A blocking tool helps you block out excessive sunlight from outside. The problem is that not everyone knows how to clean window screens without disassembling or damaging them.
Although it looks troublesome, there is a window screen cleaning hack that you can apply. With minimal costs and almost no hassle, you can get your brand new feature again.
If you have difficulty maintaining it, do not rush to call professional services. Do these following tips and see how to clean window screens easily without a mess.
A. What is a Window Screen
Before talking about how to clean window screens, it is a good idea to know what features we are discussing.
In short, it is a sheet to keep unwanted things from entering the house.
There are many terms for this feature, including fly screen, wire mesh, or net. In addition to limiting the intensity of excessive sunlight into the house, this object also repels insects.
Window screens are available in various sizes, from 3.6 mm to 4.8 mm, with increments of 0.25 mm.
The material varies, but the most remarkable is aluminum.
Aluminum is favourable because of high effectiveness to protect the inside of the house. However, a fiberglass-based is also an option due to economical purpose.
The installation is also quite simple, namely by sticking it on the frame.
However, disassembling will be a hassle that you need to know how to clean window screens without removing them.
B. Know the Type of Your Window Screen
Learning how to clean window screens will be less than perfect if you do not understand the type of fixture itself.
The reason is, each may require different treatment.
Therefore, understanding the model is necessary, so you will get the right treatment. Here are some types you need to know?
1. Aluminum
As we discussed above, the aluminum window screens is the most popular model. The material is metal mesh and has high durability.
Black is indeed very popular, but you have other options.
With their strength and aesthetics, aluminum window screens are generally quite expensive compared to others.
Even though it has strength, the metal material makes it easy to stain or rust. Therefore, users need to frequently clean and coat it with a special protector.
On the other hand, how to clean mesh window screens is not as simple as other materials. You have to ensure that the cleaner does not lead to rust and corrosion.
2. Fiberglass
Like aluminum, fiberglass is also very popular as window screens. The advantage is that this material is corrosion-free and rust-free.
Unfortunately, it is less durable than aluminum, with a shorter lifespan. No wonder the price is lower.
Although less durable, fiberglass is small enough to keep insects from entering the house. This material also allows light to come in well into the room.
3. Solar-based
For those who live in areas with high light intensity, the sunlight entering the house is sometimes quite disturbing. Hence you will need solar window screens.
This material is popular in outdoor use, for example, for patios, porches, decks, and others. The solar-based can reduce the intensity of sunlight by 30-40%.
Not only that, but this tutorial also helps lower the temperature because it can absorb heat. Surely this can help you save the budget for air conditioning bills.
4. Privacy and Security Oriented
At first glance, it looks like aluminum window screens. But if you notice, the material is much thicker.
As the name suggests, it is for privacy and security purposes.
This model is pry-proof with an easy-to-clean surface. You can generally find this material in offices or properties that require security.
Furthermore, this model can withstand the effects of bad weather, including rain, heat, and snow.
5. The Specialty
If you have a pet that potentially damages furniture, this model is a great choice. The base material is vinyl-coated polyester with high resilience.
This material is excellent for blocking out excess light and turning it into a shady state. It is also very simple in use and suitable for household purposes.
C. Calling a Professional Service, What Does It Cost?
Although trivial, but not everyone knows how to clean windows. Instead, they prefer to use a cleaning service that is experienced and has complete tools.
Keeping this area clean is prominent, but you also need to consider the cost. For one work, you can only spend from $ 70 to $ 93.
In one visit, the service provider will charge a service fee, along with a window screen cleaning tool and cleaner compensation.
Costs can increase if the dirt is stubborn and the area is large enough.
If only occasionally, the cost may be reasonable. But the thing is, ensuring cleanliness is something you have to think about almost every day.
So, if you are interested in learning how to clean window screens by yourself, follow the discussion in the next section.
D. How to Clean Window Screens by Yourself
Whether you are going to use it or not, knowing how to clean window screens is a skill you should master.
Regardless of material and model, in this section, we will discuss how to clean window screens in outline.
If there are differences, we will discuss them in the next section. Here is the guide:
1. Tools and Cleaners to Prepare
Preparing tools and cleaners is an important thing that you should do before learning how to clean windows.
Not all cleaners are suitable for this section that you have to be able to tell the difference. They are as follow:
- Soft bristle brush
- Warm water
- Lint roller
- Mild soap
- Vacuum
- Magic eraser
- Vinegar for stubborn stains
- Plastic sheet to cover window and floor
- Microfiber cloth
Note: Use some of the tools above as needed. For light stains, you can simply use soapy water as cleaner solution.
2. How to Clean Window Screens: The Basic Steps
Warm water and soap are critical components in the how to clean window screens process. You will also need a vacuum to clean the dust and a cloth to remove the stains.
If you are ready with tools and cleaner, then now is the time to get to work.
Remember to wear comfortable clothes and protect your face from dust with a mask. Here are the steps:
- First of all, use plastic sheets to cover windows and floors. The goal is to accommodate the dust so as not to fall on them.
- Use a vacuum to eliminate the dust. Clean it well until you feel enough and ready to jump right into the next step.
- Prepare a soap solution in warm water. Then, you can choose the cleaner tool, for example, magic eraser or brush.
- After dipping the tool into soap, you can start cleaning it slowly.
- Next, gently wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth after cleaning. Do it before the liquid dries for maximum results.
- When finished, you can spray the surface with clean water or rinse.
- Dry for several hours. After that, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a tint roller as a final touch.
Because it is not too difficult, you can apply this “how to clean window screens” method at any time. However, you can contact the experts at any time if necessary.
3. Window Screen Cleaning Hack
The steps above are the basic things you can do on how to clean window screens. However, here are some tips for maximum results.
