Residential Window Tint Maintenance: A Complete Guide

Use Mild Detergent

In addition to soft cloths, you also want to use mild cleaning products such as a mild detergent diluted with water. You can dilute a small amount of liquid dish soap in warm water, spray your windows, and wipe clean. 

Stay away from ammonia-based products, as they can damage your window tint. Don't saturate your window tint or let the cleaning solution sit on it. Spray your windows lightly and immediately wipe away the excess moisture. 

Follow the Grain

When wiping your windows clean, follow the direction of the cut lines that round your window edges. You might want to wash your windows horizontally at the top and bottom and then vertically from side to side. 

For extra large windows, there may be a seam in your window. If you notice a seam, wash your window in the same direction that the seam splices. This prevents the edge of the window tint from lifting.

Thoroughly Dry Your Window Tint

As previously mentioned, you don't want to oversaturate your windows. Once they're clean, you'll need to thoroughly dry them. A rubber squeegee is excellent for this step. 

When water is left on residential window tint, it can penetrate beneath the film. This leads to bubbling and other issues. As with washing, follow the direction of the seams when drying. 

Don't Apply Too Much Pressure

When cleaning your windows, don't apply too much pressure. Excessive pressure can alter the appearance of window tint. 

Regular Cleaning

You also need to clean your windows regularly. When left uncleaned, dirt and grime cake up and stick to your window tint. The more dirt that accumulates, the harder it is to remove. 

When in doubt, you can ask your window tint installer for tips on cleaning and caring for your window film. 

Protection From UV Rays

Window tint comes in various shades and works to protect your family and your home from harmful UV rays.

Window tint can absorb or reflect UV rays, and can protect wall paint, wallpaper, carpets, and leather furniture from fading.

Steady Temperatures

If you have one room that gets more sun than another, you'll notice how much warmer it is than the rest of the house. However, window tint works to keep all rooms at a consistent temperature.

So if you find yourself avoiding certain rooms throughout the day due to uncomfortable temperatures, window tint is an ideal solution. 

Reduced Energy Bills

Window tint can also help regulate your home's heat transfer via your windows, reducing your energy bills.

Each room will have steadier temperatures, so you'll be less likely to need heating or air conditioning in certain areas. As such, you'll conserve energy. 

Less heat and air conditioning mean a lower incidence of releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

Increased Privacy

Residential window tint works to prevent people from peering into your home. This is excellent if you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic, such as a city. 

No matter where you live, residential window tint prevents people from peering into your home and discovering what items you have, hopefully deterring theft. 

Should someone forcibly break into your home, window tint will hold your windows together for a few additional seconds, giving you a little extra time to escape and call for help. 

Additional Safety

As with a break-in, should something come into contact with your windows- such as a ball or tree branch during a storm- window tint will work to hold your glass together. This can provide an additional level of safety for you and your family.