Your screen enclosure faces a lot in Florida. Humidity, pollen, salt air, and storms all cause dirt to build up over time. This buildup can block your view and weaken the materials.
Cleaning your enclosure on a regular basis keeps it looking good and helps it last longer. Here's what you need to know:
You can follow simple steps to clean your enclosure, learn which tools work best, and get answers to common questions about upkeep.
The best method is simple:
Always work from top to bottom. Skip the pressure washer—it can tear the mesh or damage the frame.
Your screen enclosure is made of two main parts. Each part needs different care.
Aluminum frame Your frame is likely made of aluminum. This material is light and stands up well to rust. It gives your enclosure its shape and strength.
Mesh screens Your screens are usually made of fiberglass or aluminum mesh. This material lets air flow through while keeping bugs out.
Knowing what your enclosure is made of helps you clean it the right way. Harsh chemicals or rough brushes can scratch the frame or damage the mesh. When you understand your materials, you can pick tools and cleaners that keep your enclosure in good shape.
Before you start, gather a few simple items. You don't need anything expensive or hard to find.
Skip the power washer. High water pressure can rip screens or bend the frame. If you want a deep clean, hire a professional instead.
Clear the space around your screen enclosure before you start. Move any furniture, plants, or decorations out of the way so you can reach every part of the screen and frame.
Grab a soft brush or a duster with soft bristles. Sweep away dust, pollen, and spider webs from the screens and frame before you add any liquid.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. You don't need much soap to get good results.
Pick a small, hidden area and test your soap mixture there first. Check the spot after a few minutes to make sure the solution doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.
Dip a soft brush into your solution and scrub the screens using small circles. Start at the top of the enclosure and work your way down so dirty water doesn't drip onto sections you already cleaned.
Wash the frame with the same soap mixture you used on the screens. Skip rough scrub pads or strong chemicals, since these can scratch the metal or cause rust over time.
Rinse the entire enclosure with a garden hose. Keep rinsing until you no longer see soap suds and the water runs clear.
Wipe down the frame and screens with a microfiber cloth. This step stops water spots and streaks from forming as the enclosure dries.
Walk around the enclosure and look closely for any spots you missed. If you spot mildew, stains, or bird droppings, clean those areas again.
Clean off your furniture and decorations before you bring them back. This keeps new dirt from landing on your freshly cleaned enclosure.
For homes in Florida, a set cleaning schedule keeps your screen enclosure in good shape.
If you live near trees or in a humid area, you may need to clean more often. Watch for signs like mold, mildew, or stains between your normal cleanings.
You can use a pressure washer, but it comes with risk. Strong water pressure can rip screen material or bend the frame. If you want to use this method, hire a professional who knows how to work with these materials safely.
Mix mild dish soap with warm water. This combination cleans well without harming the screen or frame. Skip bleach unless you are dealing with mildew, and if you use it, water it down a lot first.
Combine 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Scrub the affected area gently with this mix. Rinse the screen well when you finish.
Attach a soft brush to an extension pole to reach high areas. If your enclosure is very tall, such as a pool cage, hire a cleaning service instead.
Lifespan depends on the material:
Try this quick routine:
This only takes 10 to 15 minutes and helps stop dirt from building up.
Keep trees and bushes near your enclosure trimmed. This cuts down on leaves and twigs landing on your screens. It also lowers the risk of branches falling and tearing the mesh during storms.
Skip strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia. These products can fade or damage aluminum frames over time. They can also weaken the screen mesh, making it tear more easily.
Instead, use a mild soap mixed with water. This cleans dirt and grime without harming your enclosure's materials.
Walk around your enclosure a few times a year. Look for these common problems:
Catching these issues early helps you fix them before they get worse. Small repairs now can save you money down the road.
You can handle basic upkeep on your own, but a yearly deep clean from a professional adds extra value. Trained crews use the right tools and methods to remove buildup you might miss.
This service keeps your enclosure looking good and working well. It also gives you a chance to catch problems that need expert attention.
Lafferty Aluminum & Screening knows Brevard County homes and builds, fixes, and maintains screen enclosures made for Florida weather.
You can count on the team for:
Whatever your project, our specialists are ready to assist.
Call (321) 652-1078 today, or fill out the contact form to have a team member reach out to you.
You don't need to take the screen down to clean it. A soft brush and a hose with mild soap and water work well.
Follow these steps:
Avoid scrubbing too hard. This can stretch or tear the mesh.
Algae and mildew grow when there is moisture and shade. You can remove them with a simple cleaning mix.
Try this method:
For tough spots, you can use a cleaner made for outdoor screens. Always test it on a small area first.
Not all cleaners are safe for screens and metal frames. Some can cause damage over time.
Safe options include:
Avoid using:
These harsh products can weaken the mesh or cause the metal to fade or corrode.
Yes, you can clean a lanai screen without a pressure washer. In fact, pressure washers can damage the mesh if the setting is too strong.
Instead, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Combine it with a soft brush and mild soap. This method cleans just as well without the risk of tearing the screen.
Aluminum frames need a gentle touch. The goal is to remove dirt without scratching the surface.
Steps to follow:
StepAction1Rinse the frame with water2Apply a mild soap solution with a soft cloth3Wipe in the direction of the metal grain4Rinse again with clean water5Dry with a soft towel
Never use steel wool or rough scrub pads. These can scratch the coating and lead to rust.
Most homeowners should clean their screen enclosure twice a year. This helps stop mold, algae, and dirt from building up.
Good times to clean include:
If you live near trees or in a humid area, you may need to clean more often.
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