- Some people clean the window screen by removing and cleaning separately.
But if you feel bothered, do other more practical techniques by using toothbrush or vacuum cleaner.
- How to clean window screens with magic eraser gives fast and instant results. Try using it.
- For stubborn stains, you can use other, more powerful ingredients, such as vinegar.
- How to clean window screens with vinegar is simple too. Mix it a little in soapy water and wipe it with a cleaning tool.
- In addition to a vacuum cleaner, a lint roller is a tool to make cleaning dust easier. You can use it if the dirt is not too much.
It turns out how to clean window screens is quiet easy. You can start cleaning them with available tools and materials by yourself.
E. Additional Tips on How to Clean Window Screens
In the section above, you have learned how to clean window screens easily. Although it looks complicated, this method is very effective and not troublesome.
Otherwise, you may need special treatment for several conditions. These are some extra tips on how to clean window screens.
1. How to Clean Window Screens without Removing Them
Although it is easy to disassemble, doing it every time cleaning may be a hassle. But calm down, without taking the window screens out, we can clean them. Let us discuss about it.
The procedure is similar to the previous technique that we have discussed. However, you may need a vacuum cleaner to reduce dust and dirt. Use it before starting to clean.
Once you feel safe from dust, you can use the same method as above.
It is just that you need to prepare two cans, one containing clean water and the other for the soapy one.
The thing you need to remember, do not use a fibrous cloth, for example, foam, because it can get stuck on the screen.
Better to use a soft-unused shirt for wiping. Here are the steps:
- For soapy water, you can also add borax powder and ammonia for effective results.
- After using a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust, start cleaning the window screen with soapy water. Use an appropriate rag.
- Occasionally, dip the cloth into soapy water to reduce the dust that sticks. Squeeze well.
- After feeling enough, you can take a clean cloth and dip it in water without soap. Scrub the window screen to clean.
- Leave to dry or use a dryer. Now you can enjoy a clean window screen.
2. How to Clean the Inside of a Double Pane Window
Using a double panel window does invite its challenges. This design opens from two fused glass allowing for an in-between gap.
One that often appears is fog. Although it can appear on its own, window screen cleaning will leave moisture in the area causing this phenomenon.
Handling is easy, namely by fogging. The problem is, this process will leave a dirty trail on the glass. Thus, after cleaning the screen, you have to deal with the windows as well.
But you do not have to worry. Try rubbing alcohol on the glass to reduce moisture. Instead of fog, you can use this technique to prevent dirty windows.
If you later need to clean windows, avoid using too much water. Another way, please close the existing gap to avoid the fog.
To make it easier, you can also use a double panel window kit to clean it perfectly. It is all in the manual.
3. How to Clean outside Windows You Can’t Reach
Several building structures make you unable to reach the windows easily. For example, the location is too high or in a far corner.
Even though it is difficult, that does not mean you cannot do it. You can use the extension tool to help you reach that section.
In addition, to do the job easily. some people also use a lint roller. This object is quite effective for cleaning the dust that is light dirt attached.
If you find stubborn stains, use cleaning fluid to remove them. Apply a microfiber cloth with soapy water.
For the rest, apply the basic techniques as we discussed above. Now you know that cleaning tools are the necessary thing in the house.
4. How to Clean Outside Windows on Second Floor
The next topic is how to clean window screens in high locations, especially outside the second floor. If you find this difficult, try this easy method.
To clean in this part, you will need a water hose. You do not have to climb as this is risky. Thus, do the following steps:
- Prepare cleaning fluid and tools. Then spray water on the window with a hose until evenly distributed. Use small pressure.
- Use an extended cleaning cloth. Dip in soap and scrub the window from the bottom.
- Please rinse it again with water after cleaning. Your work is done.
One thing you need to pay attention to is the flow of water. Make sure there is a catch under the window to avoid splashing or hitting other people.
5. How to Clean the Window Outside the High-floor Apartment
If you live in an apartment, cleaning windows may be a hassle. You can call for professional services, but think about how much it costs if you do it continuously.
When in this situation, try to see how the structure of your apartment windows. If it is possible to disassemble, then remove it first before cleaning. After that, you can do it easily.
In addition, you also clean it from the inside with the extension tool. The method is more or less the same as the tips we discussed earlier.
But what if you live in a room with a fixed window? You may find it hard to remove accumulated stains.
Therefore, you may be able to use a cleaning tool.
Currently, many magnetic window cleaner products will clean the outside of the glass easily. The price is approximately $ 50 per unit but has high effectiveness for vacuuming.
Moreover, there are other cleaning tool products that you can try.
If a magnetic window cleaner is too expensive, you should, at least, have an extension tool to help reach the out-of-reach areas.
6. Is it Safe to Use a Pressure Washer?
This cleaning machine is indeed the idol of many people because it is the best in getting rid of stubborn stains.
But can this be part of the “how to clean window screens”?
I would say no. Although you can clean it instantly, too much pressure will damage the screen. Also, it can break the glass. Therefore, using a hose is a wise choice.
F. Conclusion
The existence of a window screen is critical, especially if you live in an area with high light intensity or are prone to insect attacks.
It dispels distractions and ensures the safety of the occupants of the house.
If you install it correctly, window screens also help to neutralize the temperature so that it can reduce electricity bills.
However, you must pay attention to cleanliness. If you have always thought cleaning windows is a thing, then start changing that mind-set.
You can do this easily through the tips on how to clean window screens that we discussed above. At least you understand the technique in case you need it later.
Also read:
- The Main Differences Between Single and Double Hung Windows
- 10 Unique Ways To Transform Old Windows Into Home Decor
- Standard Bedroom Window Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide