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Window film cleaning instructions
How to Clean Window Film
!This guide is for regular window film only, not smart film.
When to wash it the first time, what to use and how to dry it. Four simple steps.
30-day curebefore the first wash
The short answer
Wait about 30 days after installation before the first wash. Then use an ammonia-free glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol mixed with water. Apply it to a soft cloth, wipe gently and dry with a soft squeegee or microfiber.
30 daysWait before the first wash
Ammonia-freeGentle on your film
10 minutesFour simple steps
Just had your film installed? Thank you for choosing Deluxe Smart Film. Bookmark this page. It has everything you need.
Before the first wash
Give new film about 30 days to cure
A little haze or a few tiny water bubbles are normal at first. They fade on their own, so please do not press or pick at them.
Installation day
Film goes on
Do not clean it yet.
About 30 days
The film cures
Haze and tiny bubbles are normal. Skip washing.
After 30 days
First wash
Follow the steps below.
What you need
What to use
Choose one cleaner, then add a soft cloth.
Option 1
Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass & Window Cleaner
23 oz spray bottle. Ammonia-free and ready to use. Spray it on your cloth, not the film.
Shop on Amazon →Option 2
MaxTite 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol
Mix with water at 2 parts alcohol to 1 part water, then apply the mix to your cloth. A 4-pack of 32 fl oz bottles.
Shop on Amazon →Cloths
HDX Easy-Tear Microfiber Cloth Roll
A roll of 50 soft microfiber cloths, 12 in. x 12 in., for cleaning and drying.
Shop at Home Depot →If you use alcohol, mix two parts alcohol with one part water, then apply it to your cloth.
2 parts isopropyl alcohol1 part water
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Step by step
Four steps to a streak-free finish
- Step 1Wait about 30 days after installation.
Do not wash new film before then.
- Step 2Apply your cleaner to a soft cloth.
Choose Windex® Ammonia-Free (Amazon), or mix MaxTite isopropyl alcohol (Amazon) with water at 2 parts alcohol to 1 part water. Put it on the cloth, not on the film. A soft cloth such as an HDX microfiber cloth (Home Depot) works well.
- Step 3Wipe gently in light, straight strokes.
Wipe along the seams, never across them.
- Step 4Dry with a soft squeegee or microfiber.
Do not leave the film wet, which is what causes streaks.
Installed by our team
Give it time to settle, then keep it clean.
A little care keeps your film clear for years.
The rules
Do and don’t
Do
- Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol mixed with water
- Apply the cleaner to the cloth, not the film
- Dry with a soft squeegee or microfiber
- Wipe along seams, never across them
Don’t
- Use abrasives, harsh chemicals or paper towels
- Wash the film during the first 30 days
- Press or pick at haze or tiny bubbles while the film cures
- Leave the film wet
Something look off?
If you notice peeling or lifting edges, or anything that does not look right once the film has cured, call us and we will take care of it. Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
Questions we hear
Window film cleaning FAQ
How long should I wait to clean new window film?
About 30 days after installation. Small haze or tiny water bubbles are normal while the film cures and fade on their own.
Can I use Windex on window film?
Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner such as Windex Ammonia-Free. Apply it to your cloth rather than spraying the film.
Can I clean window film with rubbing alcohol?
Yes. Isopropyl alcohol can be diluted with water. Mix 2 parts alcohol with 1 part water and apply it to your cloth.
Can I use paper towels or a squeegee?
Skip paper towels, abrasives and harsh chemicals. A soft cloth or a soft squeegee works well for drying. Do not leave the film wet.
Where can I buy the products you recommend?
We recommend Windex Ammonia-Free on Amazon, MaxTite isopropyl alcohol on Amazon and HDX Easy-Tear microfiber cloths at Home Depot.
Why is my window film streaky?
Streaks usually come from letting the film air-dry. Apply the cleaner to the cloth, wipe gently, then dry right away with a soft squeegee or microfiber.
Thank you for choosing us.
If anything ever looks off, we are one call away. Need window film for another room, office or storefront? We would be glad to help.
Thank you for trusting us with your glass. With gratitude, the Deluxe Smart Film team.
Something look off?Call (305) 833-7887