How to Clean Security Screens: Step-by-Step Guide for Long-Lasting Results

Security screen doors and windows are a fantastic way to protect your home from unwanted intruders while allowing the breeze to flow into your home. However, if it’s been a while since you last cleaned them, that same breeze could also be carrying dust, pollen and dirt into your home, affecting your indoor air quality and reducing the lifespan of your security doors and window screens.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to clean security screen doors and windows so that they sparkle like new and your home makes a great first impression on visitors.

Why Cleaning Your Security Screens Matters

Keeping your security screens free of spider webs, salt spray, pollen, and dust build-up will help to prolong their lifespan. Dust and debris build-up encourages corrosion, mould and bacteria growth, causing your security screens to deteriorate faster.

Another reason to keep them clean is an obvious one – dirty screens don’t look great. Your front security door is the thing your visitors will see first as they enter your home, so if you want to make a great first impression, you need to give the security screen mesh and surrounds a thorough clean regularly.

Dirty security and insect screens can also affect how well you can see through them, particularly with a product such as Prowler Proof’s ForceField security screens, which are designed to allow maximum natural light and visibility. They can also affect the amount of airflow that’s entering your home if the dirt and dust have really built up.

With regular cleaning, your security screens will last longer, work more effectively, and you’ll ensure that your warranty remains valid.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

• Microfibre cloth or a vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristled brush or sponge
• Mild detergent, bucket and warm water
• Gloves and a mask if allergic to dust

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Security Screens Properly

Doors and Windows

1. Use a soft cloth to wipe over the entire screen to remove loose dirt and dust. If you wish to use a vacuum cleaner, use a soft brush head to avoid scratching or denting the screen. If the screen is very dirty, you can spray it directly with a garden hose, but never use a pressure washer, as this may damage the coating.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge dipped in your cleaning solution of warm water and mild detergent to gently scrub any stuck-on grime, marks and salt deposits. Avoid using steel wool, scratch pads or powders as these can also damage the coating surface.
3. Rinse your brush or sponge, empty your bucket and fill it with clean water to give your security screens a final rinse. You can then wipe it over with a dry cloth so that they don’t remain moist.

Locks, Hinges, and Rollers

1. Avoid damaging moving parts by using a soft, clean cloth dipped in the same solution as above to clean the surface of locks, hinges and rollers. It’s important to ensure that liquid doesn’t penetrate the lock cylinder, as this can damage it, so always squeeze your cloth well to ensure there are no drips.
2. Lubricate key cylinders annually to ensure smooth operation. Powdered graphite is a good choice because it’s dry, so it doesn’t attract dust and dirt like oil-based lubricants. You simply apply a small amount to the key and insert it into the lock barrel.

Special Care Tips for Different Materials

Not all security screening materials withstand the elements equally. When it comes to caring for your screens, consider both the type of mesh and the frame materials.

For example, Prowler Proof’s Forcefield range is made of stainless-steel mesh, but, unlike other brands of security screens that use pop rivets or screws that can quickly corrode, it’s welded and bonded together to offer superior strength over time. The Prowler Proof Forcefield range also uses 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh, which is far more durable, especially in harsh coastal conditions.

What to avoid when cleaning security screens

One important tip when cleaning any type of security screen is to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and high-pressure hoses, which can compromise the powder coating and protective layer, leaving it susceptible to corrosion.

How Often Should You Clean Security Screens?

Follow the simple steps above to maintain security screen doors and windows at the intervals listed below, based on your living environment. Those living in coastal environments or near industrial areas will need to clean screens more frequently to prevent dust and salt from degrading the screening material.