Have you ever driven by a really cool looking bungalow or ranch style home that has a large screened porch on the front but the screens look almost black? They did not look that way when they were installed, but have accumulated dirt and grime over time. Not only do dirty screens look bad, but they do not allow the breeze to pass through like clean ones do. Moreover, for people with pollen allergies, screens full of pollen can even present some health issues. Giving your screens a good cleaning at least once a year will keep them in great shape and twice a year will keep them looking new. It is easy to do and well worth your time.
Assess the Level of Dirt
If you clean the screens regularly, you will probably not even need to remove them from the windows. First, take a few minutes and assess how much dirt and grime are present. If you take a close look, you’ll notice the grime buildup, and if you run across them with a white cloth, you’ll soon know what you are dealing with.
A little loose Dirt
If the screens appear only a little dirty and the dirt appears loose, a little time with a lint brush will likely do the job. Use one of those roller type brushes with the sticky paper. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is just to roll the loose dirt and grime away. If you’ve taken the time to remove the screens (and you probably should) make certain you roll on both sides.
A lot of loose Dirt and Grime
If it has been a while since the last cleaning, then a vacuum hose with the brush attachment is going to be needed. Be sure and use only a soft brush attachment to avoid tearing or damaging your dirty screens. Simply run the brush lightly across both sides of the screen until the dirt, dust, and loose grime is gone.
Caked-on dirt and Grime
If you live in an area where there is a lot of dirt and sand on the ground, your screens can get really dirty, and this is where a good washing will be required. First, take a garden hose and wet the screens down from both sides. Next, mix a solution of two tablespoons of dish soap or vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Dip a soft rag in the solution and scrub both sides until the dirt and grime starts coming off. Be sure and rinse the rag in between applications. You’ll be amazed at how filthy the rag will get. Finally, rinse the screens with a garden hose on both sides and stand them against the house or a tree so they’ll get good and dry before you put them back in the windows.
Hopeless looking Dirty Screens
If your screens have never been cleaned, and they look like the mud and dirt have been marinating on them for a century, it is time to take a brush to them using the soap and water solution. Remember, the screens may be fragile, so don’t scrub them like you would your car tires, you need to use a little tenderness, so you do not damage them or pull the screen away from the frames. This may even call for a pressure washer, but use the lightest setting, so you do not blast your screens off the frames.
A screened porch offers a great setting when the weather is nice, and the breeze is coming in. They keep out the bugs that like to visit in the evening, and they allow the outside in. Screens get dirty and need a little only a little attention so they’ll continue to protect your open spaces year after year.
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