Windex glass cleaners generally work on grime, fingerprints, dirt, and other debris even before cleaning it. On the other hand, tinted windows have a thin film on the inside surface of car windows. Can you use Windex on tinted windows?
In short, the answer is yes. There are different variations of the Windex cleaner, but you can use the ammonia-free variation. It works on tinted glass, mirrors, chrome, plastic, stainless steel, and vinyl.
For a glow, wash your car windows when its surface is cool and, if possible, far from direct sunlight. Remember that tinted windows darken automotive glass to intercept UV rays and reduce glimmer and headlight.
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Can you use Windex on tinted windows?
Windex is available in various forms, including the Original Windex, Ammonia-free Windex, Green Windex, and others. When using the original Windex cleaner, acidic and toxic components may assist in deep clean windows and give them a sparkling shine, but they can also damage the tint.
In the short term, tints may not significantly impact your appearance. Nevertheless, if you intend to keep them on for a lengthy time, you should reconsider applying them.
The ammonium hydroxide in the original Windex can harm the window tint over time and eventually unglue it from the glass. Isopropanolamine and Ammonium Hydroxide are the three cleaning ingredients in Windex.
Cleaning tinted windows shouldn’t be done using ammonium hydroxide, the highest reactivity. Even though you may use it to remove bacteria from glass or other hard surfaces, it is highly acidic and can cause damage to your tinted windows.
Among the many adverse effects ammonia can have on tinted windows, cracking can be one of them. As long as it isn’t applied to the painted side of the glass, you can get away with using this outside your car.
Why shouldn’t I Use Windex on Tinted Windows?
You should avoid putting Windex on painted surfaces on tinted windows since it can cause streaks, turn the tint purple, and degrade it. As an Ammonia-based cleaning product, Original Windex can generate a reaction when brushed on a surface that includes acidic substances. When Windex is used to clean tinted windows, it reacts with the acid in the tint and causes it to come loose.
Ammonia is known to alter the color of an object; thus, if you use Windex to clean tinted windows, it will fade the tint over time and cause extensive damage and cracks to your car glass.
Can Windex remove window tint?
Many people have heard that tinted windows are difficult to clean with Windex. If you use Original Windex for an extended time, it may damage your tinted windows because it’s made with ammonia. Aside from damaging tinted windows, this type of Windex may also cause them to peel or crack.
When it comes to washing tinted windows, You must use more attention and steps to avoid damaging the window coating. It can cause harm to the film or the adhesive on the tint if you use cleaning products with powerful cleaning agents. Using ammonia-free or gentle cleansers is preferable.
However, many Windex products are too aggressive and abrasive, but there are a couple that are softer and less corrosive. Our recommendation is to avoid any blue-colored Windex cleaning solutions and stick to ammonia-free or glass-cleaning Windex products.
For example, try Windex Ammonia-Free Glass and Window Cleaner, which provides streak-devoid shine and is free of dangerous cleaning ingredients. While You can use ammonia-free Windex Vinegar Multi-Surface Spray, it does leave behind streaks when cleaned.
How to clean tinted windows?
You can clean tinted windows effectively with a gentle cleaning product or a homemade solution. Alternatively, you can make a solution of white vinegar and water or use Windex without ammonia. Fill a spray bottle halfway with water and the other half with vinegar to make your own.
After that, spritz a microfiber cloth with the solution and carefully wash the surface to avoid leaving any streaks. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any residue or spots from the surface.
Do not stop until you have cleaned every inch of your car’s windows. Make sure you don’t allow the cleaning solution to dry on the windows since this may produce streaks and markings. Spray and wipe is a better alternative.
Finally, use a new microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining residue or cleaning solution, and then you’re done! You’ve completed the cleaning process.