Cleaning Tips For Your Commercial Windows 

Use the right cleaning materials

Window films are delicate and can easily be scratched. So, it is crucial to mind the kind of material to use when cleaning them. Certain towels are made of rough materials known to scratch even the toughest of films. Instead of going for paper towels, consider a soft sponge or a special microfiber cloth to clean your commercial window tint. Use the same material to dry off water droplets- a light squeegee can also do the trick. If you can’t find these materials, then go for the softest cloth you can find and rub at the corner of the film to test if it will scratch. One try is enough to find out the right type of material. Be careful not to use brushes, sharp instruments, or abrasive sponges. 

Clean with safe cleaning solutions 

The market is filled with cleaning agents and all companies claim to have the best solution around. As you look for cleaning solutions, use the ones with an “ammonia-free” label to avoid pungent smells and corrosion of the tints. Use a spray to apply the solution and wipe up with a soft microfiber cloth or sponge. To ease the hassle of buying such cleaners, basically, any household cleaning solution will do the work. Avoid detergents that have abrasive components and stick to “completely liquid” cleaning solutions. 

Clean your window following its grain

When cleaning your window films, it is important to clean following the same direction as the cuts along its edges. For instance, on the sides, you’ll clean vertically, while at the top and bottom, clean from side to side. If you have a decorative window, it will have a pattern of some sort. Follow the pattern lines and do not go against it to avoid any scratches. The same applies to large windows with seams as it prevents you from accidentally lifting the edge.

Maintenance Tips For Your Commercial Window Film

Give enough curing time

If your window film was just recently installed, it is important to understand that the tint must fully cure in order to last for long and be as effective as your office building. The curing time will depend on the kind of film, the location of the window in the building, and the current climate. Any premature cleaning can leave trapped liquid which creates bubbles giving the window a slightly cloudy look. If this happens even after you’ve left the film enough time to cure, do not worry, it will eventually disappear. The professional film installer will tell you the time it’ll take to completely cure but as a general rule of thumb, you should leave your windows for at least 20 days before cleaning. Larger commercial windows may even take a much longer time to cure. 

Consider a window film with a lifetime guarantee

Of course, window films can stay for a very long time if handled properly. But, they also have a lifespan and may need replacing at some point. The average lifespan of a window film is 10-15 years. Some window film companies offer warranties of 5 years while others have a lifetime guarantee. Choose the latter because you stand to gain a lot if you’re able to maintain your window films properly. 

Follow proper maintenance procedures

Once you get your new window films installed, your installer should give you tips on how to handle the windows to avoid any unnecessary damage. While window films don’t require that much maintenance, it is important to follow these simple maintenance tips. For instance, never apply too much pressure to your window tints- it may change the way it looks. Use normal pressure when cleaning, but don’t push too hard. 

Also, if you notice any water bubbles, avoid popping them. Bubbles may show up in the films, especially during the curing process. It is completely normal for bubbles to form at this time and is actually considered part of the drying process. If you pop the bubbles, you allow a passage for the liquid to enter between the films and the window. In case it happens, immediately call the company who installed the film to have a look. 

Lastly, we can’t stress enough about not using gritty clothes. Inside and outside dirt are the same and so you should not use the same cloth to clean both sides of the window. Confirm if all your supplies do not have any dirt or grit that may potentially scratch the film. 

Avoid steam cleaning

While some people recommend this method, it is not recommended for window films in a commercial property. Steam is a great cleaner and works well with office furniture and other items, but will easily weaken the bond between your window and its films. So, whenever you’re cleaning the premise with steam, make sure you keep it off your windows until all the steam has gone out. 

Maintain Your Commercial Window Tint

The above tips are great for a wide array of window films available in the market today. We hope that this guide will help solve some of the common problems associated with window films and their maintenance. Despite tinted windows demanding little maintenance, a little cleaning can extend its lifespan and keep it looking clean and stay in good shape for as long as possible. 

Contact TNT Signature Glass Design today! We have an expert team of commercial window film installers with years of experience to do the job right. Request your free estimate today!