Quick answer
Window screens trap dust, pollen, and grime — and a dirty screen re-soils the clean glass behind it and restricts airflow and light. Proper screen cleaning means removing each screen, hand-washing it, drying it and re-fitting it — not just brushing it in place. It’s usually added to a window cleaning for a small extra cost.
Why bother cleaning screens?
- They dirty your clean glass. Rain and wind push the dust off a grimy screen straight onto the window you just had cleaned.
- They cut light and airflow. A clogged screen noticeably dims a room and reduces the breeze when windows are open.
- They hold allergens. Pollen and dust collect in the mesh — not ideal right where you open the window for fresh air.
How screens should be cleaned
- Removed carefully and labelled so each goes back to its own window.
- Hand-washed with a gentle solution and soft brush to clear the mesh and frame.
- Rinsed and dried so no residue blows back onto the glass.
- Re-fitted snugly in the right window.
Brushing a screen while it’s still in the window just pushes dust onto the glass — proper cleaning means taking them out.
When to clean screens
Spring is ideal — pair it with your exterior clean so glass and screens are fresh together (see the spring checklist). Homes with lots of pollen or pets benefit from a second pass in fall.
Add screens to your clean
We can remove, wash, dry and re-fit your screens as part of your window service. Get a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I clean my window screens?
Dirty screens re-soil the clean glass behind them, cut light and airflow, and trap pollen and dust right where you open the window for fresh air.
How are window screens properly cleaned?
They should be removed, hand-washed with a soft brush, rinsed, dried, and re-fitted — not just brushed in place, which pushes dust onto the glass.
How often should screens be cleaned?
Once a year, usually with your spring window clean. Homes with heavy pollen or pets may want a second pass in fall.
