Screen Cleaning: The Easy Add-On That Boosts Your Window Cleaning Profits

One of the first add-ons I recommend to any window cleaner looking to make more money is screen cleaning. It’s a no-brainer because it’s so easy, takes minimal time, and is such a perfect tie-in. It’ll leave your clients and your wallet happier at the end of the job.

Why Clean Screens?

Offering to clean screens as part of your window cleaning package can help elevate you above some of your competitors, and it leaves the job looking more complete. It’s a quick service for you to complete, and it allows you to charge a higher ticket per client.

What is the Best Way to Clean Screens?

The best way to clean screens can vary depending on how many you are working on, but if I have a lot, I’m choosing the XERO Screen Cleaner. It just makes the process so much faster and they come out great. If there are just a couple screens, I might just use my microfiber towel and mop to give them a fast wipedown. It also depends on how dirty the screens are. If they’re not that bad, they don’t need that intense of a cleaning, but if they’re real grimy, the Screen Cleaner for sure.

If I notice screens are broken in the corners at all, then I don’t use the Screen Cleaner. I’ll just grab a mop and microfiber to tackle those ones by hand.

How do I Set Up the Screen Cleaner?

The first thing I do is flip the Screen Cleaner upside down so the legs are now on the top and it’s easy for me to adjust them. Pull all the legs up, vertically, then set them down one at a time so they lay on top of one of the metal tabs that stick out the base of the Screen Cleaner. Then flip it upside down so the legs are now on the ground. Try to get it on a flat surface so it’s really stable. I also put a foot on one of the legs for added stability. Yeah, your shoe will get a little wet. 

I find it easiest to use a quick connect for attaching my hose to the Screen Cleaner so I don’t have to screw it on every time. That’s totally optional, though. Just make sure to connect to your source water and you’re ready. This doesn’t need purified water like when you clean windows. Tap water is totally fine. There is also an on/off valve on the Screen Cleaner so you can turn off the flow of water if you need to step away to grab something.

How do I Remove Screens to Clean Them?

The first thing you’re going to want is a putty knife, or something similar. You need a really thin, but stiff blade to help you pry the screens out. You want to make sure there is no flex in the knife part. Keep in mind, if the screen does release itself, then you don’t need your putty knife. That is just a backup plan for stuck screens.

Removing Single Hung & Slider Window Screens:

From Outside

If you’re working with the screens with a built-in spring, you can push on one side, and it should release the other. Now, over time, the springs can wear out and that’s where the putty knife comes in handy. If it’s not popping out, push your putty knife underneath the frame to pop it up, then re-engage the other side of the screen frame and pull it out. If you’re working with very large screens, don’t push in the center too hard or it can permanently deform. The only way to fix that is to completely replace the frame.

To reinstall the screens, make sure the springs on the frames are lined up. You don’t want them pushed off the side or the screen won’t go back in properly. Angle the screen and line it up with the track on one edge, then push it in on the other side.

From Inside

If you’re working inside the house, you can remove the screens from here too. This makes it easy if you’re working on a second story so you don’t have to pull out the ladder. Open the window as far as it will go. You’ll see there are some tabs on the screen. One thing to note about these tabs, is that they can get very brittle over time because of the UV rays. I generally try to avoid touching these tabs when removing the screen. What I like to do is push my hand against the top of the screen and then lightly wedge the putty knife under the bottom.

To reinstall, angle in the side. If you have a broken tab, that’s the side that should go in first. Then engage a tab to pop the screen back in place.

PRO TIP: Be sure to take a brush and clean out all the tracks before you reinstall the screen. Prevent the dirt from building up so it easy to remove the screens next time.

How do I Clean Screens with the XERO Screen Cleaner?

Once I get the Screen Cleaner set up, I’ll take a screen and swipe it through the Screen Cleaner a few times, circle it around, and cycle it through some more. This works great for standard-sized screens, letting you get all the dirt off. If you have larger screens, be sure to keep it longways (horizontal) instead of vertical to cover more surface area. But it’s the same idea, run it through, rotate it to the other side, and brush it some more. That’s pretty much it. You have to be sure to keep the screens straight when you pull them through the Screen Cleaner, avoid letting them bow as you work.

Once I’m done with a screen, I’ll give it a quick, gentle tap or two on the Screen Cleaner to remove excess water, and then just wipe the frame with a microfiber towel.

- If the screens are pretty clean, I’ll just swipe it through a few times, tap it, and wipe down the frame.

- If the screens are really dirty, I like to use some Meyers soap to help get the dirt up. I keep it in a squirt bottle and just squeeze a little zig-zag across the screen. Then I’ll work it through the Screen Cleaner, really taking my time to thoroughly clean it. Then, same as before, tap, wipe, and you’re good. When reinstalling the screens, if I notice there’s anything stuck on, I’ll take a towel to do some edging just to get them perfect.

PRO TIP: Never place screens against a car.

Can I fix my Screen Cleaner?

Yes, we offer a few replacement parts to keep your Screen Cleaner up and running. It’s easy to make repairs. The brushes just slide out, then replace them with your new set. If any of the internal fittings need to be replaced, you can swap them out for a brand new piece. We even carry the replacement on/off valve. These machines are pretty durable, so it’s not often you’ll have to swap something out, but XERO likes to support our gear for any mishaps that might happen.

Are There Other Benefits to Using the Screen Cleaner?

It happens more often than you’d expect, but when I have my Screen Cleaner set up, neighbors will start asking questions about it, just because it’s something they haven’t seen before. It’ll get you more work, just by doing your current job. What more could you ask for?

I’ve seen other screen cleaners out there, why should I pick XERO?

The XERO Screen Cleaner is one of the best out there. It’s made to last, gets the job done fast, and is easy to use. Other designs lack the ease of use or are just way more expensive for an inferior product. If you’re not ready for an investment in a XERO Screen Cleaner, start simple with a mop and towel to get the job done by hand.

I hope all this information on cleaning screens can help you add this to your service list and boost your average ticket. Whether you choose to use the XERO Screen Cleaner or to do it by hand, you'll appreciate having this add-on service for added value to your customers.

Meet the Author: SteveO is loved by his fans on YouTube where he demonstrates new tools and how to clean windows. He's continuing to share his wealth of knowledge for both aspiring and seasoned water fed window cleaning professionals.