The short answer
The most commonly recommended method is to take the screens out, brush or vacuum off loose dirt, wash both sides with warm water and a little mild dish soap using a soft sponge or brush, rinse with a gentle stream of water, and let them dry fully before putting them back. Cleaning screens in place is possible but less thorough.
Safety notes before you start
- Do not mix cleaning products. Never combine bleach with vinegar or ammonia, which can release dangerous gases. Use mild dish soap, or vinegar and water on its own, and nothing else in the same bucket.
- Be careful with ladders. If a screen is on an upper floor, do not lean out of the window to remove it. Ask for help, use a stable ladder from outside, or hire a professional.
- Watch children and pets. Keep them away from the work area, and do not leave buckets of soapy water where they can reach them. Take care not to push on a screen that a child or pet might be leaning against, as removed or loosened screens do not protect against falls.
- Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and protect your eyes when brushing dust.
What you need
- A soft brush, microfiber cloth, or a vacuum with a brush attachment
- A bucket of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- A soft sponge or soft-bristled brush
- A garden hose with a gentle setting, or a shower on low
- Clean towels to lay the screens on and dry the frames
- Masking tape and a marker for labelling (optional)
Method 1: remove and wash (best)
Remove and label
Release the screen according to your window type. Many screens have tabs or springs; check the window manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure, and avoid bending the frame. If you are doing several, put a piece of tape on each frame with the room or window name so they go back in the right place.
Dry-brush or vacuum first
Lay the screen flat on a towel. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust, pollen, cobwebs and loose debris. Turn it over and repeat. Doing this first means you are not turning dirt into mud when you add water.
Wash
Dip a soft sponge or brush into the soapy water and wring it out. Gently wash both sides of the mesh, working in straight lines rather than scrubbing hard. Wipe the frame as well.
Rinse gently
Rinse the soap off with a hose on a low-pressure setting or a gentle shower. A strong jet can loosen the spline (the cord that holds the mesh in the frame) or stretch the mesh, which leaves gaps or sagging.
Dry and reinstall
Shake off excess water, wipe the frame with a dry towel and let the screen air dry completely, ideally outside or in a ventilated space. Once dry, put it back in the window.
Method 2: clean screens without removing them
If you cannot remove a screen, vacuum it lightly with a soft brush attachment. Then wipe both sides with a barely damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge, working gently so you do not push the screen out of its frame. Lay a towel on the sill to catch drips. This takes the edge off the dirt, but heavy buildup is easier to deal with off the window.
Can you clean windows through screens?
You can wipe the screen and glass at the same time in a light clean, but you will not get a good result on the glass. Dirt is trapped between the mesh and the pane, and the mesh can leave marks. For better results, remove the screen or clean the glass with the screen out. Our guide to how professionals clean windows lists screens as one of the first things pros remove.
Should I let vinegar sit or wipe it off?
Vinegar is optional here; mild dish soap works well for most dirt. If you use a diluted white vinegar and water solution (many guides suggest about equal parts), apply it briefly, then wipe and rinse rather than letting it sit, since you do not want acid sitting on metal frames or finishes. Do not combine vinegar with bleach or any other cleaner. If you have any doubt about your screen material or coating, stay with soap and water and check the manufacturer’s care guidance.
How to make window screens look new
Dirt on mesh makes it look darker and can block the view, so a thorough wash often makes a visible difference. After washing:
- Make sure the mesh is fully dry and free of soap film.
- Straighten slightly bent frames gently, or replace screens with torn, stretched or sagging mesh. Cleaning cannot repair damage.
- Wipe the frames so the whole screen looks fresh.
If a screen is faded or pitted, replacement mesh or a new screen may be the only way to restore its appearance.
Mistakes that damage screens
- Pressure washing or a hard hose jet, which can tear or distort the mesh.
- Stiff brushes or abrasive pads, which can snag the mesh.
- Pressing hard while the screen is upright and unsupported. Support it on a flat surface.
- Harsh chemicals. Stay with mild soap and water.
- Reinstalling while wet, which can leave water marks and trap dirt.
How often to clean screens
Many guides suggest cleaning screens at the change of seasons, for example spring and autumn, with light vacuuming in between. Clean more often if you live near a road, construction, trees that shed pollen, or have pets that scratch or lean on them. For screened porches, how to clean a lanai covers the screens and aluminum frames.
Related
Once the screens are done, give the glass attention. Our guide to how professionals clean windows covers a simple wash-and-squeegee routine that pairs well with seasonal screen cleaning.