Between your indoor and outdoor cleaning list, it’s hard to imagine there’s yet another thing that could use your attention. However, there is something else you should add: your window screens. Unfortunately, rain isn’t enough, and spritzing your window panes when washing your windows won’t work either. Read on to learn all about cleaning your window screens.
Why You Should Be Cleaning Your Window Screens
There are three main reasons you should be cleaning your window screens: appearance, health, and odor. These are also reasons why people like having window screens, so keeping your screen in tip-top shape allows you to enjoy the benefits.
What causes your screen to be dirty? You might think outdoor elements are the only cause of a dirty window screen, but the airflow goes both ways, meaning there are also indoor elements that cause your window screen to get dirty. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Pollen: You might believe that a closed window keeps the pollen out, but your screen
collects plenty over time that can dirty the screen. In addition to an undesirable appearance, fine pollen particles might come into your house with an open window and the breeze. This is especially common if you live in an area with a lot of trees and plants. - Weather conditions: Exposure to rain, wind, and other weather elements can cause dust and pollutants to stick to window screens, leaving grimy residue that can disturb your view outside.
- Nearby pollutants: Are you near a busy road, construction site, or industrial area? Airborne pollutants like exhaust fumes and construction site dust can settle on your window screens. Not only will they look dirty, but the screen might let fine particles into your home on a windy day.
- Smoke: If smoking is allowed near your windows indoors or outdoors, the residue from cigarette smoke can accumulate on the screens, making them dirty and discolored. Plus, your screen can hold onto undesirable odors, leaving you with an unpleasant scent every time and open window lets in a breeze.
- Pets: If you have pets, they may scratch or paw at window screens, leaving marks and residue behind for an unsightly appearance. Plus, pet hair and dander can stick to screens, which can then come back inside when you open the window.
- Pests: Few things leave the view outside less desirable than the pests that can become stuck in between your screen and the window. Cleaning your screen can help get rid of the insects and refresh the scene outside.
How to Clean Your Window Screens
- Remove the Screens: Consult your screen or window manufacturer’s directions, and carefully remove the window screens from their frames.
- Dry Cloth Cleaning: Use a dry cloth, soft bristle brush, or vacuum to gently remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from both sides of the screens. This is an important step before moving onto a liquid cleaning solution so the debris doesn’t become caked on.
- Use a Soapy Solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap to create a soapy solution. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the soapy water, then gently scrub both sides of the screens. Don’t forget to get the corners!
- Rinse Thoroughly: Using a garden hose, rinse the screens from both sides to remove all soap residue.
- Dry the Screens: Shake off excess water from the screens and leave them to air dry in a dust- and pollen-free area.
- Reinstall the Screens: Once the screens are completely dry, carefully reattach them to the window frames according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Start with a Fresh Screen with RiteScreen.
When you take down your window screens to clean them, be sure to inspect for issues so you can determine when it’s time to replace them. If you’re seeing signs of wear and tear , you can easily DIY a window screen replacement with help from RiteScreen.
All you need is a few minutes to replace your window screen yourself. Each window screen comes available with a variety of customizations like mesh type, color, and hardware, allowing for precise installation for custom window screen replacement. Plus, you’ll feel confident knowing your screen will last with the highest-quality, custom extruded aluminum frame and sturdy mesh.
Ready to cross this task off your to-do list? Head to Amazon.com or HomeDepot.com and start your DIY screen replacement sooner with 5 day or less lead time.
