Goodbye Moldy Screen — Here's How to Give Your Windows a Proper Clean

Hands in green gloves wiping clear glass window with rag. — Getty Images

Cleaning the windows in your home is a necessary albeit annoying task, but the winter weather leaves behind dirt and grime that can block the spring sunshine from shining through your space. Worse, avoiding cleaning away the debris could cause it to blow into your home, collecting dust on floors, surfaces and furniture. While you can hire cleaning services to get the job done, sometimes it’s easier just to roll up your sleeves and clean those window screens yourself.

Here’s how to get started.

When Should I Clean My Window Screens?

The good news is that you only have to clean your window screens thoroughly about twice a year, but if you live in an area where they become dirty more frequently, you can do so more often. It’s also essential to consider cleaning your screens while you plan to clean the windows themselves, which could also extend to floors and surfaces where dirt and dust might fly around to create more mess.

We watch a cat display typical hunting behaviour as she playfully paws at a squeegee from outside a window. — Getty Images

How to Clean Window Screens

Getting down to business, cleaning window screens can be done efficiently with just a few tools and cleaning solutions you likely already have in your home.

Materials

Gather the following materials before you begin:

Towel or blanket to set screens and windows on
Vacuum, including attachments that can handle hard-to-reach places
Warm water
Gentle dish soap
Soft bristle brush
Microfiber cloth

Step 1: Remove the Screen

You may be tempted to clean everything where it sits, but removing them first is a wise option. This small effort will help ensure debris doesn’t escape into your home. Just remember to label your screens or remove them one at a time so you remember where to put them back.

Woman cleaning and wiping window with spray bottle and rag. — Getty Images

Step 2: Clean the Screens

Now, for the big show—cleaning the screens! Pay special attention to areas of the screen with a lot of buildup or obvious dirt to remove, and be mindful of any damaged areas. Overall, you’ll want to be careful and use a delicate hand when cleaning any part of the screen.

Vacuum the screens using the brush attachment to remove or loosen dirt.
Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap.
Use a soft-bristle brush (or extra toothbrush), dip it in the solution and gently spot clean using circular motions.
Wipe the entire screen with a microfiber cloth using warm water.
Repeat the process on the other side of the screen.

Step 3: Air Dry the Screens

Next, you’ll want to let the screens dry naturally by allowing them to air dry in your home. Place them on top of a towel or blanket on the floor or lean them against the wall. If you must dry them quickly, try pressing them with a towel or placing them in front of a fan.

Tip: Avoid leaving them outside or where new dirt can form on the damp material.

Step 4: Clean the Other Parts

While you wait for the screens to dry correctly, focus on the other parts of the window. Use the same gentle soap solution for the screens and apply it to the window tracks to remove leftover dust and dirt. If you encounter hard-to-remove rust, try baking soda and water paste. It’s also a great time to use some glass cleaner to make the windows sparkle.

Woman in White Crew Neck T-shirt Holding Book. — Pexels / Cottonbro Studio

Step 5: Reinstall the Screens

Reinstalling your screens should be the last step in the window-cleaning process. Work slowly to avoid damaging your screens; then sit back, relax and enjoy your hard work.