My dealer was not real clear. What is the best way to clean the interior windows when they have tinting? I've heard that amonia based cleaners will remove the tint over time....

 

I was told not to use ammonia based cleaners. There are many non-ammonia cleaners in the auto parts store. I buy this cheap ($1.99) GUNK brand foaming spray at WAL-MART and has worked great on my other cars with tinted windows for a couple of years now. I don't know why the ammonia harms the tint but I figure it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

If you can find it, use Stoner (yes, that really is the brand) glass cleaner. I use it on car, house, shop glass and it works great. I haven't noticed any deterioration of the tint on any of my cars. It's also pretty cheap, which is a bonus.

Later

 

I do hear that Stoner is good stuff. Unfortunately for us on the West Coast, the Stoners are in the street, not the store. I would make sure you use a soft cloth, vs. a paper towel, to make sure you don't scratch the tint.

 

The most important thing is the non-ammonia. Many glass cleaners contain it so make sure you buy one that says No Ammonia. It will ruin your tint, no question about it.

I have cleaned my tint with soft paper towels and never had a problem.

 

Meguiar's has a new NXT glass cleaner that's awesome. It's completely ammonia free and when used in combination with their new duo-fiber glass towel, it's perfect.

That's what I use and I'm very happy with the results.

Here's the glass cleaner:
http://www.meguiars.com/newproducts0....cfm?SKU=G-133

Here's the duo-fiber glass towel:
http://www.meguiars.com/newproducts0...cfm?SKU=X-2060

 

After many years and much fustration with streaks I finally used my wife's suggestion. I use a wet microfiber towel to dampen the window and then dry with a fresh terry cloth towel. No streaks, no residue,no fustration and no chemicals to purchase. :smile: Just my 2 cents.

 

I like Plexus for tint and a variety of clear/shiny plastic surfaces:
http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/

You can buy it many places, including motorcycle shops who often have it for cleaning helmet visors

 

You all have the basics figured out:

1. Do not use "paper products" like paper towels, newspapers, etc. They will scratch.

2. Do not use ammonia based products. (there are many decent choices)

3. Use quality, lint free microfiber "glass" towels for best results. The nap and consistency that it presents the cleaner is more even and it dries it more evenly for better streak free results.

4. Soft 100% cotton terry would be a distant second choice as the inconsistancy in the pressure points due to the nibs can cause smearing and scratching if the cleaner runs dry too fast.

5. Using quick detailer on the inside of the tinted windows after cleaning can make the surface "slicker" and allow them to slide by the rubber/and felt seals on the inside. This can help with scratching and also decrease the resistance of the seal against the film reducing the stress on the window motor and making the window rise faster.

 

What do you mean by quick detailer?

 

Spray Quick Detailer like you would use on your paint. There are many types. The synthetic types are the best.

Check out this write up on Quick Detailers.

 

Great tip, BradB! I wish I'd thought of that.

QD is a spray-on solution that is used between washings to freshen the appearance of the car and restore that just-waxed look. The good ones make the paint feels nice and slick. Of course the success of this product depends on the presence of a good wax and relatively clean car.

BradB's suggestion for using in on windows, especially on the inside is pretty clever.

 

Since I am using zaino should I use that? i think I have a bottle of Mothers somewhere....

 

Yeah... Is QD is ok on Zaino?

 

Zaino Z6 is a fantastic quick detailer. You can use that.

 

Same with z8!

 

Thanks...