Over the years, time, insects, and weathering can cause your motorized screens to look less than their best. Whether you already have motorized screens or you’re thinking of installing them, cleaning them can seem like a big task.
Luckily, keeping your motorized screens sparkling is easy, and you’ll be glad you took the time to do it. To help renew them, here’s how to clean and maintain your motorized screens.
When to clean your screens
Ideally, you’ll clean your screens twice a year after they’ve gotten the most use or have been tucked away for an extended period of time. To elaborate, you’ll clean your screens in autumn after they’ve gotten their use in the summer, protecting you from the sun and insects. In the snowy and wet winter, you probably keep your screens retracted and protected from weathering, as you’re likely not using your patio or porch during the cold months. That means your second cleaning should occur in the spring.
How to maintain screens
As mentioned previously, you want to make sure that you’re not leaving your motorized screens in the down position during the cold and rainy months. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re pulling up your screens during hurricanes and other serious weather events. This is to avoid corrosion, weathering, and tearing in the screen due to debris. While it may seem like a good idea to leave your screens down to “protect” your home, a strong enough storm will tear right through them and cause more debris to impact your home.
How to clean screens
Cleaning your motorized screens is incredibly simple. First, clean the track with a soft, damp rag and a cleaning solution that is safe for whatever material the track is made of. Use a regular vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment to remove any loose debris. Next, use a soft brush to apply a gentle soap and lather it on the screen. Remember to use a hose, not a pressure washer, to remove the suds. Finally, you can allow the screen to dry on its own, which usually takes about a day.
While there are many benefits to having motorized screens, one of the biggest reasons people have them installed is to keep out pesky insects while they enjoy their porch or patio. Knowing how to clean and maintain your motorized screens is important but incredibly simple. Cleaning your screens will help keep them looking better and working longer so you can enjoy your open space without pests.
