Installing films on your windows has a lot of benefits. For instance, window films enhance the privacy of your home, help improve your home's energy efficiency, protect your interior furniture or flooring from fading by reducing the sun's glare and make your home more visually pleasing, especially when you choose decorative films. However, what you do after the window films are installed will determine how effective or durable they will be. Cleaning is one great way to maintain your window films and keep your windows looking sparkling. If you just had these films installed for the first time, here are some things you need to know about cleaning them.

Don't Rush to Clean the Film

One major mistake many homeowners tend to make is rushing to clean their window films. Window films usually take a considerable amount of time before they cure completely. If you are too quick to wash them, you will likely damage the films. Usually, some level of moisture will be trapped between the film and the glass pane during installation. This moisture creates bubbles that have to dry on their own, and this will only happen when the film has cured completely. Cleaning the films when the bubbles are yet to dry means you can easily pierce them, and this will interfere with the curing process. Window films usually take days to cure, but this amount of time will depend on the type of film you used and the kind of weather in your area. Usually, thicker films or films installed in colder climates will take longer to cure.

Don't Use Abrasive Cleaners

Avoid abrasive cleaners such as ammonia-based cleaning solutions or even baking soda. The chemicals in ammonia-based cleaners may be incompatible with the plastic films on your windows and can weaken or break them down, ruining them with extended use. Abrasive cleaners like baking soda can also discolour your window films. Liquid soap and vinegar are some of the recommended cleaning solutions you should use on your window films.

Use Soft Cleaning Materials

Since window films take some time to cure, they will sometimes accumulate a lot of debris. When the films are finally cured, don't be tempted to use abrasive cleaning tools such as scrub pads, hard squeegees, or window scrapers to remove the heavy build-up of debris. These tools will only scratch the films and replacing them (the films) will in most cases be your only solution. Stick to microfibre cleaning cloths and soft paper towels. For the heavier and tougher build-ups of grime and dirt, use as much cleaning solution as possible and wipe repeatedly.