LIFESTYLE

Tips To Caring for Your Fly Screens

Your home should be welcoming, clean, organized, and clutter free all the time. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you should strive to enable meaningful living for you and your family. Have you installed fly screens in your home? Chances are, you are already enjoying the classic look and aesthetic appeal fly screens bring to any space. Apart from keeping your home free from annoying flies that can cause disease, fly screens also allow light and air into your home and this can significantly reduce your energy bills. 

However, just like all the other fixtures in the home, fly screens can get dirty and dusty and if they are not well maintained, they can make your house look tired and ugly. No one wants to look through dirty fly screens and this is why you should ensure that you care for your fly screens regularly. 

If you are looking to purchase fly screens for your home, ensure that you buy high-quality aluminum fly screens that are finished with polyester coating as they are the easiest to clean and will last for many years without expensive maintenance costs.  

Here are a few tips that will come in handy when caring for and maintaining your fly screen.

  1. Know When to Clean Your Fly Screens

Clean fly screens are very beneficial because they reduce the amount of dirt that gets into your home. However, if they get dirty, they can become a health hazard because they can block the flow of clean air into your home. How often should you clean your fly screens? Well, it depends on where you live. If you reside in a densely populated urban area that is prone to pollution, ensure that you clean your fly screens once every six months or any time you begin to see visible dirt. 

If you live in the coastal areas, you need to know that salt buildups can damage screens and cause them to turn grey. Ensure that you wipe down your fly screen with soap and water every three months to get more life out of them. 

  1. Cleaning Fixed Fly Screens

Cleaning fixed fly screens can seem very difficult at first but once you gather all the right tools, you will realize that the process is very straightforward. Start by removing all the loose dirt and you can do this using an old toothbrush or a damp cloth. Next, fill a spray bottle with warm soapy water and wet all the fly screens. 

Wipe the fly screen gently using a sponge and allow them to dry in the fresh air and your fly screens will be as good as new. Repeat the same process on the inside and make sure you put a towel on the window sill to trap the excess water. Avoid using abrasive steel wool especially if your fly screens are anodized because it will damage them. It is also important to avoid solvents because they can degrade fly screens. 

  1. Cleaning Removable Fly Screens

Removable fly screens are much easier to clean because you can detach them from their casing and take them outside. Use a garden hose and thoroughly rinse off all the dirt, dust, and debris. However, be careful not to use excess pressure as it can pull the edges and stretch the fly screen. Wipe the fly screens with a clean cloth and allow them to air dry before reinstalling them.