It’s funny but true: your screen doors are the portals to the outside world, and they keep you safe from pesky pests while letting fresh air in.
Your aluminum screen doors do so much for you, so you should be proactive in cleaning and maintaining them. That way, they’ll work at their best, and you won’t have to replace them as often.
While there may be specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, there are general things you can do to keep your screen doors in fantastic shape. Read on to find out how you can efficiently clean and maintain them.
Screen Door Cleaning
Thankfully, cleaning your aluminum screen door is relatively straightforward. You’ll only need to get your door cleaning supplies, remove the screen, clean, dry, and replace it.
Below are the steps in more detail.
Get Your Cleaning Supplies
You’ll need a bucket for warm water, which you’ll add a small amount of mild dish soap to. Mix it until it creates suds for the best cleaning power possible.
In addition, get a soft sponge or cloth, a soft-bristle brush (you can use a toothbrush here), a garden hose (or spray bottle), and a dry towel or cloth.
Remove the Screen
If you’re able to, remove the screen from the door. This will allow you more maneuverability, which can result in cleaner screens.
Unfortunately, not all screen doors have detachable screens, so before you try prying yours off, read the manufacturer’s instructions. After all, you don’t want to break your doors in the process!
Thoroughly Clean the Screen
Use the soft-bristle brush or your hand to gently remove loose dirt, dust, and cobwebs from the screen. “Gentle” is the key word here, as you’ll want to be careful not to damage the delicate screen.
Dip your sponge or cloth into the warm soapy water, then gently scrub the screen. Work from top to bottom so the runoff won’t get clean parts dirty again.
Pay particular attention to any areas with visible dirt or stains. You can use the soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach corners or tight spots too.
Once you’re satisfied, rinse the screen door with clean water. A garden hose will get the job done much quicker, but a spray bottle filled with water also works. Either way, you’ll want to ensure that all the soap residue is gone.
If the screen still looks dirty, repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process until it’s sparkling.
Dry the Screen
Grab the dry towel or cloth to remove excess moisture. While aluminum doesn’t rust, it can corrode, so it’s vital that you dry the screen off as much as possible.
If the screen’s still attached to the door, then you can gently open and close it to speed up the drying process.
Clean the Door Frame
If you have a detachable screen, you should clean the door frame while you’re waiting for the screen to dry. Repeat a similar process where you dip the sponge or cloth into the soapy water, then wipe down the frame to remove dirt and grime.
Rinse the frame with water and then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel, as it’s made of corrosion-prone aluminum too.
Reattach the Screen
Once the screen’s completely dry, you can reattach it to the door. If you’re not sure how to, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. There may also be YouTube tutorials that’ll walk you through the process.
How to Maintain Screen Doors
Now that you know how to clean your aluminum screen door, you need to keep up with maintaining it. Otherwise, it’ll fall into disrepair.
Here are the steps you need to take.
Be Diligent With Regular Cleaning
A one-off cleaning won’t do. Try to regularly clean your aluminum screen door, and bump up the frequency if you notice it getting and staying dirty in between.
Keeping it looking clean and fresh not only adds to your home’s aesthetic appeal, but also prolongs the life of your screen door.
Check and Repair Any Damage
Before you clean your screen door, always check for damage. If there are holes, tears, or a bent frame, either repair or replace these damaged parts promptly. This will prevent further damage that can be costly.
While you’re at it, check your window glass as well. You can get a window glass repair company in for fixes if needed.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Get a silicone-based lubricant or one recommended by the manufacturer. Occasionally lubricate the hinges, rollers, and other moving parts.
Doing this will help keep your aluminum screen door operating smoothly. Plus, it’ll prevent corrosion.
Adjust the Door Alignment
Have you noticed that the door is dragging or sticking? Then it’s probably become misaligned over time.
Keep this from happening by checking the alignment regularly. Use the adjustment screws or mechanisms to fine-tune the fit accordingly.
Protect Your Door From the Elements
If you’re in an area that’s prone to extreme weather conditions, then take precautions to protect your aluminum screen doors. You can install storm doors or protective covers during severe weather.
In addition, trim any plants or bushes nearby. Overgrown foliage can scratch and damage the screens.
Keep Your Aluminum Screen Doors in Good Shape
Aluminum screen doors are a blessing, as they can provide quick ventilation during hot days. Their lightweight nature means you don’t have to worry about using up all your strength to open and close them.
However, you’ll have to keep up with cleaning and maintenance. This ensures that your doors will stay in excellent condition.
