Dirty screens make even freshly washed glass look dull. They also trap dust, pollen, and cobwebs that blow indoors every time you open a window. Fortunately, learning how to clean window screens takes about an hour and a few basic supplies. Here’s the safe method, plus the mistakes that tear or bend the mesh.
Why It Pays to Clean Window Screens
Screens collect far more grime than most people expect. Road dust, pollen, and insects build up in the mesh all season long. As a result, light scatters and the whole window looks hazy, even when the glass is spotless. In fact, dusty screens are a common reason behind windows that look cloudy.
Clean mesh also matters for the air inside your home. According to the EPA’s introduction to indoor air quality, open windows are one of the main ways outdoor air moves indoors. So whatever sits in the mesh rides in on that breeze. That is why it pays to clean window screens before you open up the house each spring.
What You Need
- A soft-bristle brush or an old paintbrush
- A vacuum with a brush attachment
- A bucket of warm water with a few drops of dish soap
- A garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle
- Old towels and a flat spot to work, such as a patio
- Masking tape and a marker to label each screen
How to Clean Window Screens Step by Step
- Label and remove each screen. Mark which window it came from, because screens that look alike often fit only one frame. Then press the tabs or pull the springs to lift it out.
- Vacuum loose dirt first. Run the brush attachment lightly over both sides. This lifts cobwebs and dust before they turn into mud.
- Wash with mild soapy water. Lay the screen flat on a towel. Next, scrub gently in small circles with the soft brush, working from the top down.
- Rinse with low pressure. Spray gently with the hose from about two feet away. Never use a pressure washer, since it can push the mesh right out of the frame.
- Dry it fully before you put it back. Shake off the extra water and lean the screen against a wall in the shade. Once it is dry, wipe the frame and return it to the same window.
Spot-Cleaning Screens You Can’t Remove
Some screens stay fixed in place, especially on upper floors and some casement windows. Even so, you can still clean window screens right in the frame. First, vacuum the outside face with a brush attachment. Then dampen a microfiber cloth in soapy water, wring it out well, and wipe the mesh lightly. Finally, go over it once more with a cloth dipped in plain water. Between washes, a lint roller also picks up dust and pet hair.
Mistakes That Tear or Bend the Mesh
A few common habits do more harm than good when you clean window screens:
- Pressure washing. High pressure stretches the mesh and can pop it loose.
- Scrubbing too hard. Stiff brushes and heavy hands leave dents and holes in fine mesh.
- Harsh chemicals. Bleach and ammonia can weaken the mesh and stain metal frames.
- Stacking wet screens. Damp screens leaned together can bend and grow mildew.
- Mixing them up. A screen in the wrong window may not seal, so insects slip past.
When to Do It in the Chicago Area
Most homes should clean window screens twice a year. The best times are spring, before you open the windows, and fall, before you store them for winter. Taking screens down for the cold months also lets in more winter sun and keeps ice off the mesh. If you live near a busy road or under big trees, a quick rinse in midsummer helps too. While the screens are out, check the tracks they sit in as well. Our guide to window tracks and locks explains how.
Wash the Glass While the Screens Are Out
With the screens off, it’s the perfect time to wash the glass too. You can reach the outside of each pane without working around the frame. For the best finish, use a squeegee, wipe the blade after every pass, and dry the edges with a lint-free cloth. Our article on streak-free windows covers the full technique.
Let Ernest Windows Handle the Screens
Ernest Windows has served homes across the Chicago area since 2003. Our crews remove, clean, and reinstall window screens as part of a full window cleaning, so you never have to haul them to the driveway. We also wash storm windows, sills, and tracks. The company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and every estimate is free.
We serve Deerfield, Northbrook, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, and the surrounding Chicago area, seven days a week. Contact us today for a free estimate.
