A first time customer called us the week before their wash and asked if the screens were done too. It is a fair question, and the honest answer is a little different from what people expect.
Do you clean window screens as part of a house wash? We recommend taking screens out before the wash, and screen cleaning sits with our exterior window cleaning service. Screens, tracks and frames are a common surprise item for homeowners in Howell and across Livingston County. This guide explains where each step fits, so you know what to expect and what to ask for.
Do You Clean Window Screens as Part of a House Wash? The Short Answer
We recommend taking your window screens out before a house wash so the siding and window areas get a better clean. Screen cleaning, along with frame, sill and track detail cleaning, is part of our exterior window cleaning service. Mention it when you ask for your free estimate.
Want screens, tracks and glass done with your house wash? Ask for a free estimate on our contact page.
Why Do Window Screens Matter During a House Wash?
Dirty screens and frames can make clean siding look unfinished. The eye goes straight to them. A bright, freshly washed house with gray screens and grimy frames just does not look done.
Screens also trap pollen, dust, bug residue and cobwebs. And water and detergent can pool behind a screen, which can leave the window area looking dirtier than the wall around it.
What Do Window Screens Collect in Michigan?
Spring pollen is the big one. Lake and woodland bugs leave residue, and cobwebs gather around frames. Leaf bits and winter grime settle in the corners.
Homes near lakes and on wooded lots tend to see more of it. We keep these claims general, because every house is different.
What Does a House Wash Cover and Where Do Screens Fit?
Our house washing page describes cleaning and brightening siding, porch overhangs, soffits, gutters and more. It uses safe washing methods to remove algae, dirt, grime, moss, cobwebs and pollen.
That page does not list window screens. So we do not tell customers that screens are included in a house wash. What we say is that we recommend removing them, and that screen cleaning belongs under exterior window cleaning.
What Is Included in Our House Wash?
The house wash covers the exterior surfaces listed above, using soft wash. Soft wash means low pressure plus a specialized detergent, with the correct pressure for each surface.
We keep plants wet by constantly spraying water over them while detergent is used. Our house wash is designed to remove algae, dirt, grime, moss, cobwebs and pollen safely.
What Is the Exterior Window Cleaning Service?
Exterior window cleaning is its own service. It includes screen cleaning, which helps remove dust, pollen and debris from exterior screens. It also includes frame, sill and track detail cleaning, since exterior dirt often collects around frames, sills and tracks.
There is seasonal window cleaning too, and the service uses safe, professional methods that protect windows, frames, siding and landscaping. Together with a house wash, it gives a full, even finish from edge to edge.
Who Takes the Window Screens Out?
Our house washing FAQ recommends that you remove your window screens before we arrive, for an even better cleaning. We do not promise that the crew removes them.
Taking screens out is quick. A typical house takes about ten minutes once you know the routine, and it helps both the siding and the window areas get cleaner. If you want help, ask about it when you request your estimate and we will talk through what is possible.
One customer left every screen out in a neat, labeled stack by the garage. The day went smoothly, and the windows looked great.
How Do I Remove My Window Screens Without Bending Them?
Most screens have small tabs or clips along the frame. Here is the routine:
- Find the tabs or clips on the frame
- Press them in slightly
- Lift the screen out slowly, keeping the frame level
- Do not pull on one corner
Real Homes and ATCO Energy both walk through the same basic steps. Removing screens also keeps dirt from falling into the window tracks, which is a bonus.
How Do I Label Screens So They Go Back in the Right Window?
Use painter’s tape and number each screen on a corner. Take a phone photo of each wall of the house. Keep one stack per room.
It takes a few extra minutes now and saves a lot of puzzling later.
Where Do I Store the Screens During the Wash?
Lay them flat on a towel in the garage, or stand them against a shaded wall away from the work. Do not lean them against the siding. Overspray and runoff can reach there.
A flat, dry spot keeps the mesh from bending and the frames from scratching.
Can Window Screens Be Damaged During a House Wash?
We want to be honest here. Mesh can stretch or tear under strong pressure, and old screens are the most at risk. Manufacturers and trade voices advise against pressure washing screens for exactly that reason.
Our method is low pressure, which is much gentler. But we do not promise zero risk to an old screen. One old, brittle screen could not take any pressure at all. The owner told us in advance, and we planned around it.
Our Terms and Conditions say we are not liable for pre existing damage or for aged windows and seals. So if you know a screen is weak, tell us before the day and we will note it.
Why Do Manufacturers Say Not to Pressure Wash Screens?
Simonton, a window maker, says plainly not to pressure wash a window screen or window. ATCO Energy says pressure washers are usually too strong and can stretch or tear the mesh. Real Homes warns that high pressure can damage a screen or warp the frame.
The sources agree on the pressure warning. Cleaning by hand with mild soap and water is the safer path.
What If My Screens Are Already Torn or Brittle?
Tell us beforehand. Fix or replace the worst ones if you can, and ask us to put a note on your estimate. A small hole can often be patched with a hardware store kit, as the Simonton guidance suggests.
