How to Clean Windows with UV Protective Film

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Things You'll Need

  • Liquid dish soap

  • Squeegee

  • Ammonia-based window cleaner, such as Windex

  • Large sponge

  • Bucket

  • Lint-free rag

Image Credit: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Windows with a UV protective film are a great addition to any home, especially those in sunny climates. The UV tint protects carpet and furniture from sun fade and cuts down on harsh glare. Extra care should be taken when cleaning UV film-coated windows to ensure long life and prevent scratches and breaks in the film coat. Always follow your manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning and use to ensure compliance with the warranty. With proper care and cleaning, your windows with UV protective film will provide years of service.

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Step 1

Mix warm water with one squirt of liquid dish soap in the bucket.

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Step 2

Clean the window with the large sponge and dish soap solution. Start in an upper corner of the window and gently clean down, using a circular motion.

Step 3

Wipe the window clean of the soap solution with the squeegee, starting in the upper right-hand corner. Pull the squeegee down the window, holding it firmly against the glass to get a smooth pass with no streaks. Work across the window to the left edge, using overlapping strokes from top to bottom. Do not allow the window to dry before squeegeeing; reapply the soap solution if needed.

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Step 4

Wipe the window frame, edges, and sill with a dry lint-free cloth to remove any remaining dirt or water.

Step 5

Check the window from different angles for streaks or spots. Remove them with the ammonia spray cleaner and a lint-free rag. Do not leave ammonia-based cleaners on the tinted window surface for more than a few seconds before wiping them off.

Tip

Clean windows on cloudy days if possible. Bright sun will quickly evaporate the cleaning solution and leave streaks. If cleaning on sunny days, work fast to avoid dry windows and streaks.

Warning

Never us a scrubber or abrasive cleaner on tinted windows. Do not attempt to remove any spots or stains with a scrubber or any metal object such as a razor blade or knife.

Wait at least thirty days after installation before cleaning your tinted windows to allow the film to bond properly.

Ornaments or chimes hung too close to the window can cause scratching and mar the UV film. Use care in hanging the objects to prevent them from coming into contact with the window surface.

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