Around 20% of modern building walls are made of windows. They let in light, heat, and fresh air. To improve comfort and save energy, homeowners may wish to restrict the amount of light and heat. Window film comes into play here.
Window films improve the appearance of a building, protect the occupants from harmful UV rays, prevent damage to your window, and offer the occupants privacy.
However, window films will only perform their roles satisfactorily when properly cleaned and maintained.
Dirt on your window film reduces the film’s effectiveness. Regular cleaning can also help prevent and identify damage to the window films. While cleaning, one can notice scratches or any other damage and prevent it from worsening.
Here is a quick guide on how to clean and maintain your window films.
What are Window Films Made of?
The first step in cleaning and maintaining your window films is understanding their material composition. Most window films are made of polyester. Despite its durability, polyester requires gentle handling lest it sustains damage.
Therefore, the secret behind cleaning your window film and maintaining it in perfect condition is cleaning it gently.
Use a Soft Cleaning Material
Window films are prone to scratches. Therefore, using a brush, paper towels, or any bristly cleaning tool will damage your window films. Instead of using the items listed above, use a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth to clean your window film.
To be cautious, try out your cleaning tool on a corner of the window film and check if there are any resulting scratches. Additionally, ensure that the material you use to dry the window film is equally soft. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry your window film or let it dry naturally.
Avoid Cleaning Solutions with a Scrubbing Agent
Cleaning solutions with a scrubbing agent rely on the scrubbing action to eliminate dirt. Although they are very effective, they should only be used on hard surfaces. Window films do not have hard surfaces and are prone to scratches.
Therefore, use gentle cleansers when cleaning window films as they do not require scrubbing. Spray the cleaning solution on the window film or use a soft cloth to apply it on the window film surface. Avoid using too much cleaning solution as it might soak and damage the film. Alternatively, you can use a liquid soap and water solution to clean your window film.
Avoid Ammonia-based Cleaning Solutions
It is advisable not to use ammonia-based cleaning solutions on your window film. Although they generate excellent results, using ammonia-based cleaning solutions over a long period can damage your window film.
Frequent use of ammonia-based cleaning solutions can result in window film fading, cracking, or spotting. Therefore, avoid ammonia-based cleaning solutions when cleaning your window films. If you are not sure whether a cleaning solution is ammonia-based or not, check the ingredients to affirm.
Dry Your Window Film Properly
Dry your window film with a soft-free towel or a soft microfiber cloth. After cleaning, use a rubber squeegee to remove the cleaning solution from the film’s surface. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools such as paper towels as they can scratch and damage the window film.
Drying the window film is important as water or the cleaning solution may get underneath the film. When water/cleaning solution gets underneath the window film it forms bubbles. The bubbles will affect the appearance of your window and may even compromise the film’s ability to block harmful UV rays.
The rubber squeegee or soft cloth used to dry can also remove the streaks left on the window film with soap or cleaning solution. Therefore, drying your window film after cleaning enhances your window’s appearance.
Other Tips on How to Maintain Your Window Films
Clean Your Window Film a Month After Installation
The thirty-day waiting period allows the film to fully stick to the window and cure. Immediately after installation, the window film may appear hazy and bubbles may form on its surface. The hazy appearance and the bubbles should disappear after a while if the film has been installed properly.
Therefore, do not get hastily worried and try to rectify the hazy appearance and the bubbles. That will interfere with the window film’s installation. If the cloudy appearance persists after thirty days request a re-installation of the window film.
Avoid Applying Too Much Pressure When Cleaning Your Window Film
Too much pressure on the film when cleaning it can alter its appearance. Therefore, maintain regular pressure on the window film to maintain its smooth appearance. Light brushes with a soft rag are enough to get dirt off your window film.
Clean Splice Areas of the Window Film Cautiously
Some windows are large and require more than one window film. Where two window films join, a splice will form and this area needs to be cleaned with care. Always clean in the direction of the seam.
That will help keep the window film in place as cleaning in the opposite direction will weaken the seams.
Use a Different Cleaning Solution and Cloth for Cleaning the Interior and Exterior of the Window
Window films can be placed on the outside of windows or the interior of windows. When placed on the exterior, the cleaning solutions and cloth used on the window film should not be used to clean the window’s interior.
The reason behind this difference is how often the sides are cleaned and the type of dirt being cleaned. Exterior windows are cleaned more often and they accumulate more dirt as they are exposed. It is not unusual to find the window exterior covered with grime or even bird droppings while the interior is just covered with dust and smudges of food.
Additionally, non-toxic cleaning solutions should be used on the inside of windows to avoid harming the establishment’s occupants.
Final Thoughts
Window films have many benefits. They block harmful UV rays, enhance the appearance of your windows, and prevent damage to your windows. However, to perform their role well, window films have to be regularly cleaned and maintained. Use the right cleaning materials and the right cleaning solutions, and ensure that the window is dried after cleaning to avoid damaging the film. Start today to see the benefits! If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends who might need these tips.
