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Cleaning your window screens does not have to be a dreaded chore that you put off year after year, until your screens are so soiled and filthy, that the only way to get them clean would be to burn the grime off with a blow torch! Simple and quick is the only way to go! The hardest part of the whole job is taking them down. Depending on the number of screens, this should be done all at one, or at the most, in two or three shifts. If screens are in second story windows, always have a second person to help remove them and replace them. If use of a ladder is required, be sure to take all necessary precautions, being extremely careful with oversized screens, both for your safety, and so as not to damage the screens. Once they are removed, the cleaning is a simple process.
Material to Deep Clean Your Screens
Drop cloth
Soft-bristled brush
Old toothbrush
Cleaning solution (water mixed with ammonia 3 to 1 works well)
Bucket of warm rinse water
Spray bottle
Access to garden hose
Screens should be laid out on a flat surface. Do not place them where they will become stretched out of shape or disfigured by underlying objects. If you choose to lay them in your yard, remove any rocks or other items that may damage or cut the screens. A large drop cloth laid out is a good idea to keep the screens in shape.
Once you are ready to tackle the actual cleaning of them, you need to know what to clean with. The cleaning solution needs to be strong enough to clear away the grimiest gunk embedded in your screens. Bugs, dirt, and tree sap will all cause deterioration of your window screens if left to build up over time. It is always cheaper to clean something than it is to replace it, so keep this in mind if you decide that they can go ‘just one more year’ before you clean them. An ammonia-water mix works well. With all the numerous cleaning solvents available at your local discount or grocery store, if ammonia is not something you wish to use, just about any of the cleaners available will work fine, just be sure to read the label as to its usability on screen materials.
TIP
Let the cleaner do the work, so as not, to cause damage to the screen with too much scrubbing!
After you have the cleaner ready, place it into the spray bottle if it is not already in one. Now it is time to start cleaning. You will be working in steps, so be prepared to keep going once you start. With hose, spray thoroughly until screens are soaked. Next, spray cleaner onto screen, front and back. Make sure to fully spray all corners and center of screen. Move onto next screen, allowing time for cleaner to soak and work at the grime on previous screen. Remember the tip: Let the cleaner do the work! Once all screens are sprayed with cleaner, get out the soft-bristled brush and toothbrush. Lightly scrub each screen, making sure not to push or scrub so hard that you stretch or cause damage to the screen. The toothbrush will come in handy for around the corners, and do not forget the outside edges as you clean. Rinse brush repeatedly as you work, so you do not just spread the dirt and grime around. Next, rinse with hose thoroughly, making sure all cleaning solution is removed. A light shake of each screen will help remove excess water and speed up the drying process. Replace screens once they are dry. You are done!
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