How to Clean Window Screens

Last update: 2 weeks ago

As one of the most basic summer necessities, window fly screens are the protective attachment that stops insects and debris coming into your home without obstructing the view or cutting off the airflow. They’re supposed to help us enjoy the warm days and nights without worrying if any bugs or creatures of the night will try to enter the house. Unfortunately, in a short time, they tend to accumulate dust and all sorts of dirt like dead insects, spiders, cobwebs and much more. For that reason, you should clean your window screens every month, especially if you’re living in a polluted area.

Every time when you clean your windows the fly screens should not be left behind. The dirt build-up on them is considerably more than the one on the windows themselves. If you don’t wash the screens, all accumulated dust, pollen and other dirt particles will get transferred onto the window panes over time. However, if your window screens are in need of deep cleaning, here is a simple guide on how to do it swiftly and effectively.

What to do first

Before you start cleaning the window screens, you need to remove them so that you can easily wash the dirt from both sides. Mark the screens with a sharpie or a pencil on the top corner to remember which window they belong to.

So if you want to know how to remove the window screens for cleaning remember that it always depends on the type of screens you have. Also, make sure carefully to unhinge them off the window frames because the wire mesh can be easily ripped or torn.

The next step is to find a suitable place to work, somewhere where the water will drain easily. If the weather allows it, you can wash the screens outside in the garden or on the driveway. It’s preferable to have access to a hose otherwise you’ll need to carry water in buckets to rinse the screens.

How to clean window screens with vinegar

What do you clean screens with?

• Lint roller;
• 2 -3 microfiber cloths;
• Vacuum cleaner;
• Bucket;
• Plastic jug;
• Water;
• White vinegar;
• Liquid dish soap;
• Soft brush.

If the screens are not too dirty, try using a lint roller or wet microfiber cloth (the fibres of the cloth don’t get embedded in the screen and it’s important not to use just a regular rag) to remove the loose dirt first. Roll over or wipe every screen on both sides a few times. This is especially advisable when there is pollen on the screens that you are cleaning.

However, if the screens are covered in more loose dirt, cobwebs, insects, etc. then you need the help of a vacuum cleaner, We recommend that you use a nozzle attachment with a softer brush so you won’t cause any damages. Lay the screen flat on the floor and run the brush lightly. Try not to use too much force, otherwise, you could tear the screen. Vacuum both sides until you remove the loose dirt.

What is the best way to clean window screens

1. Mix a cleaning solution in a bucket by adding one cup of white vinegar, a ½ tablespoon of liquid dish soap and 2l water.
2. Rinse the entire screen sideways with a garden hose, the shower or by pouring water from a bucket before scrubbing it with the cleaner. If you’re going to use a hose, set it on the most muted setting to avoid damaging the screen.
3. Take a soft brush and carefully scrub the screen with the cleaning solution. This will break up the dirt and grime left on the wire mesh. Use small, circular scrubbing motions and make sure to scour the entire screen so you can remove as much of the filth as possible. Rinse the brush frequently to avoid smearing more dirt on the screen.
4. Wipe the screen and the frames with a wet microfiber cloth to remove any leftover grime and soak up the excess cleaning solution.
5. Rinse the screen on both sides using a garden hose, the shower or by pouring water with a bucket or plastic jug.
6. Allow the screens to dry before installing them again. To speed up the process try shaking the excess water off. Swab up the screen with a dry microfiber cloth and leave them under direct sunlight to air-dry.

How do you clean window screens without taking them off?

To keep your fly wire screens in good condition longer and to save time from deep cleaning, remove the dust and accumulated dirt on a weekly basis. You don’t need to take the screens off the windows. Use a vacuum cleaner and suck up the grime from the top to the bottom of the screen with the soft brush nozzle attachment. Do not put too much pressure, otherwise, you can damage the window screen.

If you notice smeared dirty spots on the screens, there is no need to go through the whole procedure of deep cleaning. Just mix a solution of warm water and some mild dishwashing soap in a bucket. Soak a sponge or even better a microfiber cloth in the solution and gently scrub the screen. Once the dirt is cleaned off, wipe off the dirty soapy water with a wet soft cloth. Swipe the screen several times with the wet cloth to make sure that all the solution is cleaned off and to avoid further dirt build-up. To prevent any damages to the window and to stop water from leaking on the floor lay a folded towel along the window sill. After you remove the dirt, dry the screen with a soft towel.

How to remove latex paint from window screens

Tools you need:

• Paint thinner/ acetone nail polish remover/ rubbing alcohol;
• Old soft cotton cloths;
• Bucket with water or garden hose.

Moisten a soft cotton cloth with the paint thinner, nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Proceed with caution and gently scrub the cloth over the area until the paint softens and comes off. Then rinse the screen thoroughly with water from a bucket or a garden hose. If you’ve cleaned it without removing it from the windows, use a wet cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution.

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A few additional tips

• Regular cleaning is super important if you want your window screens to last a long time and keep protecting you from all the annoying bugs and insects. Dust and vacuum them as part of your monthly home cleaning routine.
• When it’s time to replace the screens after washing, make sure that they are securely in place. You don’t want them to fall out or break during windy weather, right?
• How to clean non-removable window screens? Magic Erasers are excellent for cleaning window screens still attached to the window.

Image source: Depositphotos/ belchonock

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