What is The Ideal Window Film Cleaning Procedure?
Completely Maintenance Free
The film does not need to be cleaned and does not attract dust! Well, that is still absolutely true. There is no need to regularly clean our custom made window film due to its expert design and ease of installation. However, some customers may want to clean the window film periodically to keep it looking new.
Not only this, but you should also clean the glass before installing a window film. Expert installation is available on all of our window films, however some customers may opt for a do-it-yourself method, with an easy to follow installation guide supplied with all of our products.
In this case, it is absolutely crucial that you clean the glass the right way first and then treat the window film the right way for best results. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the best way to clean your window film.
How To Clean Window Film Before Installation
For those looking to install window film at home, Apply To Glass offers an easy-to-follow do-it-yourself guide, available to read online. An important part of the installation process is to properly clean the glass beforehand. Those who have opted for our expert installation process can even clean the glass before the equipment arrives if they want to speed up the process even more.
So, how should glass be cleaned? The first step in the pre-installation cleaning process is to spray a specific cleaning solution onto the glass, eventually covering the entire glass panel in a fine mist. The solution should come in a spray bottle and is made using a mixture of about 1 teaspoon of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo per pint of cold water.
After spraying, you will thoroughly clean each part of the glass with a glass scraper. You’ll want to make sure you don’t overlook the window borders and make sure they get extra attention. The edges are the most common place people overlook when cleaning their glass window. A non-abrasive scouring pad is another suitable tool you can use to clean your window.
You will then spray the window again before using the squeegee to remove any water from the glass. Then, using a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel, you should dry around the edges of the glass. This is important so that contaminated water does not drip behind the film, which could lead to a less successful installation process.
Tip: When cleaning your glass window, it’s important to work from the center out, working from the top down. Be patient here, overlap each stroke, and work slowly.
For more information on DIY window film installation, we recommend reading our expert guide or contacting the Apply To Glass team if you have any further questions. While the cleaning process is lengthy and can seem overwhelming, this extra labor is a small price to pay for the zero-maintenance benefits of Apply To Glass window film.
Do You Need To Clean The Glass After Installation?
One of the reasons Apply To Glass custom window films are so popular is because of the low maintenance benefit they provide. Many customers will never clean the glass after installing it and it will still be in pristine condition. Ultimately, we’re so confident in the ability of our decorative window films to stand the test of time, that every installation comes with a ten-year warranty.
However, some customers prefer to give them a quick clean every 6-12 months. This may simply be to keep it spotless and shiny, like it was just installed. You may also feel the need to clean your window film because it is located in an area that could attract a lot of dust, hair, sand, or other debris to its surroundings.
For example, those who have pets may wish to clean the glass from time to time due to hair or smudge marks. Alternatively, corporate clients who have frosted window films may feel the need to polish their glass to impress their clients or during routine office cleaning.
Do I Need Tools and Equipment To Clean In The Future?
It is imperative that you clean your glass the right way, using the correct cleaning tools and equipment, otherwise the film could look worse than before or even be damaged. We recommend waiting at least 30 days before cleaning window film to allow the film to fully set and the adhesive to not be affected.
Conveniently, you can clean your glass the same way you did during the pre-install process: simply by using a spray solution (containing 1 teaspoon of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo per pint of cold water) and using a squeegee or a lint-free cloth to clean the glass. A lint-free cloth is essential so that no fibers remain
It is essential not to use abrasive objects to clean or dry as they can be rough enough to scratch and slightly damage the window film. The film has a scratch-resistant coating, but this protects against daily wear and tear. It will not protect against deeper scratches. Use soft, high-quality paper towels or microfiber cloths to prevent this.
Custom Window Film Solutions With Apply To Glass
Are you ready to reap the benefits of a high-quality, low maintenance custom-made window film?
With over 20 years of experience in the window film industry, you can be sure of a perfect installation every time with Apply To Glass. If you’re interested in improving the view from your home or workspace, simply request a free, no-obligation quote, or contact our team of experts with any further questions.
