Don’t let a messy fly screen leave a bad impression on your business, especially when cleaning them is easier than you might think.
How to Clean a Door or Window Fly Screen
Fly screens for doors and windows are typically made from a fine mesh to prevent insects from getting through. There are different types of fly screen mesh to cover a range of uses, such as stainless steel for heavy duty use and pet mesh that can stand up to cat and dog claws.
Each mesh type requires a slightly different approach to cleaning, so we’ve provided an easy-to-follow guide for each:
Standard Fibreglass Mesh
The standard choice for internally fitted fly screen windows, fibreglass is the most straightforward to clean. A soft brush or vacuum to remove loose debris, followed by a wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth is all it needs. A soft touch is required as harsh scrubbing can cause the fibres to fray and cause holes over time.
Stainless Steel Mesh
Steel mesh is designed for busy work environments and for use as external screens. This means that they’re more exposed to dirt but thankfully the stainless steel can take a more robust clean. It can handle a firmer brush and even a mild degreaser if grease or grime has built up, which is likely in kitchen settings. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
Midge Mesh
The midge mesh has a smaller hole gauge for areas with smaller flying insects, but the tighter weave means it tends to clog more easily with dust and pollen. For this reason, it’s good to put a regular cleaning routine in place. Remove dust and debris by using the vacuum with a brush attachment first, then gentle washing with a damp cloth. Do not force water or a cloth through the fine holes, as this can distort the mesh.
Pet Mesh
Pet mesh features an extra protective coating on its surface to protect against the claws of domestic animals, the coating is generally durable but worth treating gently. We recommend simply using mild soap and a damp cloth rather than anything abrasive that might degrade the protective layer over time.
Anti-Thrip Mesh
Anti-thrip is an agricultural mesh that is white in colour with a far smaller hole gauge, much like midge mesh, the very fine weave needs careful cleaning to avoid blocking it further or distorting it. A gentle rinse with low-pressure water works better than scrubbing, and the white colour means staining will show more readily, so more frequent light cleans are advisable.
How to Clean PVC Strip Curtains
PVC strip curtains are often placed in busy settings such as factories or commercial kitchens, which exposes them to a lot of dirt and grime. However, they also come into contact with people as they move through them, so it’s essential to keep on top of cleaning to prevent the transfer of dirt.
To clean PVC strips dust excess dirt off with a microfibre cloth. Then use washing up liquid and warm water to wipe down each strip. Ensure to fully dry the strips to avoid soap stains.
Cleaning the grime off can be hard work and you may be tempted to look for other cleaning solutions and methods but you need to be careful to make sure you don’t damage or mark the PVC.
To maintain the appearance of your PVC strips, please avoid:
- Harsh chemicals – Bleach, acetone, or heavy-duty solvents, can permanently cloud or melt PVC.
- Steel wool or abrasives – Stiff scrubbers and tools can scratch the plastic.
- Boiling water – Hot water can warp the strips.
How to Clean Chain Curtains
Chain curtains are useful for interior doorways that need to maintain a level of privacy. But the chains might leave you wondering how to clean them.
To start, remove the chains where possible and take them to a washing station. If this isn’t possible you can clean them while they’re hanging. Prepare warm soapy water and wipe down with a damp cloth.
Don’t spray the chains as this can result in drips that can cause issues if not dried properly, and make sure to stay away from acidic cleaners as this can damage the coating. If you’re struggling to reach certain spots, a soft brush can reach in the nooks and crannies.
Chain curtains can really benefit from daily cleaning to avoid build up. The time you spend cleaning each day will save you time further down the line.
Fly Screen Still Not Clean?
If you’ve done as much as you can to clean your fly screen but it still looks dirty and worn, it might be time to replace it with a new one. Thankfully, in most cases it’s not necessary to replace the entire thing and you can simply repair with new mesh instead. For PVC strip curtains, individual strips can also be replaced as needed, especially ideal if any have become damaged.
Need to replace your fly screen mesh or looking for a new fly screen for your business? Talk to us today and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.
