Tips for Cleaning Your Patio Screen in Orlando
Having a patio screen enclosure, especially in Orlando, Florida, is very useful and beneficial for every homeowner. Whether it’s to prevent leaves from blowing in or giving you a sense of privacy, patio screens are very popular among many households and are optimal for turning your outdoor space into the perfect retreat. However, over time your screen enclosure will begin to look grubby and stained. We understand that cleaning a patio screen enclosure can take much work too, but after following this quick and straightforward guide, you will know the best strategies to keep this backyard chore easily manageable and your screen enclosure dirt-free year around. Let’s dive in!
Spray Down, Scrub Away, and Let It Dry
Just like keeping windows spot-free and clean, the same applies to patio screens. It’s essential to have a clean and dirt-free screen so you can take in and enjoy the view and scenery of your backyard while extending the life of the screen and frame, so you won’t have to replace it later down the road.
When it comes to cleaning a screen, the job itself is quite simple and only requires a sunny afternoon, a bucket of warm water, some mild dish soap, a soft-bristled hand brush and a garden hose (if you have one). With all these simple materials your enclosure will be squeaky-clean in no time.
Start by soaking the enclosure first with the water/soap mixture and then giving it a good and thorough scrub with the hand brush. Next, spray off the excess soap and dirt residue while keeping a close eye out for any missed spots that may need extra attention. We recommend going over it a second time to ensure the screen is nice and clean (if required). Lastly, finish up by snap-drying the screens to shake off any excess water that remains or wipe down with a chamois drying towel to lessen the chances of streaks.
Removing Mold from Screen Enclosure
If you stumble across mold spots during the cleaning process of your screen, then it’s time to whip out the strong stuff to tackle it effectively. For starters, if you have nearby plants, it’s a good idea to water them first so you can protect them from the mold-busting solution of choice, pure bleach.
Next, gather a pair of rubber gloves, a bristled hand brush, a 3-quart bucket of warm water, and 1 quart of bleach. If you don’t like using harsh chemicals, then you can use a 50/50 ratio of white vinegar and warm water. Start by scrubbing the moldy areas (inside the enclosure and out) followed by the snap-drying or chamois drying towel technique.
As a tip, doing bleach or vinegar washes regularly ensures a whiter screen so you won’t have to keep up with regular maintenance constantly.
Conclusion
Cleaning an outdoor screen enclosure can be easy and done right if you follow our quick and simple guide. Always be sure to use caution when it comes to cleaning your screen, as the material can rip or be punctured. We recommend not using powered high-pressure spray equipment unless you are familiar with it in order to avoid any accidental damage.