Window screens or insect screens are an essential addition to any window. They let fresh air enter your home and enable you to ventilate your living spaces without worrying about tiny unwanted visitors.
While screens keep insects out, they also accumulate dirt, dust, and grime and need regular cleaning and maintenance to promote their appearance and functionality.
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There are a lot of myths regarding window cleaning and screen cleaning. For example, a lot of people assume the rain cleans the screens, and they do not need to do anything much.
Window screen cleaning is not only necessary for the curb appeal of your house or office but also because it makes your air dust-free and reduces the risk of health issues.
You may be wondering what the ideal timing for window screen cleaning is. We will try to answer that question by considering seasonal factors, frequency, weather conditions, allergies, and the presence of pests and insects.
Moreover, we’ll look into the advantages of combining screen cleaning with regular window maintenance.
Seasonal Considerations
The best time to clean your window screens depends on many variables. Let’s first consider some seasonal factors that may affect the window screening process.
Spring
Spring seems to be a preferred season for cleaning all window frames, sills, and door screens. The weather is often perfect, and the first sunrays illuminate the dirt accumulated on our screens and windows during the winter, prompting us to take action.
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We can efficiently perform cleaning tasks in the spring because the nice weather allows windows to stay open longer and screens to air dry for a few hours.
Fall
The fall is another popular season for window screen cleaning. You prepare your home for the many days you will stay indoors and rely on the ventilation from your windows.
Fall cleaning is also suitable because it allows you to prevent any dirt and debris build-up bound to accumulate during the time of falling leaves. Remember to brush off any loose dirt with a soft bristle brush before washing.
Early Summer
The verge of summer is also a good time for window and screen cleaning. The weather is nice and not changeable, so you can use the long day hours to thoroughly and even deeply clean all your window screens.
Before Winter
Don’t wait for the weather to turn before you have cleaned your screens. Low temperatures can freeze the accumulated debris on your screen, and it will be hard to clean it and maintain its functionality.
Ideal Frequency
The perfect time for window screen cleaning is any season before winter, but the question of how often we should do it remains. The answer depends on several factors, climate and location being among the most prominent.
Location
In some areas, window screens are more prone to debris, dirt accumulation, and pollen build-up. In areas where insects are more prominent, more frequent cleaning is required.
Traffic pollution also plays a part in cleaning your screens more often, because some estates are situated near busy roads.Â
Climate
Climate is another top-rated factor in determining the frequency of screen cleanings. In areas with heavy rainfalls and high humidity levels, mold, and mildew can contaminate the screens, necessitating more frequent cleaning.
Personal Preference
Some people clean their screens more often because they want to be sure screens don’t worsen home air quality and keep their top functionality every season of the year.
Ideal Frequency
The ideal frequency for cleaning your screens and windows is twice annually, preferably in the spring and fall. The spring cleaning and wiping remove dust and dirt the cold months caused, and the second prepares the screen for the winter challenges.
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However, if your screens require it, you might consider cleaning them more often to ensure their well-being. A deeper cleaning might be needed for homes in areas with a wet climate or pollen trees.
Weather Conditions and Timing
Consider the weather conditions and how they affect the proper cleaning time. Rainy days or too sunny ones are unsuitable for window and screen cleaning.
Humidity and rain will make cleaning difficult, and the drying times will take forever. Instead, choose a day with mild temperatures. Avoid cleaning screens on extremely hot or cold days, as these conditions can affect the cleaning solution’s effectiveness and the screens’ drying time.
Are there perfect days for screen and window cleaning? Yes, those are the overcast days because there isn’t any direct sunlight to spoil the cleaning solution before it can perform its effectiveness.
Allergies
Allergies are the plague of the 21st century. If you or any other member of your family or colleague is pollen sensitive, you should perform screen cleaning more often to reduce the allergens indoors.
Pollen and different allergy-causing elements, such as dust particles, accumulate on the window screen during their active season and exacerbate allergy symptoms.
Don’t let allergic people get exposed to allergens inside when that can be prevented by simply brushing the dust and dirt.
Start cleaning all your window screens from the frame and window sills to prevent dirt from transferring to the mesh or glass.
For regular maintenance, you can use a lint roller to collect all dust, lint, and other debris. That will keep your screens clean and functional. For allergic people, it’s essential to clean your screens regularly.
Pests and Insects
Window screens prevent insects and pests from entering your home. If you regularly clean spider webs and debris that can attract insects, you ensure your screen stays cleaner for longer.
If you treat your window screens now and again with a mixture of water and a drop or two of essential oils, you might be able to repel insects through the warm days.
Use a spray bottle to lightly spray the mixture onto the mesh. It reduces the likelihood of pests making a home on your screens.
Combining Screen Cleaning with Regular Window Cleaning
Consider combining screen cleaning with your regular window maintenance, as this will save you time and effort.
Think about the following advantages:
- Efficiency: Since you are already cleaning your windows, why not tackle the screens too? You will use the same cleaning solutions to tackle different stains and a microfiber cloth on both to ensure they are lint-free. Starting from the sill and window frame guarantees no dirt is transferred to the mesh and screen.
While you are washing your windows, you can let your screen completely dry. That saves time.Â
- Consistency: If you clean the windows but not the screens or vice versa, it won’t contribute to the overall appeal of your home or building.
- Overall Maintenance: By washing both screens and windows at the same time, you ensure that your windows are well-maintained and free from obstructions.
How to Clean Window Screens
There are many ways to clean your window screens. They include different tools and techniques. You can use a pressure washer at a light pressure adjustment to let the steam and warm water clean the entire screen from dirt and debris.
The soft-bristled brush is a popular choice for window screen cleaning because it is time-saving, effective, and cost-effective. You use it to gently scrub the dirt and dust from the mesh without causing any damage.
You then gently wipe your screen with water to clean all debris left and leave your window screen dry naturally.
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Cleaning your window screens is easy with the vacuum cleaner. You can use a soft bristle attachment to clean the debris accumulated on the surface.
Whichever method you choose to clean your screens, remember that there are several steps to undergo and preparations to make. Firstly, you have to prepare the tools and accessories you will need.
Prepare a DIY cleaning solution that serves your needs. For example, baking soda is very effective for caked-on grime. However, use hand protection, such as rubber gloves, to avoid skin irritation.
An all-purpose dish soap solution will remove dust, dirt, and debris for general clean-ups. Gently scrub the screen to avoid tears. Rinse any soapy water from your screen. Some people use a garden hose nozzle to adjust the spray width.
Skyscraper Window Cleaning is an expert in all cleaning services. We can effectively wash a commercial or residential building’s windows and screens. We will protect your furniture with a drop cloth and cover all the cracks with masking tape.