Should Window Screens Be Cleaned When the Windows Are Washed?
Yes, window screens should be cleaned whenever the windows are washed. Screens hold dust, pollen and grime, and rain or a damp breeze carries that dirt straight onto freshly cleaned glass and sills, so the windows look dirty again within days. A screen that is rinsed or washed lets more air and light through and is easier on anyone with allergies.
Why the screens matter
- They re-soil clean glass. Dust and pollen trapped in the mesh wash off in the rain and run down the glass and frame.
- They block airflow and light. A clogged mesh can make a room look dimmer and stuffier.
- They hold allergens. Pollen, mould spores and fine dust sit in the mesh and blow indoors when the window is open.
- Neglect shortens their life. Grit left in the mesh and track corners wears the frame and the weather seals over time.
Two ways to clean them
| Method | What it involves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse in place | Water and a soft brush while the screen stays in the window | Light seasonal dust, regular upkeep |
| Remove and wash | Take the screen out, lay it flat, wash with mild soap and a soft brush, rinse, dry fully, refit | Heavy pollen, cobwebs, a first clean after a long gap |
How to wash screens yourself
- Remove the screen carefully and note which window it belongs to, since sizes differ slightly.
- Lay it flat on a clean surface, such as a towel on a table or a lawn.
- Brush gently with a soft brush and a little mild dish soap in warm water. Avoid a pressure washer, which can stretch or tear the mesh.
- Rinse with clean water and let it dry fully before refitting.
- Look over the mesh for tears or loose spline while it is out.
Signs your screens need cleaning now
- Grey dust or a visible film when you hold the screen up to the light.
- Muddy streaks on the glass or sill below the screen after rain.
- Cobwebs, insect remains or sticky sap caught in the mesh or the corners of the frame.
- More sneezing indoors than usual when the windows are open in spring.
- A room that feels dim even though the glass itself is clean.
Mistakes to avoid
Scrubbing hard with a stiff brush is the most common way to ruin a screen, because the mesh stretches and the weave opens up. Leaving screens to dry in a pile can bend the frames, and refitting a damp screen traps moisture in the track. Finally, cleaning the glass first and the screens second sends dirty water down onto glass that was already done, so wash the screens first, then the windows.
Tears, holes and loose frames
Cleaning is also the best time to inspect. Small holes let insects in all summer, and a loose corner key can let the whole frame fall out of the window. A tear is usually fixed by re-screening the frame, which a hardware store or window repair shop can do. Check them in early spring so any repair is done before bug season starts.
How often
Once or twice a year suits most homes, ideally at the same time as the exterior glass. In Quebec, spring (after winter salt and before pollen peaks) and fall (after leaves and sap) are the natural moments. Homes near busy roads or under mature trees may want screens done more often.
What Altara does with screens
The Altara flat rate covers the exterior of your windows: glass, frames and sills, cleaned with pure deionized water on a water-fed pole, with screens rinsed in place. Removing and washing screens, along with interior glass and track cleaning, is available as an optional add-on you can request when booking. Altara does not repair screens, but the crew will point out any tears so you can have them fixed. Exterior work runs from roughly March to November.
Frequently asked questions
Should window screens be cleaned when the windows are washed?
Yes. Dirty screens drop dust and pollen back onto clean glass and sills, so the result does not last. Rinsing in place covers regular upkeep, and removing and washing them is worth doing at least once a year.
How do you clean window screens without damaging them?
Remove the screen, lay it flat, and wash it with mild soap, warm water and a soft brush. Rinse gently and let it dry fully. Avoid a pressure washer or stiff bristles, which can stretch or tear the mesh.
Can you wash windows with the screens still in?
You can rinse screens in place to take off loose dust, but heavy dirt does not come out well that way. A full wash is easier with the screen removed.
How often should window screens be cleaned in Quebec?
Once or twice a year, with spring and fall the best times. More often is reasonable for homes close to heavy traffic or large trees.
Want the glass and the screens looked after together? Request a visit and see the window-count tiers on the pricing page.