Whether your window screens keep bugs and debris out or simply inhibit your view, they can get pretty grimy over time. Cleaning them is an easy DIY project that doesn’t require much in terms of tools or elbow grease.
Start by removing the screens from their window frames. Make sure you label each screen with a piece of tape to avoid mixing them up when re-installing them. Read this first!
Window Cleaner
Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can build up on windowsills, lowering indoor air quality and causing health problems over time. A window cleaning helps to clear the air in your property and increase its freshness.
Regular window cleaning also helps to keep the glass and frames in good condition. Professional teams are trained to spot small issues, like cracked frames or shattered glass, and fix them before they become bigger problems.
A clean window makes a great first impression on visitors and potential customers. Businesses, especially retail stores, should schedule cleanings at least once a month. For homeowners, a clean window provides added curb appeal and can help to increase the final selling price of your home.
Vacuum
Vacuuming is a great way to remove fine dust, pollen, and spider webs from window screens without damaging them. Use a brush attachment and work on each side of the screen to get the job done.
Before you begin scrubbing your window screens, make sure to spread a tarp or drop cloth to protect the floor and carpet in your home. It is also a good idea to wear rubber gloves for this step as well, as some cleaners are harsh on the skin.
Mix warm water with a small amount of nonabrasive cleaner (like a gentle dishwashing liquid) and apply it to your lint-free microfiber cloth. Scrub each screen thoroughly and rinse with a hose at the lowest pressure setting.
Squeegee
Paper towels and rags can leave streaks and require frequent washing, while a quality squeegee is easy to use and leaves windows clean without drips. Try a squeegee with a telescoping pole that rotates and extends more than five feet for the hard-to-reach areas.
The squeegee’s rubber blade should be dry between each stroke to prevent streaking. If the blade has a dried cleaning solution on it, wipe it with a microfiber cloth to remove the water.
Experts recommend using a method called fanning, in which the squeegee is moved back and forth across the window to avoid water or cleaning solution getting under the edge of the rubber blade. This requires practice, but it produces better results than a basic straight-down column-stroke method.
Microfiber Cloth
Using a microfiber cloth is an excellent choice for cleaning window screens. These are specially made to be lint-free, so you don’t risk spreading dirt around. You can find these cloths at most home improvement stores.
You should sweep up the dust and dirt before you get started. Doing so will prevent the gunk from mixing with the cleaner and turning into a muddy mess that is impossible to wipe away.
You will also want to use a sponge or rag dipped in the cleaning solution. Be sure to wring it out, as you don’t want it to drip on the screen or frame.
Baking Soda
Baking soda isn’t just for baking cakes, it also has many household uses, including cleaning. Its abrasive nature makes it ideal for removing dirt and stains without scratching the glass.
It can be used alone or paired with vinegar to create a more powerful solution for a grimier job. To use this potent duo, mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply generously.
Spray a small amount of baking soda over the windows and let it react with the vinegar. The resulting fizz removes tough stains from uPVC window frames, wooden sills, and vinyl or fiberglass windows.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural substance that has many uses around the home. It is inexpensive and eco-friendly, yet it is also very effective. When used for window cleaning, vinegar eliminates mineral deposits and leaves a streak-free finish.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which gives it its pungent odor and kills bacteria. For window cleaning, it works best when diluted with water and is sprayed on the glass. Then, wipe the solution off using a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Be careful not to spray the window frame or squeegee, as these surfaces could be damaged by acid.
Always apply the vinegar solution on a cloudy day, as sunlight causes it to dry too quickly and leave streaks. Click here for the next blog post.
