Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[Beth]

We recently purchased our home and it has the spots/stains/film that comes from the screens. What is the best method of cleaning this?

[mrscleannw]

Hello Beth, Welcome to our Cleaning Forum.

If you are going to rescue and reuse the screens, you will want to get these clean before replacing them. If you have many windows and haven't taken the screens off - write in a corner of the frame where it belongs for quick replacement.

To clean the screens you will need:
A bucket of warm soapy water (using dish soap is fine)
A soft brush
A garden hose

Begin by rinsing off the screens with the garden hose on a low setting. Get your soft brush and dunk it in the bucket then gently scrub your screens getting all the bugs, cobwebs, and grit from the screen and frame. Rinse off the screens and let them air dry.

If you find any screens that have been ripped or has a hole, it's best to replace these.

Cleaning the outside of the windows:
Window frame cleaning:
Start by cleaning the window frame. If they are mildew spotted or stained clean them with a mixture of
bleach, laundry detergent, and water. Rinse with water.

Windowpane cleaning:
Try this method first. It’s best to clean windows when the sun is not out or not directly shining on the windows.

First wipe the dirt and grime off the windowpane with a towel and water.
Then saturate the window with window cleaner and use paper towels or black/white newspaper to wipe it off; changing the cleaning paper after it gets wet or dirty. If you have a squeegee, this can be used instead of cleaning paper.

If after cleaning with the above method you still have spots and stains then you need some heavy duty cleaning. Home improvement stores carry window cleaning tools with a flat razor blade made to remove even the most stubborn stains.

Saturate the window with window cleaner only this time use either the window scrubber or window scrapper. Be cautious when using these tools so you don’t scratch your windows. Follow the package instructions.

Mrs. Clean

[detailj]

Also, what I have used that I do like to wash screens , and not even have to take the screens off is: Windex window cleaner,, attached to the water hose. you rince threw and then wash with the cleaner, then rinse again, I found this item to work great for the windows to even the screens.

[cleanway]

- While cleaning windows, make sure you work from top to bottom because otherwise, you may leave unsightly streaks that can defeat the whole effort.

- If you do not want to use a cleaner off the shelf, you can prepare one of your own at home. Use white vinegar directly or diluted in warm water.

- To work on the exterior of tall windows, use your garden hose.

- If you are using cleaners off the shelf, do not use cloth to clean your windows dry. Resort to using newspapers and this works extremely well.

I just put things in bulleting. For detailed explanation on these fragments check out this article on window cleaning.