How to Remove Side Spring Screens

As part of routine home maintenance, you should wash your windows inside and out. To properly clean the outside of your windows, you will first need to remove the window screens. Some screens are spring loaded to the side with clips or tabs on the inside of the screen to keep them in place. Here's how to remove side-spring window screens without damaging them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Butter knife

1. Look at the window screen to see which side the clips are located. The springs are located on the opposite sides of the clips. You will need to push the screen in the direction of the springs.

2. Place your hand on the frame of the screen and push the window screen towards the spring side.

3. Use your butter knife and slide the tip of the knife between the opposite side of the screen you are pushing on and the window frame, gently popping that side of the screen out

4. Try applying pressure to different points on the spring side of the screen if it doesn't easily pop out right away.

5. Watch the screen as you push to see any areas where it appears stuck. Use your butter knife to loosen these areas to allow the screen to pop out.

6. Push the spring side of the screen in gently once the other side pops out. Slowly work the screen back and forth until it comes all the way out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are removing multiple screens, you may want to mark them with the location they came from so you know where they go when it is time to replace them.
• Be careful when handling window screens as they bend because it's easy to damage them.