When was the last time you cleaned your window screens? If you can’t quite remember, it might be time to roll up your sleeves and give them a good scrub. The process of cleaning window screens is often overlooked in household chores, but it plays a significant role in maintaining a fresh and healthy living environment. Dirty screens block airflow, accumulate dust and debris, and can even become breeding grounds for allergens.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why it’s essential to clean your window screens, how often you should do it, how to clean screens, and provide a step-by-step guide to getting those screens spotless.
Key Takeaways
- Clean screens improve airflow and enhance home aesthetics.
- Clean at least once a year or more in harsh weather.
- Gather simple tools such as a vacuum, dish soap, soft brush, garden hose, and towels to ensure an efficient cleaning process.
- Remove, vacuum, rinse, scrub, dry, and reinstall the screens for a thorough cleaning.
- Use low-pressure water and avoid direct sunlight when drying.
- For professional help, San Diego Pressure Cleaning offers expert services to keep your window screens and outdoor spaces spotless year-round.
Why Clean Window Screens?
Window screens act as the barrier and keep away the debris, bugs, and leaves from entering your beautiful home. But over the years, these window screens have accumulated dust, dirt, pollen, and grime, which can obstruct the airflow and even impact your home’s aesthetics. That’s where cleaning window screens becomes important. It not only increases the lifespan of the screens but also gives a polished look to your home from both inside and outside.
How Often Should I Clean My Window Screens?
Generally, you should clean your window screens once a year. And if they are exposed to frequent rains, wind, dust or weather deterioration, consider cleaning them more often. The rule of thumb says to schedule the cleaning of window screening at the same time you clean your windows.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need to Wash Your Window Screens
Get these tools and materials ready before diving into the process of cleaning your window like a professional –
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Dish soap
- Soft bristle brush
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Sponge
- Towel
Steps to Clean Window Screens With Pressure Washer
Now that you understand the importance of clean window screens and have gathered your materials, it’s time to get down to business. Here is how to clean screens step by step:
Remove the Screens
The best way to clean window screens starts with removing them. It puts an end to debris getting inside your home. Once you have removed the screens, keep them outdoors or label each one so you know which window to return it to once you are done. Now, clean one screen at a time. If you are sensitive to dirt and pollen, wear a mask while doing all this.
Clear the Area Around Windows
Next, clear any obstacles around the windows, such as furniture, plants, or decorations. This will help create a clean working space and protect your belongings from any water or cleaning solution that may spill.
Protect Surrounding Surfaces
Cover the area around the screens with a drop cloth or plastic sheet to protect surfaces from water and cleaning solution. This step is especially important if you are cleaning your screens near furniture, carpets, or wooden surfaces that could be damaged by excess moisture.
Vacuum the Screens
The next window cleaning hack is to vacuum the screens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to vacuum both sides of the screen to clean out any dirt. It helps you get rid of the large particles and make the washing process easier.
Set Up the Power Washer
Set up your pressure washer, making sure it’s connected to a water source and that you’re using the appropriate nozzle for delicate tasks like cleaning window screens. A fan nozzle is typically best for this purpose, as it provides a wide spray that is gentle on the screens while still being effective at removing dirt.
Wash Down the Windows
Using the pressure washer, gently wash down the screens with water. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring that you don’t apply too much pressure, which could damage the screen mesh. Aim to remove any loose dirt and debris before applying the cleaning solution.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
After rinsing, apply your chosen cleaning solution to the screens. You can use a commercial screen cleaner or a mild soap solution. Spray the solution evenly across the screen, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any stuck-on dirt.
Rinse
In this step, use a garden hose to give a good rinse to the screens. Set the hose to a low-pressure setting to prevent any damage to the mesh. Rinse both sides of the screens, starting from the top to bottom. Don’t forget to pay special attention to the cracks and crevices.
Clean the Screens
For cleaning window screens, start by filling a bucket with warm water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Take a soft-bristled brush, dip it into the cleaning solution, and scrub both sides of the screen. Now, rinse the screens to remove soap or any other residue. If you find that the screen is still dirty, repeat the process.
Dry the Screens
Dry the screens thoroughly to remove any access water. Before drying, use a soft, lint-free towel or microfiber cloth to wipe down the frames. Another way to dry the screens is to place them upright in a shaded area outside. Steer clear of drying them out in direct sunlight to avoid damaging the screen material.
Reinstall
The last step in how to clean screens is the reinstallation process. After drying out the windows, reinstall them into the window frames. Place the same screen in its original window frame. Ensure that the sides are secured and there are no gaps between the screen and frame while allowing fresh air to flow in.
Conclusion
Cleaning window screens might not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to household chores, but it’s an essential task that shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only does it enhance the air quality inside your home, but it also helps improve the longevity of your screens and keeps your windows looking pristine.
Visit our service areas to access professional help with window screen cleaning or pressure washing, we’ve got you covered. San Diego Pressure Cleaning provides top-notch services to keep your home sparkling clean, from windows and screens to driveways and decks. Give us a call today and let our experts handle the hard work, ensuring your home stays fresh and welcoming all year round!
