You finally get your windows sparkling, and a week later they look dusty again. One common culprit: dirty screens. In Northeast Florida, screens trap pollen, salt, dust and bugs, and every breeze or rain shower pushes that grime right back onto the glass.
Window tracks are the other forgotten spot. Sand, dirt, dead bugs and pollen collect in them, making windows and sliding doors stick and drain poorly.
Here's how to clean both.
What you'll need
- A vacuum with a brush and crevice attachment
- A soft-bristle brush (an old paintbrush or toothbrush works for tracks)
- A bucket of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- A garden hose with a gentle spray setting
- Microfiber cloths or old towels
- A flat, clean surface to lay screens on (a tarp, driveway or deck)
How to clean window screens
- Label as you go. Screens often look identical but fit only one window. Put a small piece of painter's tape on each screen and its window with matching numbers.
- Remove the screens carefully. Most screens have pull tabs or spring clips. Don't force them, since bent frames won't seal properly.
- Vacuum loose debris first. Use the brush attachment on both sides to remove dry pollen, cobwebs and dust before you add water.
- Wash gently. Lay the screen flat and scrub lightly with a soft brush and soapy water. Avoid pressing hard, since screen mesh can stretch or tear.
- Rinse with low pressure. Use a gentle hose setting, not a pressure washer, which can blow out the mesh.
- Dry completely. Lean screens against a wall or lay them on towels in the shade. Reinstall only when fully dry so they don't attract new dirt.
How to clean window tracks
- Open the window fully so you can reach the whole track.
- Vacuum out loose debris with the crevice tool.
- Loosen stuck-on grime with a soft brush or toothbrush dipped in soapy water.
- Wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth wrapped around a butter knife or a flat stick to reach the corners.
- Clear the weep holes. Many windows have small drainage holes in the track. Make sure they're clear so rainwater can drain out instead of pooling.
- Dry the track and check that the window slides smoothly.
How often should you clean them?
In our area, cleaning screens and tracks whenever your windows are cleaned, usually about twice a year, works well for most homes. Homes near the beach or surrounded by pine trees may benefit from cleaning them more often, especially after spring pollen season.
When to call a pro
Cleaning screens and tracks is very doable for a single-story home with a handful of windows. It gets a lot harder when you have:
- Second-story windows that require a ladder
- Dozens of windows and screens
- Hard-water spots or heavy salt buildup on the glass
- Limited time on your weekends
That's where Emerald's comes in. Our residential window cleaning can include screens and tracks along with interior and exterior glass, for homes across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Green Cove Springs and Yulee.
Call or text 904-902-2002 or request a free quote.