Fly screens are an important factor for the comfort in your home. Not only do they protect it from unwanted and annoying insects, but they also allow you to enjoy a fresh breath of outside air on warm days and evenings. However, over time they accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. And believe us, nothing makes your house look as old and unkempt as dirty, dusty and frayed fly screens. To prevent this from happening, in this article we will tell you how you can clean your fly screens and keep them in good condition!
Cleaning fly screens – why is it so important
Clean fly screens are a benefit – they reduce the amount of dirt entering your home. In some rural areas, they can even prevent birds from flying into the house. Dirty mosquito nets, on the other hand, can pose a health risk. They prevent clean airflow and can collect dust, which then enters your home and lungs. They also look very unattractive and unhygienic.
How often you should clean fly screens depends on your environment. If your area is windy or you live in an urban area or on the coast, your mosquito nets will need to be cleaned more often. Generally, once every three months is a good guideline. However, if you see visible dust and dirt, it's time to break out the soap and water!
How to remove dirt from fixed mosquito nets
Cleaning fixed fly screens can seem tedious, but with the right tools it's easy! Their biggest challenge is the water that collects on the surfaces beneath the fixed nets. That's why we recommend that you first place towels on the window sills and floors.
- Start by cleaning the outside of the insect screens. Take an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush and go over the screens to remove loose dirt and stuck-on dust.
- You can then spray the mosquito nets with a spray bottle filled with warm, soapy water and then wipe them with a damp cloth. You can also use a sponge dipped in soapy water for the same purpose.
- Repeat the process from the inside, being careful not to apply too much pressure and cause the mesh to peel off.
Let the insect screens dry in the fresh air and they will be as good as new.
Cleaning removable fly screens – How to do it right
Many fly screens are removable, which makes regular cleaning much easier.
- First, take the mosquito nets out of their panels.
- Take them outside and place them on a clean, dry surface - or better yet, lean them against a vertical surface outdoors.
- Use a garden hose and gently rinse them with water to thoroughly clean them. Be careful not to use too much water pressure, otherwise the fly screen could warp or fall out of the housing.
- For stubborn dirt, scrub your fly screen with a bristle brush dipped in warm, soapy water. Repeat the process on both sides and then rinse thoroughly.
A notice:Don't forget the window sills andClean door rails, while the mosquito nets are removed! To do this, use an old toothbrush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle.
It's that easy to clean fly screens. Just make sure you do it regularly – after all, you need clean air to breathe!
More tricks on how to clean insect screens
Clean fly screens with a vacuum cleaner: Vacuuming the fly screens is another way to thoroughly remove dust. But you should be very careful not to pull the fly screens out of the frame and suck them in.
Clean with nylon tights: A very old tip is to wipe the insect screen with dry nylon tights. Its structure removes dirt very well from the net. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
Tips on what to avoid
- Avoid using equipment and chemicals that could damage either the coating or material of the fly screen. These include hard brushes, which can cause scratches, and mineral spirits, which can even erode in some cases.
- When washing with a cloth and brush, be careful not to scrub so hard that the mosquito nets become dented or otherwise damaged.
Would you like to make your own fly curtain –You can find out herehow it works!
