How to Clean Window Screens
Window screens keep bugs out and fresh air flowing, but they can also trap dust and grime. Regular cleaning helps extend their life.
Start by vacuuming or sweeping to remove loose dirt and lint. Then, attach a spray nozzle to your hose and thoroughly wet each screen. Let them sit for a few hours to dry. Read on to know more.
Clean the Frame
Before washing the window frame, it is best to sweep or vacuum loose dirt to avoid scratching the vinyl surface. You can use a standard household cleaner or a solution made from three parts white vinegar and seven parts water. This mixture is safe for use on uPVC windows and will leave them looking natural and fresh.
If the frames are really dirty, you can even use a nylon scrub brush to break up and dissolve oxidation spots. Once the loosened dirt is wiped off, the frames will be as good as new.
When using cleaner, spray it onto a clean, lint-free cloth (microfibre works best) and wipe the windows in a Z shape from top to bottom, applying light pressure on areas with extra buildup. Dry the glass with a squeegee or another lint-free cloth to ensure a streak-free shine.
Clean the Screen
Your window screens keep bugs and debris out, but over time they’re likely to accumulate dust, dirt, and pollen. A dirty screen inhibits the breeze and can obstruct your view, so it’s important to clean them regularly.
To get your screens to look and feel their best, begin with a good once-over with a vacuum or lint brush. This is one of the easier chores to add to your monthly cleaning routine, though a once-yearly scrub may suffice for more heavily dirty screens.
Once you’re ready to start the scrub-down, find a flat, outdoor area where you can lay out your cleaned screens. A tarp may be helpful to prevent the dirty water from staining or damaging your floors. To make your cleaning solution, fill a bucket with warm water and a few squirts of dish soap or vinegar. Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the mixture, and use light pressure to wash your screens.
Clean the Glass
Cleaning windows is a tedious task, but it can be made even more cringe-worthy when you see those pesky streaks. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your windows and glass surfaces are streak-free.
Start by washing your windows with plenty of clean, warm water and a little bit of soap (washing up liquid works fine). Then, wipe them dry with a soft cloth – either a chamois or a microfiber one will work best. Step away from paper towels, which will leave lint on your glass.
If you need to tackle stubborn stains, such as hard water marks or mineral deposits, Laura recommends using a cleaner that contains oxalic acid, like Zud or Bar Keepers Friend, which can be used as a paste. You can also use a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to remove soap scum, which can often form on window edges.
Clean the Squeegee
Many windows are cleaned with a hose or a bucket of soapy water, so it’s important to get the squeegee clean between swipes. If cleaning solution or dirt gets trapped under the rubber blade, it will be wiped back onto the window, which causes streaks.
Weingard recommends wiping the squeegee with a lint-free cloth or sponge and then applying a squeegee rubber conditioner to keep it in tip-top shape. He also suggests getting a squeegee holster or belt to keep the squeegee and handle in one place while you’re working.
When you’re ready to wash the windows, start by brushing or vacuuming the frames, tracks, and sills to remove loose dirt. If the glass has noticeable stains, Weingard recommends removing them before washing the windows with a razor-blade scraper and a soft-bristled counterbrush. Wash the windows on a cloudy day, since sunshine accelerates the drying process and leaves behind smears and streaks. Also, don’t use too much cleaning solution. If you use too much, it’ll be difficult to wipe it off without leaving streaks. Discover more interesting articles.