5 Effective Ways to Clean Insect Screens

With the many benefits they bring, insect screens are a fantastic addition to the home. They keep out unwanted pests such as mosquitoes, insects, lizards and cockroaches. They allow for natural ventilation (which helps you to save on electricity costs). They block out dust and dirt. They help to reduce sun glare. Best of all, their “invisibility” means that you still get to enjoy the view outside.

With the insect screens installed, you want to be sure that you’re always able to enjoy these benefits. However, dust and dirt can quickly accumulate on the insect screens without regular cleaning. This would obstruct not only the air flow, but also the view. Cleaning is thus an important step in ensuring both the effectiveness and durability of your insect screens. Find out more below on how to clean insect screens.

How Often Should I Clean Insect Screens?

Insect screens should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating over time. For aluminium frames, cleaning them every 3 months would help to retain a nice and shiny finish.

How Do I Clean Insect Screens?

Cleaning does not have to be a tedious task. The key is to clean insect screens on a regular basis so that the cleaning procedure can be kept simple each time.

Cleaning Removable Magnetic Insect Screens

Magnetic insect screens are simple to clean. Wiping with a cloth can be sufficient if done regularly. Moreover, since the magnetic insect screen is removable, it is also easy to remove it to wash with water.

Method 1: Use microfiber cloth

The cleaning abilities of microfiber cloth makes it the ultimate cleaning tool. Use this convenient and efficient cleaning method to prevent buildup of dust and dirt on your insect screens. Make sure to clean at least once a week for the best results.

What you need:
Microfiber cloths

Steps:

1. Slightly dampen a piece of microfiber cloth in water.
2. Using the microfiber cloth, wipe the inside-facing side of the screen in a zigzag motion. The damp microfiber cloth will be able to pick up the dust and dirt on the other side as well. There is no need to remove the insect screen to wipe the other side.
3. Wipe dry the insect screen using a dry piece of microfiber cloth.

Method 2: Use a vacuum

What you need:
Microfiber cloths

Steps:

1. Attach the soft brush head on the vacuum.
2. Gently run the soft brush head across the insect screen mesh to vacuum up dust and dirt.

Method 3: Use a hose/shower head

This method is recommended only when a lot of dust and dirt have accumulated on the insect screen.

What you need:
Hose/Shower head
Mild detergent/soap
Soft toothbrush
Microfiber cloth

Steps:

1. Remove the magnetic insect screen from the window/door frame and prop it up against a wall.
2. Using a hose or shower head, rinse both sides of the insect screen to remove loose dirt and dust.
3. Use mild detergent and water to create a soapy solution.
4. Dip the soft toothbrush in the soapy water and gently brush both sides of the insect screen.
5. Use the hose or shower head to rinse the soap off both sides of the insect screen.
6. Wipe dry the insect screen using a dry piece of microfiber cloth.
7. After the insect screen is completely dry, re-attach it to your window/door frame.

Cleaning Retractable Roller Insect Screens

Retractable insect screens cannot be removed for washing. However, simply wiping with a cloth or vacuuming can help to keep the screen clean.

Method 1: Use microfiber cloth

What you need:
Microfiber cloths
Sponge (optional)

Steps:

1. Fully extend the retractable roller insect screen. If there are large pieces of dirt on the mesh, remove them using a damp sponge.
2. Slightly dampen a piece of microfiber cloth in water.
3. Using the damp microfiber cloth, wipe the screen mesh in a zigzag motion.
4. Wipe dry the screen using a dry piece of microfiber cloth.

Method 2: Use a vacuum

What you need:
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment

Steps:

1. Attach the soft brush head on the vacuum.
2. Fully extend the retractable roller insect screen.
3. Gently run the soft brush head across the screen mesh to vacuum up dust and dirt.

Cleaning The Retractable Screen Rails

Remember to also clean the rails when you are cleaning your retractable insect screen! Dust and dirt can accumulate in the top and bottom rails, so clean them regularly to ensure that the screen can extend and retract smoothly.

What you need:
Soft brush/toothbrush
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment

Steps:

1. Retract the retractable roller screen completely.
2. Use a brush/toothbrush to remove loose dirt or dust accumulated on the rails.
3. Attach the soft brush head on the vacuum.
4. Vacuum along the rails to remove any remaining dust and dirt.

Cleaning Anodised/Powder Coated Aluminium Frames

What you need:
Microfiber cloths
Mild detergent/soap
Turpentine (optional)

Steps:

1. Use mild detergent and lukewarm water to create a soapy solution.
2. Dampen the microfiber cloth in the soapy water.
3. Wipe down the aluminium frame from top to bottom with the microfiber cloth.
4. Wipe down the aluminium frame again using a piece of microfiber cloth dampened in water.
5. Dry off the aluminium frame using a dry piece of microfiber cloth.

To remove stubborn stains or grime, wipe with a microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Then, wipe dry with a clean piece of microfiber cloth.

Things To Avoid

• Don’t use harsh solvents/detergents to clean the magnetic insect screen or retractable insect screen.
• Don’t use aggressive solvents/detergents to clean the anodised/powder coated aluminium frame as they would damage the coating.
• Don’t use abrasive brushes on the insect screen or aluminium frame as they may tear the mesh or scratch the frame.
• Don’t expose the insect screen to excessive heat e.g. candles, lighters, cigarettes as they may burn the mesh.

Regular cleaning and maintenance will help you to maximise the benefits brought about by insect screens. Use our any of our cleaning methods above to keep your insect screens nice and clean!