While clean windows allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home, dirty window screens trap dust and dirt that can cause sinus and allergy problems. You can spruce up your screens by using a vacuum cleaner with an arm extension, and a simple homemade cleaning solution.
Start by sweeping loose dirt and debris with a soft brush or the dusting attachment on your vacuum cleaner. You can also lean the screens up against a wall and spray them down with a hose set on low pressure. Read on to know more.
Clean the Frame
First, sweep away any cobwebs or debris from the window frame. This will help prevent the cleaner from dripping onto clean panes and creating streaks. Next, spray the frame with a solution made from equal parts water and vinegar or a commercial window cleaner (we recommend using a specialist cleaner for uPVC frames).
Avoid using abrasives on wood and uPVC frames as they can discolor them. If you have stubborn marks or stains that won’t come off with a little wiping, use a solvent like mineral spirits on a cloth instead.
Once the frame is cleaned, wipe down the windows with a lint-free towel or microfiber cloth. Use the towel to wipe down all surfaces, including the corners and edges. If you have a squeegee, apply it to the window after each pass. If not, just use the towel to blot the glass until it’s dry and shiny.
Clean the Glass
Cleaning windows is a job everyone loves to do but you’ll likely have a build-up of grime that doesn’t just make the glass look dirty, it can also affect the air quality in your home.
The most environmentally friendly way to clean your windows is with distilled white vinegar, although a pre-made solution of water and washing-up liquid will do the trick too. It’s important that you only use purified water as tap water often contains minerals that can leave marks on the window glass.
For a streak-free finish, invest in a good quality squeegee and start by washing the glass with soapy water (see Mrs. Hinch’s tips for cleaning windows on a budget). Then wipe down the glass with a microfibre cloth. To avoid smearing, work the squeegee in an S pattern and periodically wipe the blade of the squeegee with a clean rag. Finally, wipe down the edges and windowsill with a chamois or microfibre cloth.
Clean the Screens
If the dirt on your window screens is more caked on than usual, a little extra elbow grease and a toothbrush might be necessary. After you’ve scrubbed your screens with soap and water, rinse them thoroughly with a hose to remove any remaining soap residue. For best results, use a nozzle attachment with multiple settings to get into the tiny holes and crevices.
If you’d rather not get your hands dirty with cleaning solution, try a lint roller. According to Apartment Therapy, this simple tool can pick up dust, spider webs, and pollen without detaching the screen. You can also find a lint roller extender for hard-to-reach areas.
Another method for getting your window screens sparkling clean is to make a household cleaning mixture of one part household ammonia and three parts water in a bucket, says Hunker. Then, dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe down all surfaces including the frames and edges. Let the screens dry outdoors to prevent any lingering chemical smells inside your house.
Drying
The last step in cleaning windows and screens is to dry them thoroughly. A squeegee works well for this purpose, although it’s best to work with a lint-free towel to prevent streaking.
Window screens not only protect you from bugs and spider webs, they also allow for proper ventilation in your home. Poor ventilation can lead to a build-up of toxins and pollutants that can cause health issues like allergies. Window screens also allow for the sun’s natural heat to warm a room, which cuts down on heating costs.
Regularly cleaning your window screens helps keep them in good condition for as long as possible. Dirty or torn window screens hinder ventilation and make it hard to enjoy your view of the outdoors. Regular cleaning also keeps them from clogging or snagging and gives you an opportunity to identify and fix small problems before they become bigger ones. The frequency of cleaning windows and screens depends on the weather and environment, but they should be cleaned once or twice a month to maintain them in their best shape. Refer to This Web Page.