The Hassle-Free Way To Clean Outdoor Windows You Wish You Knew About Sooner

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Dirty windows are a common — and major — curb-appeal killer. The process of cleaning them is often unappealing because it involves wrestling with the attached screens. But instead of removing every cumbersome screen when you clean your exterior windows, save yourself the headache and try a better way with a window cleaner formulated for use on both windows and screens. These products are made to zap away the dirt and grime that frequently cake window screens and the glazing beyond. Use them to restore your curb appeal without having to remove the screens and cross this once-dreaded task off your list.

Cleaning your window and door screens can be a pain, but it's an essential task that protects your health as much as it improves your curb appeal. The window screens separate you from the outside, collecting all kinds of debris before it ever reaches your home. Pollen, dirt, dust, and grime caking the screens can reduce your indoor air quality. When you open your window to let in fresh air, the airflow picks up all of those built-up allergens and pollutants. Once airborne inside the home, the allergens can irritate your respiratory system, inflame your sinuses, and trigger coughing or sneezing. Plus, once they mix with moisture or humidity, they may even create the ideal conditions for mold development. You could unknowingly breathe in mold spores thanks to your dirty screen. Giving the screens a good clean also helps extend their longevity, as dirt remaining on the surface can wear the material down, making it susceptible to damage. 

If possible, vacuum your window screens first with a soft-bristled brush to remove any stuck-on leaves or debris. Some types of debris in your screen, such as trapped insects, can be stubborn, so this step helps dislodge them before you're ready to wash. You'll need a product that's designed specifically for window screens, ideally made with a hose sprayer for easy application. Two good options are 30 SECONDS Outdoor Window & Screen Concentrated Cleaner and Wet & Forget Window & Screen Cleaner. Once you have your cleaner, mix or prepare it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

When ready, spray the mix evenly across the windows and screens. Don't let the product dry on the window screens, or you may end up with residue that can be harder to remove. After letting the product sit for one minute, rinse the surfaces off with clean water. If you've never cleaned your window screens, and they're caked with gunk, cleaning might take a little elbow grease. To remove any embedded grime, try using a soft microfiber pad or scrub brush like MyLifeUNIT Mesh Screen Cleaner before and after you apply the cleaning product. Window experts recommend you clean your screens a minimum of once every season, or more frequently during allergy season.