Are you tired of staring at dusty, grimy screens every time you step onto your porch? Fear not! Though the task may appear daunting, cleaning those screens is simpler than you might imagine. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep your porch screens looking fresh and inviting.
Step 1: Remove Dust
Start by grabbing a sturdy step stool or ladder. Using a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment, tackle those pesky dust bunnies, pollen, and cobwebs. Work systematically in a grid pattern to ensure you don’t miss any spots. Don’t forget to use the crevice tool for those hard-to-reach corners and edges. If you don’t have a vacuum, a disposable microfiber duster works just as well!
Step 2: Wet the Screens
Once the dust is gone, it’s time to get those screens wet. Grab your garden hose with a spray nozzle attached and give the screens a good soaking. Remember to stand inside the porch while spraying to keep the interior dry.
Step 3: Gently Scrub
Mix warm water with two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid in a bucket. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution and start scrubbing from the top of the screen downwards. For stubborn mold or mildew, add some distilled white vinegar to the mix to help banish those spores.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
After scrubbing, rinse the screens thoroughly with the garden hose, working from the inside out. If it’s a sunny day, let nature do its job and air-dry the screens. To avoid streaks, gently dry them with a microfiber towel. Don’t forget to dry the metal frames to prevent water spots.
Tips to Keep Your Screens Clean Longer
- Trim shrubbery and trees to prevent them from touching the screens.
- Wash privacy curtains regularly.
- Keep the porch area clean by dusting the ceiling, floor, and furnishings weekly.
- Patch up any small holes promptly to prevent insects from sneaking in.
Remember, for a deeper clean of your porch screens or if you prefer leaving the task to the pros, you can always call in a professional like Central Texas Window Cleaning to ensure your porch screens stay in top-notch condition. It’s recommended to clean your screens regularly; twice per year is ideal. And remember, a pressure washer is not ideal for cleaning porch screens, as the strength of the water spray can dent or create a hole in the screens.
