How to Maintain Your Tinted Home Windows
Having tinted windows is a new and upcoming trend that is being followed by millions of Americans today. They are the most affordable alternate to upgrading your windows without needing to replace giant panes of glasses that would cost a fortune. Of course, with this innovation, there will be unique methods used to clean these tinted windows. Don’t worry though, in this article, our experts from Ernest Windows have put together the best methods and tricks to clean tinted windows at home without the help of a physical expert being by your side! Before we begin, let’s take a look at some of the things you need to look out for when cleaning tinted windows.
Be careful about what you are doing!
You will have to be more careful when picking out cleaning for the job. Avoid using common household times like newspapers and paper towels because they ruin the tint on the glass. Also, avoid using any sharp blade squeegees as well! Do not use cleaning products that are ammonia-based because they will most likely obstruct the layers of the tint because they are made up of a polyester base. Your tint will start to crack off and fade into nothing if you are not careful. Let’s take a look at what is in ammonia that affects tinted windows so brutally.
The complicated relationship between tinted windows and ammonia
Most window cleaning products have Ammonia as a key ingredient in them. We strongly advise you to not purchase these products not just because of how it reacts with your tinted windows, but also how it really affects your overall health. When working in closed quarters with ammonia, the fumes of the substance will be inhaled and cause throat irritation, nose irritation, extreme coughing, and in extreme cases, the burning of the respiratory tract.
If that does not convince you then let’s find out some side effects that occur when using ammonia. These cleaning products will leave unappealing streaks across your windows (that do not leave until you replace the tint). You will not be able to make your windows shine properly if you use these products. Let’s find out if it is safe to use a commercial window cleaner on tinted windows.
If you have tinted windows, is it safe to use your average commercial window cleaner?
When shopping for window cleaner, do not just pick up the commercial window cleaner that is used by everyone. Look carefully at its contents so you understand what is in that product. Do not purchase products that have very strong cleaning agents and we advise you to go with milder ones. Also, make sure the product is ammonia-free. Of course, you can make your very own window cleaning product at home, but we highly suggest you get one from the store to avoid getting burned by accident. Now, let’s take a look at the step-by-step guide on how to clean your tinted windows. Here are all the products and things you will need:
- Ladder
- Rubber Squeegee
- White Vinegar
- A microfiber, cotton, or soft cloth
- Telescopic pole (to reach high areas)
- Spray bottles (for your solutions)
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Distilled water
How to clean tinted windows at home (Step by Step)
1. Start preparing the window cleaning solution
Take a spray bottle and fill it up with 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap, and 2 cups of distilled water, Make sure to mix the solution properly!
2. Start cleaning!
Spray your tinted windows from top to bottom and begin cleaning using the microfiber cloth we recommended! This will helped liquidize the dirt and make it extremely loose. Use the step ladder to get the higher parts of your tinted windows.
3. Use the squeegee!
Use the squeegee to clean off the cleaning solution you made! Make sure to get the window evenly so that your window looks so much better! Use a dry cloth to remove suds from the frames and windowsills!
4. Clean again and dry!
Make another solution but this time, only of distilled water. Spray the entire window and clean again using the cloth and squeegee! Make sure to carefully go through the window to avoid leaving wet spots which will make your tinted windows shine less.
This entire process should take you approximately 30 minutes or more! No one becomes an expert overnight so do not worry if you go over the expected time of completion! Cleaning your tinted windows has its own benefits. One of these benefits is that the life span of your tint will improve significantly (by 15 years)! Tinted glass also prevents heat from entering your home and damaging your eyes! So, we highly recommend you take care of that tinted window for your own safety! If you are having trouble getting nicotine off of your window then look no further! Let us show you a remedy for that using vinegar!
Cleaning nicotine stains off tinted windows using vinegar
First, start by filling a spray bottle with some white vinegar and water. If you are one of those people that hate the smell of vinegar, then add in 3 lemon rinds and a few essential oils that you think would complement the smell. Mix the bottle and wait for the solution to perfectly bond in a time span of a week. Afterward, start spraying your tinted windows! This solution will easily burn off the nicotine stains and you will be safe once more! Clean off the solution from the window with a squeegee and use a cloth to dry it up! That’s it! Pretty easy right? Go try it out yourself!
If you are afraid of trying any of these solutions at home, there is no shame to call in an expert that will ensure that everything will be just fine! Ernest Windows has the finest customer care there is and we will show up at your place after discussing your needs within 24-48 hours! We guarantee that no harm will come to your tinted windows and we have our own custom-made solutions that will help remove all stains such as glue, nicotine stains, and more! Contact us now for more information!