Window screens are an essential part of a home in most areas of the country. During moderate weather, they allow you to open your windows and let the breeze flow through while keeping debris and insects out. Unfortunately, screens are one of those components that are sometimes poorly or improperly maintained.
Removing a window screen from its frame
Window screens take a lot of abuse. Over time, cobwebs, dirt, pollen, and bugs can accumulate. The weather and sun can also take their toll on the components of the screens. An annual inspection of your home’s exterior, plus some cleaning and maintenance, will help to keep your home’s window screens in good condition and working properly.
Window Screen Dos and Don’ts
For the most part, window screens are pretty sturdy and have few moving parts. Annual maintenance and a few basic guidelines will help keep your window screens clean and looking good.
Things you should do:
· Anything big that attaches to your window screens should be removed immediately. Large cobwebs, leaves, or bird “exhaust” should be cleaned off sooner rather than later. Some window screen materials can be prone to rust or mold if left unchecked. It will also make annual cleaning easier.
· Choose the proper cleaning supplies. Window screens can be made of metal, nylon, or fiberglass. Choosing the proper cleaning detergent and methods will help protect your window screens and aid in cleaning.
· Repair versus replacement can cause some confusion. If your window screen has a small hole or tear, it can be repaired with a window screen repair kit. If the frame is fine but the screen material has large damage, have the window screen material replaced.
Damaged window screen
Things you should not do:
· Do not use a pressure washer. The force from a pressure washer is too strong, even at its lowest setting, for most window screen materials. The pressure will prematurely wear the window screen materials and/or the frame.
· Stay away from harsh cleaning solutions or chemicals. A mild soap solution, vinegar, and warm water will handle most cleaning needs on your window screens.
Remove Your Window Screens for Winter
People rarely open their windows during the winter months. Even if they are opened, the chances of bugs and debris are less likely when it’s freezing outside. Winter weather can also be damaging to your window screens. High winds, sleet, and ice can damage your window screens.
It is best to remove your window screens in the late fall to protect them from exposure to the harsh winter elements. Removing your window screens also helps brighten the interior of your home during the months that experience the least natural light.
How to Clean Window Screens
After a long spring and summer, your window screens can be a bit dirty. Inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining your window screens in late fall is the best. They performed their job diligently through spring, summer, and early fall to keep debris and insects out. Taking care of this chore now allows you to store your window screens when they are clean and ready for spring.
Things you need:
· Large beach or bath towels
· Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
· Bucket of warm soapy water or a mixture of white vinegar and water
· Sponge or washcloth
· Garden hose with spray attachment
Cleaning steps:
· Vacuum your window screens. Remove the window screen and lay it on a large towel. This will help protect your window screen from damage and scratches. Use the vacuum with a brush attachment to gently vacuum debris from both sides of the window screen as well as the frame and edges.
Take the time to vacuum out the window frame. There can be a lot of debris buildup that, over time, can make it difficult to remove and replace the window screen. Use soap and water to remove anything left behind after vacuuming.
Dirt and debris on the window screen and frame
· Wipe down your window screens. Use that bucket of warm, soapy water and a sponge. Even after vacuuming, there will be a lot of dirt on your screens. Change out your soap and water as needed; it’s going to get dirty a lot faster than you think. I have found that dish soap works really well for cleaning window screens.
Keep in mind that all the gunk and debris you are vacuuming and washing away is the stuff your window screens kept from getting inside your home!
· Rinse your window screens. After everything is cleaned, gently rinse your window screens. It works best if you can lean them up against something vertically. Make sure you rinse all debris and residue from the window screens to prevent any buildup. Keep the water pressure low and avoid aggressive spraying to prevent damage to your window screens.
· Dry your window screens. As you are drying your window screens, make sure to do a thorough inspection for any missed debris or damage. Use a towel to gently pat down and dry your window screens, or if you have a nice sunny area, it’s ok to let them air dry. After everything is dry, store your window screens somewhere out of the elements until spring.
Summary
Annual inspection, cleaning, and winter storage will help keep your window screens performing at their best for you for years to come. Taking care of this maintenance chore in the late fall will give you a leg up on your spring cleaning chores.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Deferred maintenance and damage to your window screens can turn a relatively simple project into a more serious repair when left unchecked. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.