Spring is a great time to start cleaning your windows and washing window screens. Windows that don’t operate properly can be a safety hazard for families in the case of intruders, so it’s vital that they open, close, and lock efficiently. Window screens with rips and tears aren’t doing their jobs because they eventually let dirt and insects inside during warmer months when windows are open.

This is a Safety Task!

If dirt and dust get into the locks, they may not function properly, preventing you from keeping intruders out or opening them in an emergency.

This is a Health Task!

All windows and screens require a good cleaning. Screens can collect grime, dirt, and dust, which can cause illness or allergies within the home. In addition, if screens are torn and windows are open, unwanted bugs can enter the house.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

If windows that need glazing are not glazed and sealed, they may eventually have to be replaced, which is expensive. If they are not properly cleaned, dust and dirt can get into the sliders, window frames, operating mechanisms, or locks resulting in restricted use of the windows.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, window cleaning company, handyman

How To Clean Your Windows and Window Screens | Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect windows and screens

• Inspect your house for damaged screens and broken windows. Some windows will lose their seal and look dirty, but the cloudy area is between the glass. The only way to fix that is to get a replacement glass or order a new window.
• If you have old wooden windows, sometimes the glazing will fall out, which can cause the glass to break or fall out. However, if the glass is still good, you may be able to reglaze it and save on the cost of new windows. (Glazing is a caulk for windows. It weatherproofs and seals vulnerable areas but can deteriorate over time and should be replaced.)
• If the windows need painting, make a note of this.
  • Tool List: ladder – step ladder

Step 2 – Cleaning window screens

• If you’re cleaning multiple screens, you should label each screen, so putting them back isn’t difficult.
• First, remove the screen from the window. (If you notice big rips and tears within the screen, it would be a good time to replace them).
• Next, mix one cup of household ammonia with one tablespoon of dish detergent in approximately three cups of water, then pour it into a spray bottle.
• After removing the screens, determine where the best place is to wash them. Depending on the weather, you can do this outside on the porch or deck. Otherwise, use your bathtub and run them under warm water one at a time.
• Spray the screen with the solution you made, making sure to cover the entire screen with the solution.
• Now use a scrub brush to remove any grime or dirt gently.
• After scrubbing, run the screens under warm water to remove any excess residue.
• Lastly, gently shake the screen free of water and allow it to air-dry.
  • Tool List: spray bottle, brush – flexible, hose – garden
  • Supply List & Costs: dish soap, ammonia – household  $0

Step 3 – Clean windows

• While your window screens are air-drying, grab your preferred window cleaning solution and clean the windows inside and outside.
• At this point, if you noticed that the glazing around your windows is peeling away, you can attempt to fix this if you feel comfortable enough. You can pick up some glazing putty at your local hardware store, but if you don’t feel comfortable fixing it yourself, you can call a professional.
• If you made a note earlier about needing to repaint windows, this would also be the step to get that done the way you prefer.
• Once your screens are thoroughly dried, reinstall them in their appropriate spots.
  • Tool List: ladder – stepladder,
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning solution – window

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Clean Your Oven!