How to clean dirty fly screens and window screens — in place or removed.
⏱ 3 min readEasyUpdated June 2026
Quick Answer
Remove the screen if possible. Lay flat and vacuum off loose dust, then scrub with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse and let dry completely before reinstalling. For screens you cannot remove: vacuum, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Method 1: Remove and Wash (Best Results)
1
Remove the screen
Most fly screens slide up, tilt inward at the top, or have clips or tabs that release when pressed. Refer to your window type — most Australian aluminium-framed screens unclip from the frame. Take care not to dent or bend the frame.
2
Vacuum both sides to remove loose dust
Lay the screen flat on a clean surface (put an old towel underneath to protect the mesh). Vacuum both sides with a brush attachment to remove loose dust, pollen and debris. Do this first — wetting dry dust turns it into a paste that is harder to remove.
3
Scrub with warm soapy water
Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Using a soft-bristle brush (a clean dishwashing brush or a soft nail brush), gently scrub both sides of the screen mesh in circular motions. Work across the whole screen.
4
Rinse and dry completely before reinstalling
Rinse with clean water using a garden hose on a gentle setting, or a bucket of clean water. Shake off excess water. Stand upright or lay flat in the sun to dry completely — reinstalling a damp screen can cause staining and mould.
Method 2: Clean Without Removing
5
Vacuum in place, then wipe
Vacuum the screen from inside using a brush attachment. Then dampen a microfibre cloth with a water and white vinegar solution (1:1) and gently wipe the screen mesh. Use a dry cloth to wipe off excess moisture. For stubborn grime: a Magic Eraser lightly dampened can clean mesh effectively without removing it.
How often to clean screensOnce or twice a year is sufficient for most homes — spring and autumn are natural times. In areas with high pollen, smoke or near construction, more frequent cleaning improves indoor air quality noticeably. Clean screens also let more light through than dusty ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small holes (under 1cm): apply a small amount of clear nail polish over the hole on both sides. This bonds the loose strands and seals the hole effectively for small damage. Larger holes: fly screen repair tape is available from hardware stores ($5–10) and applies over the hole on one side. For large damage, replacing the entire screen mesh is more durable — the mesh and spline are available at hardware stores and can be replaced without buying a new frame.
Use low pressure only — high pressure damages the mesh, pushes it loose from the frame, or distorts the aluminium frame. A garden hose on a gentle setting is ideal. If using a pressure washer, stand well back and use the widest spray setting at low pressure. The aim is rinsing, not blasting.