Window cleaning and screens should be a regular part of your household maintenance routine. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the dirt and dust from around the windows, then wipe with a lint-free cloth. Click here for more info.
Vinegar is an effective cleaner, but repeated use can corrode aluminum (via Apartment Therapy). If you have metal screens, stick with using a mild detergent instead.
Dusting
A lint roller or Swiffer-type duster is a great way to keep window screens clean. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
For deeper cleaning, a solution of one-part household ammonia and three-part water is recommended. Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the mixture and wipe down the entire surface of each screen. Rinse the screens with a hose and allow them to dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
To avoid streaks, you may want to rinse the screens with distilled water instead of tap water. This will also help reduce the amount of chemicals used in your home. Other natural cleaning options include vinegar, baking soda, and dryer sheets. The last option can be especially helpful for removing smudges and marks on windows, as it requires no chemical cleaners at all.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming your window screens can remove a significant amount of loose dirt. Use the crevice attachment to suck up any dust or pollen trapped in the corners of your screens, and then wipe down both sides with a dry cloth to remove as much loose debris as possible. This will keep your screens cleaner between soapy cleans.
Keeping up with your cleaning routine will prevent dirt from building up on your windows and screens. A little regular wiping with a soft lint-free cloth or vacuum cleaner will help extend the time between cleanings.
If you want to make it a little easier to clean your window screens while they’re still in place, place a drop cloth or old towels around the work area to protect your walls and floors from any potential drips or spills. Mix a solution of one part household ammonia with three parts water in a bucket, and dip a clean, lint-free rag into it to wipe your screens down.
Soap
Soaps are great for fabrics, but they cling to glass and leave behind a residue that dulls the surface and builds up over time. Soap scum and calcium buildup create a film that is hard to remove. To wash window screens, mix a solution of hot, soapy water and a sponge. If you have the space to do so, allow the screen to soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen stubborn dirt and stains. Rinse with a garden hose (no more than a low pressure setting) and use a microfiber cloth to remove any residual soap.
To avoid smudges, make sure the screens are dry before you put them back in place. HGTV suggests using a clean lint-free towel or even black-and-white newspaper pages to wipe off excess moisture before you close the windows.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a cheap, easy-to-find ingredient that works wonders on most glass surfaces. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other cleaning agents to create more powerful formulas or provide a gentler effect. Vinegar is also a natural deodorizer.
Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Pour this into a spray bottle.
Using this cleaner on windows and screens will help prevent them from becoming streaked or dull. It will also eliminate most germs that are found on the glass.
If you wish, add rubbing alcohol to this mixture. This will help the solution evaporate quickly on glass surfaces, reducing the likelihood of water spots. Store this homemade window cleaner in a safe spot out of reach from children and pets.
Baking Soda
It’s time to open those windows and let the breeze blow away months of dust, pollen, and dirt trapped in your screens. But first, you need to clean them.
A box of ARM & HAMMER(tm) Baking Soda and a scrub brush are all you need to make your screens sparkle. The abrasiveness of baking soda helps remove foul odors, challenging stains, and grease clogs.
It’s also a great way to erase soap and watermark stains from shower glass. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle, spray the solution on your shower screen, allow it to sit for 20 minutes or so, and wipe clean with a fresh cloth. This method will leave your screen sparkling, and it’s a lot safer than using bleach (via Royalty Windows). You can also use borax cleaner as an alternative to baking soda. Next article.