Fly screens are essential for coastal Australian homes, keeping pesky insects out while allowing fresh air to flow through. But over time, these hardworking barriers accumulate dust, dirt, and grime that can reduce their effectiveness and block natural light.
The good news? Learning how to clean fly screens properly is easier than you think, whether you prefer to remove them for a deep clean or clean them in place.
Regular fly screen maintenance isn’t just about appearance – it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your screens continue doing their job effectively for years to come.
Why Cleaning Fly Screens Matters
Dirty fly screens affect more than just your home’s appearance. Accumulated dirt and debris can actually damage your screens over time.
Dust, salt air, and organic matter create buildup that can affect the fibreglass mesh and aluminium frames, potentially leading to deterioration and reduced screen lifespan.
Essential Equipment for Fly Screen Cleaning
Before you begin, you’ll need a few basic items: garden hose, soft brush, microfibre cloths, mild dish soap, bucket, towels, and a vacuum with brush attachment. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes that can damage the fibreglass mesh.
Deep Cleaning Removable Fly Screens
For the most thorough clean, removing your fly screens allows you to access both sides easily and prevents water damage to your home’s interior.
How to Remove Fly Screens from Windows Safely
Step 1: Identify your screen type. The most common fly screens lift up into the top track, then pull out from the bottom.
Step 2: Open your window fully. Gently push the screen up into the top window track until the bottom edge clears the bottom track.
Step 3: Carefully pull the bottom of the screen towards you and down to remove it completely. Handle screens gently – the frames can bend if forced.
Step 4: Lay screens flat on a clean, dry surface outdoors or prop them against an exterior wall.
Deep Fly Screen Cleaning Process
Step 1: Use your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dust, cobwebs, and debris from both sides of the screen. This prevents scratching during washing.
Step 2: Mix a mild soapy water solution in your bucket using warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
Step 3: Gently hose down both sides of the screen using a soft spray setting to remove surface dirt.
Step 4: Dip your soft-bristled brush in the soapy solution and gently scrub the mesh in circular motions. Pay special attention to stubborn spots, but avoid scrubbing too hard.
Step 5: Clean both sides thoroughly, then rinse with clean water using your garden hose on a gentle setting.
Step 6: Allow screens to air dry completely before reinstalling.
Reinstalling Your Fly Screens
Reverse the removal process: slide the top edge into the upper track first, then gently push the bottom edge into the lower track. Ensure the screen sits flush and moves smoothly if it’s a sliding type.
How to Clean Fly Screens Without Removing Them
When you can’t or don’t want to remove your screens, you can still achieve excellent results using the same cleaning process. The key difference is protecting your interior and working more carefully with water.
Start by closing windows tightly and laying towels along windowsills and floors on both sides to prevent water damage. Begin with vacuuming from the inside to remove loose debris, then follow the same gentle cleaning steps – mix your mild soapy solution in a spray bottle, work in small sections, and use a damp microfibre cloth in a zigzag pattern.
How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Fly Screens?
Your location significantly impacts how often you should clean fly screens. Coastal areas need more frequent cleaning due to salt air exposure, while inland properties can go longer between cleans.
Most homes benefit from cleaning fly screens every 3 months, increasing the frequency the closer you are to the coast. Urban and coastal properties typically need monthly to quarterly cleaning, while rural areas can often go 3-6 months, depending on dust exposure.
Common Mistakes That Damage Fly Screens
Avoid using high water pressure as this can damage the fibreglass mesh or affect the powder-coated frame finish – always stick to gentle spray settings. Harsh scrubbing is another common mistake that can create holes or damage frames, so let the cleaning solution do the work instead of aggressive brushing.
Stay away from bleach, vinegar, or abrasive cleaners that can damage both the fibreglass mesh and powder-coated frames. If a screen won’t fit back properly after cleaning, don’t force it – check for damage or warping first, rather than trying to push it into place.
How to Clean Retractable Fly Screens
Retractable fly screens need special attention during cleaning. Always fully extend the screen before starting and use gentle cleaning methods to avoid damaging the retraction mechanism.
Clean with a damp cloth and mild soapy solution, working carefully around the tracks and housing. Most importantly, ensure the screen is completely dry before retracting to prevent mould growth inside the housing unit.
When to Consider New Fly Screens
While cleaning fly screens is generally straightforward, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to upgrade rather than continue maintaining old screens. If you notice visible damage like holes, tears, or bent frames, or persistent staining that won’t come clean, it may be time for replacement.
Quality fly screens like the Prowler Proof models we supply and install are specifically designed to withstand regular cleaning and maintain their performance over time. Well-made screens with robotic welded corners and high-quality fibreglass mesh not only last longer but are easier to maintain, with comprehensive warranties for peace of mind.
Upgrade to Premium Fly Screens
Screen and Blind Master’s high-quality fly screens are built to last, making cleaning easier and extending the life of your investment. Get a free in-home consultation today to learn about durable screen solutions that work harder and last longer.