Have you considered working on your windows on a free weekend? Thought about making them sparkle again, but not quite sure how to go about it? Or maybe trying to convince yourself that they’re worth it? Taking care of your window screens is another essential task that often gets overlooked. It can significantly improve airflow and keep out unwanted pests. Consider adding window screen maintenance to your list next time you tackle home improvement projects!
Well, we are the experienced voice you need to hear.
Why should you consider window screen maintenance?
Here are a few reasons that will encourage you to slap on those gloves and get it over with:
- Cleaning your window screens improves room ventilation (much needed in the afternoons of June and July, you’d agree).
- It boosts the overall beauty of your home (if the sun is going to come up blazing per usual, you might as well benefit from it).
- It improves visibility. No more squinting and moving your head around to catch a glimpse of what’s going on in your yard.
How to go about window screen maintenance
Window screen cleaning is best done very early in the day, before the sun comes up.
There are two parts to window screen maintenance: the mesh/frame and the tracks (depending on whether it’s a sliding screen or not). Due to their functions, these parts require different methods to keep them happy and sparkly.
The mesh/frame
- You’ll need a soft brush to remove dust and the occasional cobwebs from your window.
- In place of detergent, use a cup of white vinegar and a spoonful of dish soap in a gallon of water. This mixture is sure to take care of the dirt while giving you some of those satisfying soap suds.
- You’ll need a small piece of cloth wet and dripping with your solution (though you might want to keep a bucket of it at hand). Of course, you’d need clean water available, too (from a hose or bucket).
Most screens are designed to be able to come off freely. Try prying it out from the top and working your way down. You can use a finger or a screwdriver. Regular window screen maintenance, such as checking for loose fittings or stuck edges, can make this process smoother.
If yours is the sliding type, grasp it firmly a quarter of the way up from the bottom and lift. Lifting it will push the top to cover the clearance above. You can then pull the bottom towards yourself until it clears the tracks, then lower it so the top comes free of the tracks too.
That’s one step down.
Use the soft brush to get rid of the dust and webs before using the dripping cloth to wash the whole thing. Think car washing. Just be careful not to press down too hard on the mesh so you don’t rip it.
Rinse it with clean water until there is no trace of soapiness then leave it out to dry. Ten minutes in the seven o’clock summer sun should do.
On to the tracks
You’re likely to see a load of sand and dust down there. Just vacuum it.
Or use the soft brush to push it all to a corner and work on packing it out with a comfortably-sized piece of paper, something that can bear the weight.
This kind of cleaning is a simple but essential part of regular window screen maintenance and helps extend the life of your screens.
Now, on to the next window before the sun comes up and makes things harder for you.
When you’re putting back the screen, pop in the screen from the top first. Ensure the top doesn’t have so much clearance that the bottom has no space to fit in.
For the sliding screens, align the top of the screen frame with the appropriate track and push in and upwards until it sits snugly and the bottom has enough space for you to push it onto the right track and let it rest. Test its fit before calling it a day.
If you’d like the assurance of professional work without the hassle, though, we’re here for you. Arizona Window Washers is your go-to company for all things concerning window washing. We are a professional window washing company whose work will leave you reluctant to close your blinds for a long time after (we are talking weeks here!). We offer pressure washing services for commercial and residential properties, and at affordable and fair rates too.
We live to serve property owners in the beautiful city of Phoenix, Arizona. You can contact us for more information or if you are interested and wish to set up an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I perform window screen maintenance?
It’s recommended to carry out window screen maintenance at least twice a year—ideally in spring and fall. However, in areas like Phoenix, where dust and heat are constant factors, more frequent maintenance may be needed to keep your screens effective and clean.
What tools and supplies do I need for window screen maintenance?
Basic window screen maintenance requires a soft brush, a cloth, clean water, and a gentle cleaning solution made with white vinegar and dish soap. For the screen tracks, a vacuum cleaner or a piece of stiff paper can help remove dust and debris.
Can window screen maintenance improve ventilation in my home?
Yes, window screen maintenance plays a crucial role in improving home ventilation. Clean screens allow air to flow more freely, which is especially beneficial during the hot afternoons of June and July in Phoenix.
How do I clean the tracks during window screen maintenance?
To clean the tracks as part of your window screen maintenance routine, vacuum the area first to remove loose dirt. Then, use a soft brush or piece of paper to gather and remove built-up dust and debris, ensuring the screen glides smoothly.
Is window screen maintenance different for sliding screens?
Yes, window screen maintenance for sliding screens includes careful removal and reinstallation. To remove, lift the screen from the bottom, tilt it outward, and then guide it free from the tracks. When replacing it, align the top first and ensure it fits snugly in the bottom track.
