How to Clean Metal Screens

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If you have just cleaned your windows, you won't find a faster way to undo your hard work than to put dirty screens over those sparkling panes. If you are going to the trouble of cleaning your window panes, take a few extra minutes to clean your screens as well. Doing so will keep your home sparkling and prolong the life of your screens.

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Things You'll Need

  • Mild Dish Detergent

  • Hose

  • Canvas Cloth

  • 5-Gallon Bucket

  • Scrub Brush

  • Spray Varnish

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Step 1

Lay the screens flat on top of the canvas to give you easy access to the entire screen. Wear old clothes because you will be working on your hands and knees.

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Step 2

Mix your cleaning solution in a 5-gallon bucket. Use hot water--two-thirds of the bucket--and about a half-cup of mild dish detergent. If your screens have a lot of dirt, stains or mold, add a cup of ammonia or white vinegar.

Step 3

Rinse the screens with a hose. Use high pressure to loosen dirt and grime before you start scrubbing.

Step 4

Scrub the screens with the scrub brush and cleaning mixture. Rinse your brush and the screens regularly to wash away the dirt. Dip the brush in the cleaning solution again and continue scrubbing.

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Step 5

Flip the screen and clean the other side in the same manner.

Step 6

Rinse the screens. Hold them upright so that the water runs through them. Unless they are heavily soiled, you should be able rinse off any dirt left on the back of the screens from your last scrubbing.

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Step 7

Let the screens dry in the sun. Slap the edges of the screens lightly to shake excess water off. You can also lean them against a clean surface to catch a breeze and help them dry faster, but be sure the metal part of the screen is not touching a surface that can be stained.

Step 8

Varnish the screens. If you have galvanized metal screening, a thin coat of spray-on varnish will protect them from further wear and repel dirt and other elements-related buildup. After the varnish dries, replace the screens in the windows.

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