How to Clean an Aluminum Screen Door

Aluminum screen doors are frequently exposed to dust and pollutants in the air; therefore, they get dirty very easily. In addition to dust and grime building up on the frame, dirt and debris can clog the screen, leaving the door looking old and unsightly. You can clean these doors thoroughly, bringing back their beauty, with just a few simple products and a bit of time (unless the door is very dirty, this shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour). After this initial thorough cleaning, a weekly light cleaning will keep your door looking better for much longer.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent Water Bucket Sponge Brush Towel Commercial aluminum cleaner Microfiber or terrycloth towel

Instructions

1. Mix 2 tbsp. of liquid dish detergent to 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket. Stir with a sponge to mix.

2. Wet a bristled brush in the detergent mixture. Scrub it gently over the screen to remove grime. Be sure to brush down both sides of the screen when you do this.

3. Wipe the screen down with a clean, damp sponge. Make sure to remove detergent residue from the screen--if too much is left, it will attract dust and cause the screen look dirty again. Rub the screen with a soft towel to dry.

4. Apply aluminum cleaner to the frame. Some products are sprayed on, and some are wiped on. Make sure to cover all the aluminum with the cleaning product.

5. Rub stained areas (wipe with the grain), and then wipe the cleaner off of the frame. Give the entire door a final wipe-down with a microfiber or terrycloth towel.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find aluminum cleaner at most home improvement and automotive stores. If the screen is exceptionally dirty, remove the screen or the entire door. Next, rinse the screen well with a garden hose.

• Some mesh screens tear easily--be careful when using a brush on these screens. Choose a soft-bristled hair brush or use a sponge, rather than a stiff brush. Don't use steel wood pads on aluminum--this may damage the finish.