Tinted windows are great for privacy, reducing glare, and keeping your home cooler. But like any other window, residential tinted windows need regular cleaning to look their best and function properly.
Clean windows allow more natural light to enter your home and give you better views outside.
On top of disrupting your view, dirty tinted windows can also harbor germs, allergens, and dust that leave your home feeling not so fresh.
At Sun Masters Window Tinting, we’ve been keeping Dallas comfortable since 1978. So, you could say we know a thing or two about keeping our product clean. Before you pull out the Windex, follow our guide to learn how to properly clean your tinted windows and maintain their 20-year shelf life.
Before the Clean: Supplies You’ll Need
Cleaning tinted windows takes some special care and supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to clean tinted windows:
- Microfiber cloths or newspaper – Paper towels can leave lint and streaks. Microfiber cloths work best for a streak-free shine.
- Spray bottle filled with water
- A couple of drops of dish soap
- Squeegee
- Soft brush or microfiber cloth for window tracks
- Clean bucket
Avoid using ammonia, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners on tinted windows, as they can damage the tint film.
Standard glass cleaners are also okay to use. Just spray it onto the microfiber cloth rather than directly on the window.
Prepare the Window Surface
Start by giving the window frames, tracks, and sills a good dusting and wipe down. This prevents dirt from the frame getting onto your clean window later. Use a soft brush or vacuum crevice tool to remove dirt and debris from the window tracks.
Next, spray the window with water to lightly wet the surface. The water helps lift dirt and grime so you can wipe it away easier. Avoid using too much water so it doesn’t drip down the glass or seep into window frames, creating further streaks and potential moisture damage to your frames.
Wash Your Tinted Windows With Soapy Water
Put a couple drops of dish soap into your spray bottle filled with water. Shake to mix it up. The soap helps break up stubborn dirt.
Spray the soapy water onto your microfiber cloth. Wipe down the window using light pressure. Start with an up-and-down motion, then left to right. Spreading the soap and water across the tint in these motions will lift the grime while the cloth gently scrubs the window clean.
Flip the cloth to a clean side as you wipe away the grime. Rinse the cloth and reapply more soapy water as necessary, until your tinted windows are as clear as you need them to be.
Dry and Polish
If you want to truly benefit from your tinted windows, drying and polishing is the most important step of the process! Use your squeegee to wipe the window dry. Start at the top corner and work side to side, moving down the window. Wipe in an “S” pattern to prevent water from collecting along the sides of your windows..
Wipe any drips with your microfiber cloth as you squeeze out the water. Buff the window in circular motions to polish away any remaining water spots or streaks.
Finish by using a dry microfiber cloth to give the window a final buffing. Your windows should now be sparkling clean!
How Often Should You Clean Tinted Windows?
How often you’ll need to clean tinted windows depends on a few factors.
Outdoor conditions can quickly impact your need to clean your windows. Windows exposed to pollutants, pollen, rain, and dust need more frequent cleaning. At a minimum, our Dallas tint experts recommend cleaning windows in these conditions every 2-3 months.
South and west-facing windows see more sun. More sun means more heat and UV rays which can bake grime onto the glass. If your windows are constantly exposed to the Texas sun, clean them every 1-2 months.
During Texas winters and humid springs, it’s easy for windows to collect condensation. Foggy windows from condensation buildup need more frequent cleaning. Wipe down areas prone to condensation every 1-2 weeks.
Regardless of your window conditions, it’s always best to set reminders on your calendar to clean all your home’s windows every 3-6 months. Routine cleaning keeps your tinted windows looking their best season after season.
Make Cleaning Easier With Quality Window Tint From Sun Masters
With the right supplies and techniques, cleaning your tinted windows is simple and rewarding. Your windows will allow clear views outdoors while keeping your privacy intact. However, clean tinted windows all start with the high-quality tints we offer at Sun Masters.
We bring you the best window tints for your Dallas home that ensure privacy, security, and reduced exposure to harmful UV rays. Enjoy the benefits of clean, fresh, tinted windows in your home.
If you’re interested in scheduling residential window tint installation, contact us through our online form, call us at (469) 831-3101, or stop in at our Carrollton office at 2201 Midway Rd. #108G.
We’re ready to get your windows in tint condition through our extensive expertise.