Having windows that are clean improves curb appeal and quite frankly makes the inside of your home feel cleaner and brighter too. But did you know that cleaning windows periodically actually helps protect and preserve the glass, window frames and screens? By eliminating dust and dirt buildup on these surfaces, they’ll look great and last longer.
Overall, window washing is not a popular chore and even more dreaded is cleaning windows with screens. While screens make it easy to open the windows to let in those spring fresh breezes while keeping the bugs at bay, cleaning them can be a hassle. If you’re looking for a way to clean your screened outside windows, it’s possible whether you remove the screens or not.
How to Clean Windows without Removing the Screens
Removing window screens isn’t always easy, whether due to design or simply too difficult. Fortunately, we have a solution to cleaning your windows and screens at the same time.
- Prepping Your Windows - Before starting, be sure all windows are closed and locked, plugging any holes that may allow water inside.
- Make Your Cleaning Solution - Fill a spray bottle with a small amount of dish soap and hot water, shake to mix.
- Washing the Windows and Screens - Spray exterior screens and windows until well saturated and allow it to soak in for several minutes. Then, using a water hose, thoroughly spray surfaces to rinse away cleaning solution and remove any debris.
- The Finishing Touches - Finally, open each window from inside your home and dry off the screens and glass with a quality, reusable microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Non-Removable Window Screens
Just as it’s no fun to peer out of a smudged window, trying to see through a screen filled with dust, webs or dried leaves is also unsatisfying. The following suggestions work well for cleaning screens that aren’t removable, or if you need a solution that doesn’t require a lot of time.
One suggestion that is fast and easy is using a lint roller. The tacky sheets work great for whisking away dust and loose dirt from screen surfaces and small window crevices without detaching the screens.
Another solution is using the vacuum and soft bristle brush attachment, gently moving across the entire screen surface. The brush and suction will quickly remove debris and this method can be incorporated into those routine chores to prevent dirt accumulation.
How to Clean Removable Window Screens
In the event your window screens can be removed safely and easily, perhaps you’re up for giving them a detailed cleaning. Here’s how:
- Detach the screens from all accessible windows. If there are multiple sizes, consider labeling them with removable tape.
- Prop the screens upright or lay down on a tarp.
- Mix a cleaning solution using a few drops of dish detergent, hot water, and distilled vinegar.
- Gently scrub the screens with a cloth and cleaner, then rinse with water.
- Allow the screens to dry thoroughly before re-installing.
While the screens are drying, why not take advantage of having full access to the exterior window glass and frames. Wipe down or vacuum the frames and corners to remove leaves and dirt. Next, clean the windows with a DIY cleaner and buff to a shine with a lint-free cloth.
Overall, cleaning windows with screens isn’t that difficult as long as you have the proper tools and information. And, the more frequently the chore is taken care of, the less mess there is to deal with.