How do you clean tinted car windows?

BEAK Automotive · Updated November 8, 2026

The short answer

Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner or water with a few drops of mild soap, sprayed onto a clean microfiber cloth, and wipe gently in the shade. Don't use ammonia cleaners, abrasive pads or a razor on the tinted side, and wait about a week after installing new film before cleaning the inside of the glass.

Step by step

Park in the shade so the cleaner doesn't dry into streaks.
Spray the cleaner onto the cloth, not the glass, so it doesn't run into the door seals.
Wipe the inside of the glass gently, top to bottom.
Buff dry with a second clean, dry microfiber cloth.

What to avoid

Ammonia (many household glass cleaners): it can break down the adhesive and cloud the film over time.
Paper towels, rough rags and scrubbing pads: they can scratch the film's surface.
Razor blades or scrapers on the film side.
Seat belts snapping against the glass and rings or keys dragged across it.

New tint

For the first 3 to 7 days the film is still drying. A little haze or small water pockets are normal. Leave the inside of the glass alone and keep the windows up until it has cured.