How to Clean Window Screens

Cleaning the windows is a somewhat obvious chore because dust and fingerprints will eventually visibly obscure the view. But what about the window screens themselves? They’re often overlooked, but those outdoor screens tend to gather more dust and debris than the glass due to their exterior location. Don’t let dusty or dirty window screens lower the air quality when you open the window to let in a breeze. Clean those window screens without damaging them and figure out how often to repeat the chore to keep them dust-free.

There are a number of issues with leaving the window screens dirty year after year. Many homeowners assume that Mother Nature is washing off the exterior of their home, including the window screens, with each rainstorm. However, that’s not entirely true. Instead, dust accumulates on the screen material. That dust feeds mold and mildew growth when humidity levels increase outdoors. When you open your window to let air in, the breeze brings in mold spores, dust, and other debris instead of clean air. Even occasional deep cleaning of the window screens will improve both the view and the air quality coming through each window.

With a few methods to choose from for cleaning window screens, it’s best to explore what’s available and choose a technique based on that. Start by collecting any old toothbrushes or other soft-bristled brushes you have lying around. Even worn-out but clean paint brushes can be repurposed for cleaning window screens without damage. Grab some large sponges you have on hand, or try purchasing some specialty melamine scrubbing sponges for stubborn dirt. Make sure you have a bucket and dish soap as well. A lint roller and a vacuum with a brush attachment are two more tools useful for cleaning window screens. Finally, grab a pressure cleaner with low-pressure spray settings if you already have one. It’s unlikely you’ll need to rent or buy one just for this routine chore unless you have a lot of second-story windows to clean.

For the most thorough cleaning of the window screens, you need to remove them from the window. This is easier than you might think unless you have very old windows with tacked-on screens. As long as the screens have a distinct metal or vinyl frame, they should be easy to remove for cleaning. Check the lower corners first. If you see any pins there, pulling them up should release the window screen. If not, then look for small tabs along the sides, tops, and bottoms of the screen where it rests in the frame. Lift these tabs to pop the screen free from the frame. If the screen is just held in by friction alone, you may need a small pry bar or butter knife to work it free from one corner at a time.

You’re free to wait until the screen is visibly dusty or dirty to scrub them all down. However, annual cleaning is recommended as part of your spring cleaning routine. This ensures that any dust built up over the year is washed off before becoming moldy or tightly adhered to the screen material. If you’re in a dusty or humid area, you may want to clean your window screens twice a year to prevent mold. The material used for making the screens doesn’t affect how often they should be cleaned. Both metal and fiberglass need cleaning just as often and with the same methods.

The proper cleaning method depends on whether you can get the window screens off or not and how much dust has accumulated. Filthy screens and those you can easily remove should be scrubbed down with a soft-bristled brush and dish soap while on the ground. If you can’t remove them at all, a pressure washer with mild soap and a very low-pressure setting is the best choice. For light cleaning from inside the window, try a melamine sponge and a vacuum with a brush attachment.