Care
Caring for your window film
Good film needs very little looking after, and a few simple habits keep it clear, flat and working for years. This page covers everything after the film is on your glass: the first 30 days, everyday cleaning, what to avoid, what is normal, and what to do if something looks wrong.
- Soft cloth, mild soap, clean water
- No special products needed
- Leave a small gap to the glass
- Tell us before changing coverings
The first 30 days
Let the film settle
After the film is applied, the thin layer of mounting solution under it needs time to dry out. Your installer gives you a care sheet with the timing for your specific film. As a general guide:
Hands off
Do not touch, press or clean the film. You may see a slight haze or tiny water pockets. That is moisture still drying.
Leave it alone
Haze fades and small pockets shrink on their own. Warm, sunny glass dries faster; cool or shaded glass can take longer.
Nearly there
Most film is fully dry and clear by now. Keep blinds and stickers off the surface until your care sheet says it is safe to clean.
Normal cleaning
Clean as usual with the method below. If any haze or bubble remains after your care sheet date, contact us.
Timing varies by film, glass and weather. Where your care sheet differs from this page, follow the care sheet.
Everyday cleaning
How to clean film safely
- Dust first. Wipe loose dust with a dry, clean microfibre cloth so grit does not scratch the surface.
- Mix the solution. A few drops of mild, non-ammonia dish soap or baby shampoo in a spray bottle of clean water.
- Spray and wipe. Mist the film, then wipe with a soft microfibre cloth or a clean rubber squeegee, top to bottom.
- Dry the edges. Blot the edges and frame with a dry cloth so water does not sit under the edge.
- Check the cloth. Rinse or swap it as it gets dirty. A dirty cloth drags grit across the film.
What you need
- Spray bottle and clean water
- Mild, non-ammonia soap (a few drops)
- Soft microfibre cloths (two or three)
- A clean rubber or silicone squeegee, optional
How often
Clean when it looks dirty, the same as untreated glass. Interior film usually needs the same schedule as your windows. Exterior-applied film can be rinsed gently after dust storms or pollen.
By film type
Small differences worth knowing
ThermaCore Nano-Ceramic
Clean like glass. Avoid pressing hard on dark or dyed edges; they can mark if scraped.
ThermaCore Security
The film is thicker and tougher but still scratches. Do not pry at edges. If it is anchored to the frame, leave the anchoring in place.
ThermaCore Low-E
Avoid solvents and scrapers. Check for gaps at the edges after a hot spell and tell us if you see lifting.
Solar, Reflective
Reflective coatings can show streaks from dirty cloths. Finish with a clean dry microfibre pass.
Privacy
Textured and frosted surfaces hide streaks but trap dust. Use a soft brush or damp cloth, not a squeegee blade, if the surface is textured.
ThermaCore UV
Nearly clear, so smudges show. Same method as above with a dry final wipe.
Decorative, Color-shift
Printed or patterned layers should never be rubbed with abrasives. Test any new cleaner on a small corner first.
ThermaCore Exterior
Rinse with a hose or soft sponge. Avoid pressure washers, and avoid wiping when the glass is hot and the soap dries on it.
Do and do not
Do
- Use a soft cloth or rubber squeegee with mild soapy water.
- Wait out the cure period on your care sheet before the first clean.
- Keep a small gap between film and blinds, curtains or furniture that touches the glass.
- Tell us before painting frames, changing blinds or replacing glass.
- Report bubbles, peeling, scratches or damage early, with photos.
Do not
- Use abrasive pads, razor blades, scrapers or harsh solvents on the film.
- Use ammonia or vinegar-based glass cleaners unless your care sheet allows them.
- Stick tape, stickers, decals or suction cups on the film.
- Lean furniture, plants or hot objects against the glass.
- Pick at an edge that lifts. Call us instead.
What is normal and what is not
Know the difference
Normal in the first weeks
- Slight haze or a milky look that fades.
- Tiny water pockets or dots that shrink as the film dries.
- A faint line at the edge where the film meets the gasket.
- A slightly different look when viewed at an angle or at night.
Contact us if you see
- Edges lifting or peeling.
- Bubbles or creases that grow or do not fade after your care sheet date.
- Scratches, gouges or discolouration.
- Fogging between the panes of a double-glazed unit.
- New cracks in the glass.
Real life
Pets, kids, blinds and renovations
Claws and paws
Pets can scratch low film. Wipe nose marks with a damp cloth and keep sharp claws away from the lowest panel.
Sticky hands
Smears clean off with mild soap. Discourage stickers and tape on the film.
Blinds and curtains
Film can raise glass temperature slightly. Keep blinds off the surface and tell us about heavy, dark coverings or shades that sit tight to the glass.
Painters and cleaners
Mask film before painting nearby. Give cleaning crews this page so they skip razor blades and strong chemicals.
If something goes wrong
Making a warranty claim
- Take photos. Wide shot of the window and close-ups of the problem, in daylight.
- Send the basics. Name, address, which windows and the install date.
- We review it. We reply, ask any follow-up questions and arrange a visit where needed.
- We fix or replace. If it is covered, we repair or replace the affected film. If it is not covered, we say why in plain words.
Warranty terms, including what is and is not covered, are on the warranty page.
Care questions
When can I first clean the film?
Follow the date on your care sheet. A common range is about 30 days, but it varies by film and weather.
Can I use glass cleaner?
Use mild soap and water. Many glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can harm adhesives and coatings. Check your care sheet before using any product.
Why does my film look hazy?
Moisture under the film is still drying. This is normal and fades over days to weeks. Contact us if it is still there after your care sheet date.
Can I hang things on filmed glass?
Avoid tape, stickers and suction hooks on the film itself. Hang items on the frame or wall instead.
Will pressure washing damage exterior film?
It can. Use a hose and soft sponge instead, and keep jets away from edges.
Does film affect my window warranty?
Window makers have their own rules. We check the glass before we quote and can give you the details you need to confirm with your window maker.
What if my film is scratched?
Light surface marks may be cosmetic. Send us a photo and we will tell you whether it can be addressed and whether it is covered.
Can you re-clean or inspect my film?
Yes. Contact us for a check, and we will take a look.
Window film, matched to your glass and installed by Kexova.
Serving the greater Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio areas.
Performance depends on the film, the glass and the window orientation. Specification sheets are provided at quote.
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