Does Windex Original (with ammonia) harm the window tint?

[Bonehead]

The new issue of Consumer Reports has an article about the best glass cleaners, and says the following about the original formula of Windex:

"Because it has ammonia in its formula, it should not be used on tinted windows or other surfaces that can be damaged by ammonia".

I've never heard this before, and would assume that it might only apply to after-market tints. Don't factory installed tinted windows have the tint layer embedded between layers of glass, not on the surface, and therefore impervious to ammonia?

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[mach-ebert]

Correct. If you have your windows tinted with film, don't use the original formula. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Correct, any tint shop will tell you to avoid ammonia glass cleaners because they damage window tint:

 

[hybrid2bev]

The new issue of Consumer Reports has an article about the best glass cleaners, and says the following about the original formula of Windex:

"Because it has ammonia in its formula, it should not be used on tinted windows or other surfaces that can be damaged by ammonia".

I've never heard this before, and would assume that it might only apply to after-market tints. Don't factory installed tinted windows have the tint layer embedded between layers of glass, not on the surface, and therefore impervious to ammonia?

From the factory it’s fine it won’t harm the glass.

Only an issue with after market films.

 

[joebruin77]

I personally would still avoid using glass cleaner with ammonia in it. Ammonia is known to damage paint, rubber, plastic, and chrome. Even if you intend to only use the cleaner on glass, some overspray is bound to get on other surfaces of your car.

My favorite automotive glass cleaner is Meguiars Glass Cleaner concentrate from their professional line. The dilution ratio is 1 to 10. So one gallon of the glass cleaner concentrate makes 11 gallons of glass cleaner.

 

[tbrumleve]

Use Ammonia free glass cleaner. I use Chemical Guys glass cleaner. Their line of products is top notch.

https://a.co/d/dsgQrXH

 

[zvez]

I've been using Meguiars for years. Good stuff. AND anything from chemical guys like above is great stuff. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...6gqHgAfJgHW5edvQp9YaApiAEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[RickMachE]

50% vinegar and water.

 

[ChehRob]

When I use commercial window cleaner an area where it might to danger (different surfaces within rand of spray), I spray the cloth, not the surface. And a standard precaution, test in an inconspicuous corner.

 

[RMoore]

I use this stuff (or versions very similar with no ammonia). Works great.

 

[2021-MMEx-RT1]

And, according to my PPF installer, it yellows the PPF.

 

[Bonehead]

I use this stuff (or versions very similar with no ammonia). Works great.

Sprayway was actually the Consumer Reports Editor's Choice best glass cleaner:

Sprayway Glass Cleaner
Prices from: $3.29
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PRODUCT DETAILS
Type: Ammonia-free
Because all the glass cleaners we tested performed well on mirrors and windows, we selected Sprayway’s foaming glass cleaner as our favorite because of its additional functionality as a chrome, tile, and porcelain cleaner. The ammonia-free formula easily cut through all our messes, leaving surfaces instantly dry after a single wipe with a microfiber cloth. Of the six products we tested, it was the quickest to dry on mirrors and windows. The can includes thorough safety notices on the label, and the entire can (cap included) is recyclable, according to the manufacturer. With most liquid glass cleaners, I found I had to work quickly to avoid cleaner dripping. This foaming formula clung to the surfaces it was sprayed on, so there was no need to rush to wipe.
Because the can is opaque, it’s not possible to tell when the glass cleaner is running low. Also, I recommend using it in a well-ventilated area with open windows because the smell is a bit unpleasant.

 

[joebruin77]

Sprayway was actually the Consumer Reports Editor's Choice best glass cleaner:

I have used Sprayway and it is an excellent glass cleaner. But I personally prefer the Meguiars D120 Glass Cleaner Concentrate. I love clean windows and I use glass cleaner every other day, so cost and value are also big on my list.

A 15 ounce can of Spraway on Amazon costs $3.47, or 23 cents per ounce. A gallon of the Meguiars D120 Glass Cleaner Concentrate costs $33. But because the dilution ratio is 10 parts water to 1 part concentrate, the one gallon of concentrate makes 11 gallons of glass cleaner. This comes out to a cost of 2.3 cents per ounce.

To put it another way, to buy the same amount of Sprayway at 23 cents per ounce, it would cost you $323. So at $33 per gallon, the Meguiars is a much better value.

I think the Meguiars cleans just as well, plus I prefer the grape scent of the Meguiars.

 

[GaryS]

You don't need to use any commercial window cleaner and if you do use it sparingly. I wipe down the inside of my windows with a damp towel. Then use a dry microfiber towel to wipe down the window inside and out. Leaves no residue on the window. If you clean windows regularly, just wipe down in multiple directions with a microfiber towel. I was a manufacture rep for janitorial products for years and I don't use window cleaners.

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