The Easiest Way To Clean Window Screens Is Hiding In Your Kitchen

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You're sitting in a cozy room with a big window and ample amount of sunlight pouring in. And suddenly you notice some streaks on the glass, but then you realize that your room is looking dull, not because of the glass, but the dirty window screens. Dust, pollen, and grime trapped in the mesh makes the whole window look dull (even if the glass is spotless). Instead of spending too much time scrubbing and rinsing, there is a simple solution, easily available in your kitchen — soda water or club soda.

When you think of soda water and club soda, your first thought is not "good cleaning solutions." However, the bubbles in both are surprisingly effective. Carbonation, i.e., water infused with carbon dioxide, creates a fizz that helps lift dirt. This carbonation loosens grime and gunk from your window screens. This sounds like an unexpected way to use club soda around the house, but it works wonders!

Most people rely on quick rinses or wet cloths to clean their window screens, which only partly remove the buildup. Club soda and a sponge, however, can give you a deeper clean without harsher chemicals or strong odors. So, next time your windows look gunky, ditch the store-bought cleaner and try natural solutions easily available to you.

You can start your window screen cleaning by carefully removing the screens and laying them flat on a soft surface or a towel. Add soda water in a spray bottle and keep a sponge handy. Try to use a microfiber sponge, such as the HOMEXCEL Non-Scratch Microfiber Sponge, for cleaning because they can attract grease and dirt more efficiently than a regular one. Now, spray the soda generously on the window screens. Use the sponge in gentle circular motions and see the gunk vanish with minimal effort. You can now put the screen back in place on the window.

You might remember to clean your window screens only when they look bad. But different climate conditions can present some unique challenges. For example, humid areas need frequent cleaning, dry and dusty areas need more dusting rather than deep cleaning, and coastal areas often face salt build-up. Create a schedule for yourself depending on the conditions you live in, and clean regularly.

For deeper cleaning, try brushing or vacuuming first. A brush with soft bristles or a vacuum with gentle brush attachments can wipe away lodged dust and debris, especially on the fiberglass screens that need a lighter touch. Alternatively, you can also put the screens upright and rinse them under a gentle stream of water of a hose if needed. Let them air dry before reinstalling. A mix of soda water or club soda and occasional deep cleans is how you should clean your window screens so they looks fresh all year round!