andKeeping a living area tidy encompasses many aspects, and one small yet vital component are window meshes, or screens, that protect from unwanted bugs, debris and pollutants. Unfortunately, window screens are a double-edged sword. While they protect from unwanted guests, they accumulate dust, pollen and allergenes which clog, cloud and compromise air quality. The good news is that you don’t need to remove window screens to clean them. Window screens can be cleaned while still attached to the window, requiring only a few simple steps.
Why Cleaning Window Screens Is Important
Cleaning window screens may feel unimportant, yet is vital because it prevents allergens from flooding the living area.
Dust, Pollen and other Materials Clogging the Window Screens
The purpose of a window screen is to allow air to circulate the home and to prevent bugs and debris from entering. However, dust, dirt, and pollen can be a blockage, creating a lack of airflow needed for a home to be ventilated and feel unstuffed. Screens can be cleaned to restore the effectiveness of a screen and a home.
Screens Communicate Allergen Particles
Pollen trap screens cause allergy problems. Tree, grass, and flower pollen are windborne and screens trap them. They are a breeding ground for allergens. By removing screens, you reduce the allergenic load in your homes.
Screens Impact Bad Indoor Air Quality
Screens impact your air quality. A build up of screens creates a build up of pollutants. When screens are cleaned, allergens are not trapped in the air which increases air quality. It improves a healthy quality of life.
Screens Make Spaces Stuffy
Screens also make rooms feel stuffy. Pollens and dust clog screens which slow air movement. It makes the room feel warm and less fresh. Clean screens promote good air circulation which keeps living spaces comfortable.
Which Screen Types Can Be Cleaned In Place?
No two window screens are the same. Some types are more suited for in-place cleaning than others. Here’s a breakdown of the more common window screen types that can be cleaned in place.
- The most common type of window screen is fiberglass. Fiberglass window screens can be made flexible and durable and are safe to use gentle cleaning methods on because they can handle them without breaking. This is s why screens can be cleaned in place.
- Metal mesh screens and aluminum screens are the most durable types of window screens. They are still safe to clean in place, but do require a bit more concern. These screens can withstand gentle pressure but should not be scrubbed in a violent manner, or they will be damaged. To help the screens last as long as possible, clean them with gentle methods.
Quick Screen Check Before You Start
Check the condition of your window screens. Make sure your window screens are in good condition so that you do not cause damage while cleaning.
- No tears or loose corners: Check the screen mesh for any shredding or rough edges and corners. Screen damage will require you to repair it before cleaning to avoid further damage.
- Frame is securely seated: Make sure the frame is seated properly in the window. If it is loose and not secure, do so before cleaning.
- Mesh not brittle or sagging: Inspec the screen for brittleness and sagging, especially if it has been in rough weather before. If the screen is weakened, cleaning it might break it, so be careful.
If your screen is in poor condition, it’s better to repair or replace the screen before cleaning, so you don’t cause further damage.
Most Efficient Techniques to Clean Window Screens While Keeping Them Installed
You have repaired your screen. Now we can get to the cleaning. We will discuss the most efficient methods to cleaning window screens while keeping them installed. We will break it down step-by-step.
Step 1. Eliminating Top Layer Dust
Before we apply any cleaning products, we ought to remove the top layer dust first. The most efficient way to accomplish this would be to use a vacuum with a brush attachment. If you do not have a vacuum, then a microfiber cloth will also work. From this point, you will have to collect all the dust and dirt that you identify on the surface. It is important that we remove the top layer dust because we will then make the cleaning process more efficient.
Step 2. Cleaning
We would next make a light cleaning solution to bring the dirt level down further and mix some warm water with some light soap. We will use more of a damp sponge rather than a wet one and we to be careful and avoid drenching the screen so we do not soak the frame. Do not be vigorous with your cleaning.
Step 3: Mild Rinse
After cleaning the screen with soap and water, a mild rinse should be performed. Avoid soaking the mesh or the frame, as water damage and mold development are possible. As a rinse, a little spray with a clean water bottle or a damp cloth is sufficient to remove lingering soap from the screen.
Step 4: Allow to Air Dry
After finishing the clean, keep the window open so the screen can dry without any cloths or papers. Streaks and residue on the mesh will be avoided. Make sure to not close the window until the screen has fully dried for adequate air flow.
Cleaning Tips for Allergy Sufferers
Cleaning your window screens can help reduce allergens in your home, especially if you suffer from allergies. Here are some extra tips to help with allergy prevention:
- Dust is usually at its lowest in the morning and evening, so aim to clean your screens at that time.
- Gloves and a Mask: If you are sensitive to dust and pollen, wearing a mask and gloves when cleaning may reduce irritation.
- Before Peaks in Allergy Season, Clean Screens: Cleaning screens prior to high pollen times will give you the maximum time to enjoy a pollen-free home.
- Target Living Room and Bedroom Screens: Since those are the rooms you occupy the most, cleaning the screens in those areas will provide the best return on investment to your health.
What Not To Use on Window Screens
While cleaning window screens is important, there are a few tools you should avoid using to ensure you don’t damage the screens:
- Stiff Brushes: Don’t use hard scrubbers or stiff brushes. You will break or bend the mesh.
- Excessive Water: Water should be used sparingly. Too much will weaken the mesh and cause sagging and breakage.
- Harsh Chemicals: Cleaning wipes and sprays with harsh chemicals can increase brittleness and discoloration of the mesh and frame.
With screens, a soft touch is best.
Seasonal Window Screen Cleaning Checklist
Routine cleaning of each window screen should be a seasonal maintenance task. A checklist is shown below for maintaining your window screen’s condition year-round.
| Season | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Remove pollen and dust | Allergy prevention |
| Summer | Light rinse | Maintain airflow |
| Fall | Clear debris | Prep for closed windows |
| Winter | Inspect only | Avoid moisture damage |
How Often Should You Clean Window Screens?
Location, lifestyle, and your sensitivity to allergens each factor into how often screens require cleaning. In decent pollen areas, cleaning every 2-3 months is reasonable. In allergy prone homes, screen cleaning should be done every month. If a storm occurs or construction work is done in your area, screens should be cleaned to remove debris and dust.
How Cleaning Extends the Life of Window Screens
Regular maintenance cleaning allows window screens to last longer. Some ways this occurs is detailed below:
- Prevention of mesh breakdown: If dust and debris are allowed to build up, the mesh will be worn down and may build up causing tears and sagging.
- Less frame stress: Screens will be weighted down and thus run the risk of having the frame warped or breaking.
- Efficiency of airflow is maintained: A more comfortable home is provided with screens that provide good ventilation and airflow.
By preserving your screens, you extend their lifespan, as well as the efficiency of your windows.
Conclusion: Maintaining the Freedom of a Screen
Added to normal care, light cleaning means you do not have to remove your screens to keep them in good condition. It enhances air circulation, visibility and the build up of allergens, improving indoor air quality. Following the steps will not only keep your window screens clean, but will make your home more comfortable and healthier.
