How to Clean Window Bars Because They Are Probably Dirty
When we think about washing windows, we are probably worried about glass panels both inside and outside our homes . But if you have window grates, they should be cleaned regularly, too. Screens exist for the sole purpose of serving as the last barrier between the environment and your home, keeping things like insects and larger pieces of debris out. But this also means that over time they will clog up with dirt, dust and – hello allergies! – pollen.
If you’re not sure where to start, Jessica Kilman walks us through the process in the Hunker article . Here’s what you need to know to breathe easier while enjoying the fresh indoor air.
How to clean removable window bars
Window grilles should be washed at least twice a year, Kielman said. Luckily, she has a pretty simple way to do it – provided you can remove the screen and take it to another location to clean it. (Sometimes window screens can rust, rust, or just get stuck in place, so they can’t always be pulled out. We’ll learn how to clean non-removable screens in a minute.)
Here’s what to do:
- Remove the screens and place them on a flat surface such as a driveway, patio, or other area without grass. If you don’t have open space, the bathroom is best.
- Mix one teaspoon of liquid dish soap with water in a bucket or bowl. (Kielman does not specify which water should be hot, warm, or cold, but hot water usually cleans better than cold water .)
- Clean the screens one at a time. Start by wetting one with a hose, if outdoors, or a removable shower head, if indoors. In any case, use the minimum water pressure setting to avoid piercing the screen (you don’t want to make these holes anymore).
- Dip a soft dish brush into the soapy water and lightly rinse the screens up / down or in circular motions. The idea is to get rid of dust, dirt, and other debris, but don’t press or lose so hard that you risk damaging them.
- Rinse the screens again carefully.
- Wipe the screens with a clean cloth, then let them air dry for an hour or two before placing them back in the windows.
How to clean window screens that can’t be removed
The process is very similar, but if you’re looking for specific information, Kimbrie Parker wrote a separate article on Hunker telling us about the process.
It should be noted that you may only need to clean one side, so start by washing the inside or outside of the screens and then return to see if they need more work. If they do this (and there is a possibility of getting to the other side), wash this side too. Here’s what to do:
- If you are cleaning the inside of your screens, use some towels or sheets to keep your home from getting dirty.
- Wipe the screen with a soft cloth to shake off any dust, then use a soft-brush vacuum cleaner to pick up what is left.
- Fill two buckets with warm water, then add a few drops of dish soap to one bucket.
- Use a lint-free rag (such as an old T-shirt or something else made of cotton) to clean the window grills with the cleaning solution, often rinsing and wringing out the rag as you go.
- Wipe the screens with clean water to rinse them.
- Keep windows open and air dry for several hours.
You probably don’t want to add things to your list of things to clean regularly, but it’s worth considering: cleaning window grills can be especially helpful if someone in your home is allergic to dust or any type of pollen from outside and hitting the wire mesh.