle to poke a hole in the center of the imperfection. Push the air out and your tint should go back to normal. 

Where to Get Help

After learning how to clean tinted car windows, you may still need some help. Getting your car windows tinting will protect you and your passengers from the harmful UV rays and make your car look good on the road.

At Fairfield Tint Masters, we offer Suntek Window Films that include properly caring for your tinted car windows. We only use top-of-the-line products and equipment to clean your vehicle. 

If you live in the Fairfield and Vacaville area and need professional window tinting installation services, contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.