How to Clean Window Screens? (Step-By-Step Tutorial)

Over time, the window screen gets dusty, thus making it look unpleasant to the eye. Also, if you don’t clean this off, this makes it quite impossible for air to flow through into your home in due time. For this reason, you need to know how to clean window screens or carry out a window screen replacement.

Cleaning should start from inside to the outside, or the other way round. When cleaning one side, this also touches the other part as well. If this doesn’t happen, go to the other side and clean it as well.

It is helpful to know how to clean window mesh to keep your windows looking pleasant and attractive. If you are wondering how to clean window screens in an apartment, continue reading this article. There are two effective ways to clean window screens.

First Method: Cleaning Window Screens After Removing Them

As with any task, you need the right window screen cleaning tool and materials to get started. Here is a list of things to have handy before working through the task on how to clean window screens.

• Garden hose
• Ammonia
• Dropcloth or tarp
• Towel
• Scrubbing brush
• Rubber gloves

Step 1: Take Off the Window Screen

The first thing to do is to remove the window screen from its place before cleaning it. This action will enable you to wash the screen the best way you can. Always make sure you remove each window from its position before embarking on cleaning them.

After the screen comes off, create enough workspace for the cleaning process. The area to use should be safe and enough to allow you spray water. The hose to use should be long enough to reach the place where you want to wash the screens.

Step 2: Get the Cleaning Solution Ready

To get the most of cleaning, you need to mix ammonia and a bucket full of water. This perfect mixture will help clean off any type of dirt hanging on the screens. However, mixing ammonia in water should come before the actual cleaning exercise.

Follow professional window cleaning solution guidelines when mixing water and ammonia. Each cup of ammonia should go with three cup of water in a bucket. But if ammonia is not available, make use of a mild soap mixed in warm water and then stir the solution thoroughly.

Step 3: Spray Water on the Screen and Wash with the Cleaning Solution

Next, wet the screen thoroughly by using a garden hose to spray water on it. This approach will make it easy for the accumulated dirt to come off the window screen when cleaning. Spraying it with water should come before using the solution to clean off.

After that, begin washing the screen with the solution you prepared. A soft bristle brush will do because it can break off grime and stubborn particles. Move the brush across the entire surface until you have clean every spot.

Once you are through using the brush to scrub, use a sponge to remove any remaining dirt from the screen. The sponge will help soak up the solution, thus making the dirt broke loose during scrubbing. Your window screen should be clean at this point.

Step 4: Rinse and Allow to Dry

If the screen is perfectly clean, rinse it with clean water. You may choose the option of spraying it with water from a hose. Keep applying water until you are sure all dirt and solution come off. After this, place the screen in a safe place and allow it to dry.

Step 5: Fix Back the Window Screen

Now it is time to put back the window screen in its place after it has dried. Window screen replacement is possible by reversing the process you took in removing the screen from its position. Ensure that you install the window screen properly to complete the whole process.

Second Method: Cleaning Window Screen without Removing Them

Another way on how to clean window screens is to clean without removing the screen. If you want to know how to clean non-removable window screens, this is also the process to use. Whichever way, you need to get the following window screen cleaning tool:

• Locally made cleaning agent
• Spray bottle
• Step ladder
• Vacuum cleaner
• Detergent

Step 1: Vacuum the Window Screen

Turn on the vacuum cleaner and suck up the dust on the entire window. Then attach the brash to the vacuum and clean the thick dust on the window screen. Begin at the top and move down to the bottom, making sure you cover the entire screen.

Step 2: Spray Detergent on the Screen

Put detergent in the spray bottle and spray the window screen thoroughly from top to bottom. If you started spraying from inside the house, remember to extend it to the outside window. After that, leave the detergent to act on the surfaces for some minutes.

Step 3: Clean Window Screen with Towel

Spray some detergent on a paper towel and use it to wipe the window screen. Use microfiber to carefully clean the inner and outer parts of the window screen.

Don’t scrub too hard to avoid breaking the fragile screen. You may open the inner window and clean any water, dust, or dirt trapped inside. This same method works for how to clean a window behind a screen.

Step 4: Wipe to Dry with a Towel

Once the inner and outer parts are clean, you should use another microfiber towel to clean the screen dry. The window should remain open while you are drying the screen.

After you are through with drying the screen, wash the towel or cleaning cloth. The unwashed fabric will spread allergies around the house, and that would put your health at risk. If you have a washing machine at home, throw in the used cleaning cloth, and allow for washing.

How to Keep Window Screens Clean

A good cleaning habit can save you the time spent on cleaning the window screen. Whether you have a window cleaning robot or a window regulator, the following steps are useful:

Wipe Off Dust Every Week

To keep your screens looking neat and clean, dust it off regularly. You can do this at least once each week amidst your busy schedule. This cleaning routine will reduce the amount of dust that accumulates in your window screen.

Clean Notorious Spots

Some spots on the screen may get dirtier than others. Hence, you should put more focus on this. Cleaning those areas instead of cleaning the entire window will help prevent dirt from sticking.

Clean the Window Screens Regularly

If you have the habit of cleaning your window screen regularly, you wouldn’t have to engage in full cleaning. So add window cleaning to the list of house cleaning activities on weekends. This window screen cleaning routine will make your house look as clean as new.

Final Words

A Clean and well-maintained window screen not only makes the window look great but gives the house a pleasant look. Knowing how to clean window screens is the first step to having attractive windows.

Whether it’s how to clean storm windows without removing them, get the right tools needed. You can either remove the screen or leave it in place before wiping off the dirt. But making it a habit to clean yours regularly will keep your window looking beautiful.

Who wouldn’t take pride in sparkling windows or window screens that look clean? Most times, the condition of windows tells how organized the owner of the property is. So, check your window screens regularly and clean them up when it is looking dusty or stained.