How to Clean Window Screens Without Removing Them

Although it doesn’t seem like much of an issue when compared to other aspects, dirty window screens can not only impact the décor of your house but also negatively influence the air inside the room. A clean window screen is also essential if you or your family members suffer from any form of allergies, as trapped dust particles in the windows can easily trigger them. You can clean them by taking it apart, but it’s much more time-consuming. So, this article will assist you in learning the best way to clean your window screens from the inside or outside of the house without removing them.

Methods For Cleaning Window Screens

There are two specific methods of cleaning your window screens, based on the type of residue and severity of the dirt build-up. With the help of this article, you don’t have to replace those unsalvageable window screens that are damaging the air quality of the house and becoming a health hazard for you and your family.

Method 1: Cleaning Solution and Vacuum 

When your window screen is layered with grime and dirt build-up over the years, it’s easier to give it a bath, preferably on a sunny day, so it can be air-dried. This is a relatively easy method, which is applicable to most general types of window screens.Warning: Wear the air filter mask before starting the task as the dust from the window will enter your house and can trigger allergies.

Step 1: Remove the Loose Dust

Use the dry dishcloth to remove the excess dust on top of the layer of dirt build-up. Make sure that your dishcloth is dry, so the loose dust can easily come off.

Step 2: Clean the Dirt Build-up 

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle attachment to make sure that the screen doesn’t stretch or damage and go over the window. A vacuum is the perfect tool to remove large dirt build-up and grime, as the suction removes hard-to-see debris on the corners and edges. Go over the screen with a soft bristle toothbrush afterwards to get rid of any leftover excess dust.

Step 3: Create the Optimal Setting to Avoid Mess 

Lay down some blankets and tarps on either side of the screens, as cleaning attached window screens is a messy task, especially when using water.

Step 4: Make the Cleaning Solution

Fill a bucket with warm water and add ¼ cup of dish soap to each ½ gallon of water, or you can mix ¼ cup of vinegar for a similar effect. For a deep clean method which would include grime and other dirt-like substances, mix five gallons of warm water, one-fourth cup of ammonia, 4 tablespoons of dish soap, 3 tablespoons of Borax for a strong cleaning solution.

Step 5: Remove Layer of Dirt 

Use a sponge or a lint-free rag with the cleaning solution and wipe down the window screen. And make sure lint doesn’t get stuck in the window holes and wring out the rag as frequently as possible. Wipe down the screen several times with the cleaning solution and dip the rag or sponge in plain warm water several times in between to make sure there is no residue with the cleaning solution.

Step 6: Clean out Residue 

Use a clean rag on plain warm water and wipe down the entire window screen afterwards to remove the cleaning solution residue. Clean out any other residue by going over the screen multiple times with the vacuum with soft-bristle and the toothbrush. Apply a lint roller to remove any excess lint trapped between the holes. And let the screen air-dry on a sunny day.

Method 2: Rusty Screens Method 

Metal screens on outdoor sheds and other such areas are usually exposed to damage from rough weather. And instead of removing these screens altogether and buying new ones, try this cleaning solution method to save yourself a couple of bucks! Warning: Use a rough bristle brush or a wire scrub pad to remove the rust. And make sure to check all the exposed wood in the corners and edges of the window, because it might further damage the panels. 

Step 1: Apply Household Vinegar

Wipe the screen with household vinegar in intervals, using a clean dishcloth or rag. Let the vinegar sit for a couple of hours, and apply vinegar periodically in the middle. You can also fill a spray bottle with vinegar, spray the rusted spots, and let it sit for a couple of hours.

Step 2: Remove Rust 

Dip a bristle brush or a wire scrub in warm water and scrub out the rusted areas. This will be time-consuming, but rest assured, the rust will slowly rub off. Once the rust is removed, wipe out the vinegar residue with very little warm water using a rag. Make sure there is no excess water that will cause more rust in the future.

Step 3: Make Cleaning Solution (Optional) 

If the rust can’t be removed with vinegar, mix water and baking soda in a toothpaste consistency and apply it directly to the rusted areas using a soft bristle toothbrush. Let the solution sit for a couple of hours and scrub using the toothbrush until the rust starts to come off. Use a dry cloth to wipe off the solution and residue. And make sure not to apply water to the window after finishing the job.

Clean Your Window Screens without Breaking the Bank! 

Cleaning screens can be the most tedious task in terms of housework, but with the right equipment at your disposal, you can easily get this chore done with time to spare!Don’t wait until the dirt and grime build-up starts obstructing your view to take on this task. As the longer you put it off, the harder it can be to properly clean out the screens. Wiping the screen down once in a while using a lint roller can lessen the damage in the long term.