4 Steps to Cleaning a Window Screen and Patio Screen Door

Getting your window screens and patio door screens cleaned is as important as cleaning the windows. However, most homeowners don’t clean their screens until they are extremely dirty. At this point it may take a little more elbow grease, but it can still be done.

Step One: Remove Your Window Screen or Patio Screen DoorTo get your window screen or patio door screen really clean, you will need to remove it. This is not only the best way to get it clean; this is the easiest way as well. Find a nice spot in the yard where the screen will be able to be cleaned, but also won’t get dirty again once it is cleaned.Step Two: Dust Your Window Screen or Patio Screen DoorTo get all of the loose dirt and dust out of your patio screen door or window screen, gently hit the screen with a dust rag. Once you have got as much out as possible that way, use a hand-held vacuum or an attachment on your regular vacuum to clean even more off of the screen.Step Three: Scrub Your Window Screen or Patio Screen DoorDip a soft/medium bristle brush in a bucket containing a mix of warm water and a little dish soap, and then scrub your window screen or patio door screen. Scrub just hard enough to get all of the dirt off, but not too hard that you damage the screen. Continue to scrub until you have it as clean as you think it is going to get.In some cases, the screen may be worn or look faded, but is clean. If this is the case, you may want to consider replacing your window screen or patio screen door with a new one. A new screen will make your home look much better and cleaner than your old, faded one.Step Four: Dry Your Window Screen or Patio Screen DoorTo dry your screen, instead of wiping it down with a towel you are actually going to hit it lightly with the towel until all of the water is off. This will prevent the lint and other material from getting stuck in the screen, so you don’t have to clean it again. The outer edges of the window screen or patio screen door can be wiped down with a towel.