Take the screens out, lay them flat, brush off loose dust, scrub gently on both sides with a soft brush and mild dish soap in warm water, rinse with a hose on low pressure, and let them dry completely before putting them back. Skip the pressure washer and stiff brushes, which can stretch and tear the mesh. If you find holes, repair or replace the screen, because broken screens let mosquitoes in.
Why screens get so dirty in Florida
Screens act like filters. Every time a breeze comes through, a little pollen, dust, and salt stays behind in the mesh, and Florida's humidity can add a gray or green cast from mildew. Over time, dirty screens make rooms look dimmer, let less air through, and blow grime into the house whenever a window is open.
What you'll need
- A soft-bristle brush or sponge (a soft car-wash brush works well)
- A bucket of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- A clean, flat surface, such as a tarp, a towel, or a clean driveway
- Painter's tape and a marker to label each screen
Step by step
- Label and remove the screens. Put a piece of painter's tape on each screen and its matching window so everything goes back where it belongs. Most screens come out by pressing the tabs or springs along the frame. If one sticks, don't force it, since frames bend easily.
- Brush off loose dust. Lay the screen flat on a clean surface and brush lightly in one direction to knock off dust and cobwebs before adding water.
- Wash gently. Scrub both sides with the soft brush or sponge and the soapy water. Use light strokes, because mesh stretches and creases easily.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse from top to bottom with the hose on a low-pressure setting until the water runs clear and no soap is left.
- Let them dry completely. Stand each screen upright in the shade or lean it against a wall, and wipe the frame dry.
- Inspect before reinstalling. Look for holes, loose spline (the rubber cord that holds the mesh in the frame), and bent corners. Repair or replace anything damaged.
- Wipe the tracks and sills while the screens are out. They collect pollen, grit, and dead bugs, and this is the easiest time to get to them.
What not to do
- Don't use a pressure washer. Strong pressure can stretch, dent, or tear the mesh and bend the frame.
- Don't scrub with a stiff brush or an abrasive pad. It can fray the mesh and scratch the frame.
- Don't reach for harsh cleaners. Mild dish soap is enough for pollen and dust, and strong chemicals can discolor or damage the mesh and frame finish.
- Don't clean screens while they're still in the window. It usually pushes dirt through the mesh onto the glass and sills.
A clean screen matters, but an intact one matters more
Mosquito prevention is one of the best reasons to check your screens. The Florida Department of Health's Drain and Cover advice includes repairing broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios, along with draining standing water. If you find a small hole while cleaning, a screen repair patch kit can fix it. For anything larger, replace the screen.
Pool cage and lanai screens are a different job
Pool cage and lanai screens are large and fixed in place, so they are usually cleaned where they are with low pressure or a soft wash, not taken down. Gentle pressure matters just as much on that mesh. Our guide to soft washing vs. pressure washing explains why.
When it's worth handing off
If you have a lot of windows, second-story screens, or screens that are hard to remove, it's easier to hand the job off. Our window screen cleaning service removes every screen, washes the mesh and frame separately from the glass, and rehangs each one in its original spot. It pairs well with a window cleaning visit, and track, sill, and frame cleaning is available too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean window screens without taking them out?
You can brush off loose dust in place, but cleaning screens in the window tends to push dirt through the mesh onto the glass and sills. Taking them out gives a much better result.
How often should I clean window screens in Florida?
Once or twice a year is a good rhythm, with one cleaning after spring pollen season. Homes near the water or under heavy tree cover may want them cleaned more often.
Can I pressure wash window screens?
No. A pressure washer can stretch, tear, or dent the mesh and bend the frame. Use a soft brush, mild soap, and a hose on low pressure.
Sources & further reading
About Shine Otter
Shine Otter is a family owned and operated exterior cleaning company serving Southwest Florida, from Englewood and Venice to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. We handle window cleaning, roof and gutter cleaning, soft washing, driveway and patio cleaning, window screen cleaning, storm debris cleanup, and solar panel cleaning. Call or text (425) 977-5156 for a free quote. Meet the owners.