We would rather know about a weak screen early than find out halfway through the job.
What Happens to the Window Tracks, Sills and Frames?
Grit, cobwebs and bug debris collect in tracks and sills, especially after a Michigan winter and spring. A screen left in place can trap that debris instead of letting it rinse away.
Frame, sill and track detail cleaning is listed under our exterior window cleaning page. It is not part of the house wash description. If you want those areas cleaned, ask for it when you book.
Expect pollen and algae residue on north facing frames, and check tracks for wasp and spider nests before you remove screens on a dry day.
Can You Clean My Window Tracks?
Yes, as part of exterior window cleaning, which lists frame, sill and track detail cleaning. It is not listed under house washing.
If tracks matter to you, mention it on the quote form and we will include it in the plan.
Why Do My Windows Still Look Dirty After a House Wash?
A siding rinse does not clean glass. Mineral spots and residue can stay on the window, and screens that were left in can hold on to dirt too.
One house looked bright and fresh after the wash, but the windows were dull next to the siding. That is exactly the gap exterior window cleaning is meant to fill.
Should You Leave Screens In or Take Them Out?
Here is the decision rule we use.
Take them out when:
- You want the best result on glass, frames and sills
- The screens are old or brittle
- There is heavy bug debris
- The sills and tracks are tight and gritty
Leaving them in is a choice. It can leave the window area less clean.
When Should I Take Them Out?
Take them out for the best result, for old or fragile screens, for heavy bug debris, and for tight sills. It protects the mesh and gives us room to clean around the opening.
When Is It Okay to Leave Them In?
If a screen is fixed, hard to remove, part of a sealed or storm unit, or you accept a lighter result, leaving it in is fine. Be honest with yourself about the finish. A screen left in can mean a less polished window area.
Not sure how many screens you have or how old they are? Call us at 810 360 1002 or send a few photos with your quote request. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm.
How Do I Clean Window Screens Myself Before or After?
Cleaning screens by hand is simple, and you can do it before or after your house wash.
- Brush or vacuum off loose dust
- Mix mild dish soap with warm water
- Scrub gently with a soft brush
- Rinse with a gentle garden hose
- Let the screens dry fully before you put them back
Simonton and ATCO Energy give the same basic guidance. Wipe the sills while the screens are out. And reinstall only when the screens are fully dry, to avoid mildew. Once or twice a year is common advice from DIY sources.
What Happens on the Day of Your House Wash?
The crew arrives and walks the property. They note any screens still in place and have a quick word with you if you are home. Then they set up at the spigot and soft wash, rinse, and do a final walk with you.
The crew keeps plants wet throughout the wash.
We back every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Payment is due on completion unless agreed in writing. We are locally owned, fully insured and licensed, with more than five years in business and over 1,100 customers served.
Do I Need to Be Home?
No, though we prefer it if possible. If you will be away, take the screens out the evening before and close all windows and doors.
How Do I Add Screen and Window Cleaning to My House Wash?
Ask on the quote form. Say you want screens, tracks and glass included, and we will talk through the scope on the call.
Pairing exterior window cleaning with a house wash gives you an even finish. One customer added window cleaning after seeing the siding result, and said the whole house finally looked finished.
We serve homeowners in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, South Lyon, New Hudson, Milford and Wixom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you clean window screens during a house wash?
We recommend removing them before the wash. Screen cleaning is offered with our exterior window cleaning service, along with frame, sill and track detail cleaning.
Should I remove window screens before a house wash?
Yes. Our house washing FAQ recommends removing your window screens for an even better cleaning. It helps the siding, the glass and the sills.
Can you pressure wash window screens?
Manufacturers advise against it. Mesh can stretch or tear under pressure, so gentle hand washing with mild soap and water is safer.
Will a house wash damage my screens?
A low pressure soft wash is gentle, but old screens can be fragile. Tell us about weak ones in advance and we will note them.
Do you clean window tracks and sills?
Yes, under exterior window cleaning, which lists frame, sill and track detail cleaning. It is a separate service from the house wash.
Who puts the screens back in?
You do, once they are fully dry. Wipe the sills first so dirt does not go back in with the screen.
Do I need to be home during the wash?
No, though we prefer it if possible. If you will be away, remove the screens the night before.
How often should screens be cleaned?
Once or twice a year is common advice from DIY sources. Treat it as general guidance, and clean more often if you get heavy pollen or bug debris.
Is window cleaning an extra service?
It is its own service. Ask for the combination of house wash and exterior window cleaning on the quote form.
What if a screen is already torn?
Tell us before the day. Our Terms and Conditions say we are not liable for pre existing damage, so a note on the estimate helps everyone.
Ready for an Even Finish? Get a Free Estimate
A house wash brightens the siding, and window cleaning finishes the job around the glass, screens, frames and tracks. Remove and label your screens, tell us about any weak ones, and ask for the pairing when you book.
Call Livingston Pressure Washing at 810 360 1002 or use the quote form on our contact page for a free estimate. New customers get a discount by mentioning First Time Offer. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee comes with every job.
