Tinted windows are undoubtedly the latest trend in the field of residential and commercial design, and with good reason. Covering windows with shaded sheets significantly adds to a building's aesthetic appeal while keeping its occupants protected from the sun's harmful UV radiation. In today's world, almost everyone knows how dangerous prolonged exposure to sunlight can be, which is why window films are nothing short of a godsend. They block harmful UV radiation from entering the premises of an estate, considerably reducing the chances of dermatological infections in people.

Addressing the Misconception

Despite the compelling benefits of putting up window tints, some people choose not to do it because they believe cleaning and maintaining UV films will be a tall order. Luckily that's just a misconception. Cleaning tinted windows is not like casting a spell or following a ritual that requires you to fetch saccharine water from a spring sequestered in the woods or use a potion curated by a psychic; it's a pretty straightforward process with just a few caveats that you need to consider. If you promise to do that, you can scrub your tinted windows clean without trouble. Here's a quick guide on how to clean tinted windows without scraping the film off.

Choose Your Cleaner Wisely

The most crucial factor to consider when cleaning windows-and not just tinted, any windows, is the supplies you use. Most window cleaners contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals that can damage a window or, worse, affect your health. Therefore, you need to pick out the cleaning solution for your windows carefully. If you are not sure about a brand or product, look at the label and read the ingredients. Once you're sure that it doesn't contain any harmful compounds, only then buy it.

Aside from the liquid cleaner, you need to be careful with the tools you choose. For tinted windows, sharp blade squeegees, steel scrubbers, newspapers, or even paper towels are not suitable for scrubbing because they can leave scratches over the films or even cause them to peel off.

Use A Homemade Solution.

To avoid accidentally buying ammonia-based cleaner, make one at home. A homemade cleaner is not only safer but also more effective. Here is a quick and easy recipe

• 2 cups of distilled Water
• 3 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (mild)

Mix all the ingredients well and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the homemade solution on the windows you wish to clean, then clean with a fluff-free microfiber cloth. Doing so will loosen up the accumulated dirt. Next, use a rubber squeegee to wipe away the soapy water. Repeat the process if need be. Once all the grime is gone, rinse your windows with fresh and clean distilled water, and lastly, wipe with the squeegee.

The Takeaway

Now, that wasn't so hard, was it? Clean your windows regularly to increase their functionality and lifespan. But remember to be gentle with the cleaning; you don't have to scrub the windows like your life depends on it!

Your window screens play an important role that you may not realize just yet. Homeowners only understand how vital window screens are when the window screens stop working. They are additional mesh screens installed on the inner or the outer side of the windows. They keep dust, dirt, and insects out of your home. Some newer versions of window screens can even block the sun's UV rays from entering your home.

However, window screens are delicate structures that need extra care and maintenance. You may not realize that your window screens have gotten old and inefficient easily, but some signs can indicate that you need new window screens. Let's see what these signs are.

1. Screens Appear Shinier

Your window screens are not made to last forever. They'll lose their efficiency sooner or later. Since your window screens are exposed to external weather elements around the clock, they're highly prone to damage. One of the signs that your window screens have aged and you need to get new ones is that your existing screens will appear shinier. They'll lose their original matte appearance and appear shinier than how they looked first.

2. Windows Don't Open or Close Smoothly

Window screens are installed such that they don't hinder the window operation. You should be able to open and close your windows just like you would without the screens in place. However, if you notice any difficulty in opening or closing the windows, you need to check what's causing the problem. If the window-related issues are overruled, it's probably your old and worn-out window screens that are causing the problem.

3. Bugs Inside Your Home

Window screens are meant to keep the bugs and insects out of your home. But if you've started to notice annoying bugs hovering around your living space, the chances that your window screens are damaged are high. They may have torn from the corner that isn't immediately visible. If that's the case, you need to get new window screens right away!

4.     Visible Signs of Damage

Apart from subtle signs of damage, old and worn-out window screens may display visible signs of damage like tears in the mesh, dust particles filling up and blocking the mesh, or the screen is breaking away from its frame. If you see any of these in your window screens, know that it's time to bid goodbye to your existing window screens and get new ones soon.

5.     Dust On Your Furniture

Just like window screens are supposed to keep the bugs away, they also keep dust and dirt out. Too much dust on your tabletops and other furniture is a sign that the window screens aren't keeping the dust out efficiently. To fix this problem, you need to consider getting new window screens.

Summary

Window screens are a great investment. They offer multiple benefits for homeowners. But despite this, not many homeowners give attention to the upkeep of window screens, and as a result, their window screens give way sooner than later. If you detect signs of damage in your window screens, you should get in touch with window professionals to get new window screens at your earliest to continue enjoying its benefits!