As the weather cools down across Australia, many of us start to turn our attention indoors. The busy summer season is behind us, the mozzies have eased off, and now’s the perfect time to take on a few simple home maintenance tasks, like cleaning your retractable fly screens.
If you have Ezy Screens installed, you’ll know how seamlessly they fit into your lifestyle, letting fresh air in and keeping the bugs out. But like anything that works hard year-round, they benefit from a bit of care now and then. Giving your screens a clean now (while it’s cooler and drier) means they’ll be fresh and ready to go when spring rolls around.
Here’s how to get them looking and working their best without needing to remove them from their frames, plus a quick DIY cleaner you can make at home.
Why Bother Cleaning Your Screens?
Aside from the satisfying feeling of ticking a job off your to-do list, clean screens just perform better. They let in more air and light, are less likely to clog or jam, and keep your home looking sharp. Over time, dust, pollen, pet hair and general grime can build up on the mesh, especially around high-traffic doors or windows.
And while Ezy Screens are made from durable aluminium frames and quality mesh, a bit of maintenance now and then will keep them working like new.
Getting Started: What You'll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to get started - just a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, a bucket of warm water, a small amount of dishwashing liquid (or a gentle, eco-friendly cleaner), and a microfibre cloth. If your screens are hard to reach, a ladder will come in handy, and if they’re outside, a hose on a low-pressure setting can make rinsing easier.
Cleaning in Four Easy Steps
1. First up, dusting
Extend your screen and use a vacuum with a soft brush head to remove loose dirt, dust, or spider webs. Work from top to bottom with light pressure — no scrubbing needed. If you don’t have a vacuum attachment, a soft-bristled broom or even a dry paintbrush will do the trick.
2. Mix Up a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt of mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid harsh cleaners or bleach — they can damage the mesh or discolour the frame. You want something gentle but effective.
3. Wipe Down the Mesh and Frame
Dip your microfibre cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe down the screen. Use small, circular motions and avoid pushing too hard. Pay attention to the edges where dirt tends to settle.
Got a stubborn spot? Use a soft brush to lift the grime, but go easy to avoid damaging the mesh
4. Rinse and Dry
If needed, rinse the screen using a clean damp cloth or a light mist from your hose (only if outdoors and easily accessible). Then, allow it to air dry fully before retracting - this stops moisture from getting trapped in the cassette or causing mould buildup.
Tip: A bit of sunshine or a light breeze will speed things up nicely.
Want to Use a Natural Cleaner Instead?
If you'd rather skip commercial products, you can mix up a simple, effective DIY cleaner at home.
DIY Natural Screen Cleaner:
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2 cups warm water
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 teaspoon eco-friendly dish soap
Optional: a few drops of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil
Mix it up in a spray bottle, give it a shake, and you’re good to go. It’s gentle on mesh and safe for indoor or outdoor use — especially helpful for homes with kids or pets.
Keeping Screens Cleaner for Longer
Once your screens are sparkling clean, a few small habits can help keep them that way. Give them a quick dust every few weeks, especially during windy days or high pollen seasons. Wipe down surrounding windowsills and door frames, as this is often where debris collects. And when the screens aren’t in use, retracting them can help protect the mesh from the elements.
A Few Mistakes to Avoid
It’s a simple job, but a few missteps can cause unnecessary wear. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough sponges, as they can damage the mesh. Don’t overdo the water — soaking the screen can affect how smoothly it retracts. And don’t wait too long between cleans. Like most home maintenance, regular light cleaning is easier than trying to fix a buildup months down the track.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Screens?
If your current screens have seen better days, or you’re just ready to add more to your home, Ezy Screens has you covered. Whether you’re after a DIY retractable kit, a blockout screen for your home theatre or nursery, or a sleek fly screen for your French or bifold doors, we offer high-quality solutions with delivery across Australia. Installation services are also available in Brisbane if you’d prefer a helping hand.
You can explore our full range here, or get in touch with our team here to chat about the best option for your space.
Let’s Get Your Screens Sorted
Cleaning your retractable screens doesn’t have to be a chore. A quick tidy-up now will keep things running smoothly and help you make the most of every season - whether it’s letting in a crisp winter breeze or prepping for those warm spring afternoons.
Got questions? Need help measuring or choosing the right screen? Get in touch with our team or browse our full range of retractable screen options here.
Ezy Screens - Practical. Polished. Proudly Australian.
Enjoy the view, not the bugs.
