Oct. 10, 2008 - Clean your screens before winter

Many home owners remove and clean their window screens before storing them for the winter. This can prolong the life of the screen, and -- if you clean the windows too -- will make your winter view crystal clear. Here are a few tips to make the task easier:

* Remove the screens from the window frame, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful not to bend or damage the screen.
* Put the screens on a flat surface, such as the driveway or lawn, and wet the screens thoroughly with water.
* Dip a scrub brush into a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part ammonia and apply to the screen using a very light scrubbing motion. Be sure you don't scrub too hard or push the fabric which can stretch or cause damage to the screen.
* Lightly brush both sides of the screen using overlapping, rotating strokes. In addition, clean the interior and exterior of the frame.
* Rinse the screens thoroughly with fresh water (preferably lukewarm) to make sure all cleaning solution is removed.
* Shake or tap the screen gently against the ground to remove excess water. Let the screens dry naturally, or give a quick wipe with an absorbent towel to speed up the drying process.
* Never pressure wash screens because the force will likely damage them.
* Cover the screens in plastic and store in an out-of-the-way place in an upright or flat position.

By cleaning your screens in the fall, you'll appreciate looking through clean windows all winter, and you'll have clean, ready-to-install screens next spring.