Clean Window Screens the Easy Way
Cleaning your screens is one of those tasks that must be done whether you feel like it or not. Putting it off only makes it harder to get them sparkling clean. There is no reason to waste energy dreading the task. Simply remove the screens and let your garden hose do the dirty work.
Washing the Screens
Once your cleaning area is ready, begin by laying the window screens down flat. Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum both sides of the screen. Next, you will need to thoroughly wet each screen. This should dislodge or remove any large pieces of debris. You can create a screen cleaning solution by mixing four tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, a quarter of a cup of ammonia and three tablespoons of Borax into a five gallon bucket of warm water. Stir your cleaning solution until mixed thoroughly. Then, use a soft brush to apply the cleaning solution to the window screens. Scrub the screen very lightly in circular strokes until the entire surface has been covered. Repeat on the other side, then leave the screens to soak for about ten minutes.
Rinsing and Drying the Screens
A garden hose is the best option for rinsing if you are working outside. Make sure that each screen is thoroughly rinsed and all traces of the cleaning solution are removed. After rinsing, tap the screen lightly on the ground to remove any excess water. You can then use a towel or rag to gently dab water away from the screen. Leave the window screens propped against the house or fence for several hours to air dry before reinstalling them.
