What is the definition of a window screen? Basically, it’s a screen typically made from wire mesh designed to fit into a window frame – preventing insects from coming in when the window is open without obstructing the view.
To keep your window screens free from dirt and to stop them getting damaged you should regularly maintain them. If you don’t wash your screens, they’ll quickly build up pollen, dead insects, and dust particles,
Want to know the best way to clean window screens? Find out more here…
Equipment to get started
Before you begin, put together all the items you’ll need for cleaning window screens – this will save you time and allow you to finish the job all in one go. Use the checklist below:
- Soft brush
- Lint roller
- Microfibre cloths
- Bucket
- Plastic jug
- Water
- White vinegar
- Washing up detergent
- Garden hose for outdoor cleaning
- Old towels
- Vacuum cleaner
Mix a cleaning solution
Take the bucket and pour in 2 litres of water. Add a cup of white vinegar and ½ tablespoon of washing-up detergent. Mix well.
Your step by step guide on how to clean window screens
Removing the screens
This makes it much easier to get rid of the dirt on both sides and prevents any damage to the screen itself – the wire mesh can easily be torn. Make sure you know which window the screen came from for easy replacement after the cleaning process. You can mark them with a pencil to avoid mistakes!
If you’re washing the screens on a fine day it’s worth considering doing them outside on a flat surface such as a patio. You can rinse the entire screen with your garden hose on a low setting before gently scrubbing with a soft brush and the made-up cleaning solution.
For indoor washing lay the screens in the bath, or cover a hard floor with old towels and wash directly from the bucket. Carefully scrubbing the screen will break up any dirt and grime trapped in the mesh. Use small circular scrubbing motions to remove as much of the dirt as possible, regularly rinsing the brush to avoid streaks. If marks a stubborn try an old toothbrush to dislodge the grime.
Wiping the screens with a damp microfibre cloth will remove any excess grime and cleaning solution. A final rinse with clean water from the hose or a plastic jug will make sure there’s no detergent residue. Gently give the screens a shake to help with the drying process, and use a dry microfibre cloth to absorb any remaining liquid.
If you’ve cleaned your screens on a sunny day then simply leave them outside to air-dry in the direct sunlight. Otherwise, find a well-ventilated indoor space for a speedy dry. Once completely dry replace them in the correct window frames.
Keeping the screens on
If your screens are not so dirty you can gently clean them without removing them. Attach the soft brush nozzle accessory to your vacuum cleaner and gently start from the top of the screen and work your way down. Bear in mind if you apply too much pressure you may damage the mesh.
Mix a smaller quantity of warm water with washing up detergent in a clean bucket to sponge off any dirt spots. It’s a good idea to place an old towel along the sill to catch any drips. There’s no need to do a thorough deep clean – just gently wipe with a clean microfibre cloth dipped in the soapy solution. Rinse the cloth regularly to prevent any build-up of detergent residue.
You can then use this towel to pat dry the screen after you’ve completed the cleaning process.
Tips and tricks
- For a top-up in between deep cleans you can use a lint roller. Simply roll over each screen on both sides to attract any loose dust.
- Magic erasers are also a great alternative for cleaning window screens still attached to the windows.
- If you’ve got issues with holes at the base of the screens letting in insects then you can seal these with clear nail polish.
- Paint thinner or rubbing alcohol on a soft cotton cloth will remove latex paint from window screens – rinse thoroughly with water after the paint has softened.
- Dusting and vacuuming the screens on a regular basis will increase their life span as well as protecting you from insects and bugs.
- Make sure you securely replace the screens after washing to ensure they don’t fall out and break.
- Once your window screens are thoroughly cleaned, use a residential window cleaning service to provide a deep clean of your windows too.
- Window cleaning in Abingdon is easy to arrange, providing high-quality window cleaning services at competitive prices, with schedules that fit in with you.
- Trusted window cleaning companies will ensure that no damage will come to your screens whilst the windows are being professionally cleaned.