Winter Prep 101, Part I: Cleaning Your Window Screens!
We’re often get asked by our clients what they should do to protect and winterize their house during the warmer months. For that reason, we’re going to start writing about some great tips for winter prep! Today we will discuss the important of cleaning your window screens before the snow starts to fall! When our clients fail to clean their window screens yearly, dirt and debris can accumulate and permanently damage them. At that point, they will need to be replaced, at the cost of the homeowner. All of this can be avoided if you follow the instructions below for cleaning your window screens!
How to Clean your Window Screens!
It’s a relatively simple and self-explanatory process to clean your window screens before winter, yet it’s one that most homeowners don’t know. There’s a couple tips and tricks that will make it even easier and more effective, all while limiting the potential for damage to your window screens.
Step 1:
Remove your window screens from the window frame. Depending on what type of window you have, there will either be pegs or clasps to remove prior to taking the window off. This should NOT require much muscle. Be very careful with the screens as you take them out… they are usually made from fairly pliable aluminum.
Step 2:
Mix a mild soap of your choice with lukewarm tap water. Do not use hot or even warm water, as it can deform the plastic/vinyl screen. Using a soft brush, gently lather both sides of the screen and frame until completely covered with suds.
Step 3:
After complete coverage with soap, use low-pressure, lukewarm water to rinse the window screens off completely. Do not use a high-pressure source of water such as a hose gun or pressure washer attachment at any point in your window screen cleaning, as it can easily cause permanent damage to the frame or screens.
Step 4:
Allow the window screens to dry off completely before reinstalling. Leave them propped up to allow drainage and in the sun to allow for evaporation, and flip at least once to ensure complete dryness. Dry them and replace them on the windows. Job’s done!
Contact Lonestar Siding and Windows!
We hope you get some use out of these tips for cleaning your window screens. Be sure to take care of this yearly. It will greatly increase the lifespan and look of your window screens. When done properly, it will only take a few minutes per window screen, so get started!
Eventually, even with proper maintenance, your windows and window screens will need to be replaced. At that point, we’d love to offer our window replacement services! If you need our help, please give us a call directly at (804) 266-1717, send us a message on our Facebook page, or contact us online to get in touch. We’d be happy to help, and show you why our motto is “Home Exteriors Done Right!“
