How to Clean Window Screens: Get Results in a Breeze

Published February 2, 2021
Cleaning window screen

Find out the best way to clean window screens. Get several methods for how to clean window screens that are mildly dirty to filthy. Explore ways to clean window screens without removing them.

Best Way to Clean Window Screens

When it comes to the best way to clean your window screens, it depends on the amount of filth they have accumulated since the last time you've cleaned them. If they are just mildly dirty, you might try a lint roller or magic eraser to remove the built-up dust. But if they look like they've been bathing in crusty dirt, you need to break out the big guns. For these cleaning methods, you need:

  • White vinegar

  • Dish soap (Dawn recommended)

  • Lint roller

  • Magic eraser

  • Scrub brush

  • Toothbrush

  • Vacuum with a brush attachment

  • Microfiber cloth

  • Powerwasher

  • Bucket

  • Towel

How to Clean Window Screens With Lint Roller

Since it's always best to start off light and work your way up, cleaning with a lint roller is for window screens that only need a bit of TLC. These screens just have a light coating of dust that needs removing. You can do this with your screens in the window, but you get better results when you remove them.

  1. Roll the lint roller evenly over the screen a few times.

  2. Follow the same steps on the other side of the screen.

How to Clean Window Screens With Magic Eraser

If the lint roller isn't cutting it, you need to move on to the next level of cleaning your window screens with a magic eraser. Like with the lint roller, you don't have to take the screen out for this method.

  1. Wet the magic eraser.

  2. Run it along the screen removing all the dirt.

How to Clean Window Screens With a Scrub Brush

If you don't have a magic eraser or a lint roller, then you can use a soft bristle scrub brush or the end of a broom to clean the dust from your window screens.

  1. Brush the screens from top to bottom.

  2. Work the brush down both sides.

How to Clean Window Screens With Vacuum

If there is still a bit of dirt left on your screens after the magic eraser task, then you can clean your window screens with your vacuum. This window screen cleaning method is easier if you remove the screens and lay them out on a towel, but you can do it with them in the window.

  1. Attach the brush to the vacuum.

  2. Vacuum up and down the screen.

  3. Flip it over and do the same on the other side.

How to Clean Window Screens With Vinegar

When your window screens are a dirty wreck, it's time to bring out the big guns. Grab your vinegar, Dawn, a bucket, and scrub brush. It's time to get to business.

  1. Combine several cups of warm water with a cup of vinegar and two squirts of Dawn.

  2. Take your screen out of the window and lay it on a towel.

  3. Dip the scrub brush in your solution and start scrubbing

  4. For those stubborn crevices, use a toothbrush.

  5. Flip and do the other side, then rinse with a garden hose or in the tub.

  6. Dry and put your screens back up.

How to Clean Window Screens Without Removing Them

If you have dirty screens, but you don't want to remove them, you've come to the right place. For this method, you need your vinegar solution, a microfiber cloth, and towels. You can also use this method for vinyl screen doors that you can't remove.

  1. Put towels under the screen to catch dust and water.

  2. Dust off the screen with a microfiber cloth to try to catch the loose dust.

  3. Vacuum off the screen.

  4. In the bucket, add a few squirts of Dawn and 1 cup of white vinegar to warm water.

  5. Dip your cloth in the solution and wipe down your screens, starting at the top and working your way down.

  6. Wring out your cloth and repeat as it gets dirty.

  7. Fill your bucket with plain water and use a new cloth to rinse the screen.

  8. Allow it to air dry.

How to Clean Window Screens With Pressure Washer

When it comes to pressure washing your screens, less is more. Additionally, only use this method for screens that are impossible to take down.

  1. Using a low intensity of your pressure washer, start at the top and work your way down.

  2. Evaluate the screens and hit areas that are still dirty another time.

cleaning window screen with pressure washer

How to Clean Your Window Screens Like a Pro

Your screens might not be something you typically think about cleaning, but they do get dirty. Now you know what you need to get your window screens sparkling.

Trending on LoveToKnow
How to Clean Window Screens: Get Results in a Breeze