4 min read
Why dirty screens make your windows look hazy (and how to clean them right)
If you cleaned the glass and it still looks hazy a week later, the screens are the culprit. Here's the fix.
Published May 5, 2026 · Window Boss
One of the most common calls we get: "I had my windows cleaned a month ago and they already look terrible." Almost every time, the cause is the same, dirty screens.
How dirty screens ruin clean windows
Every speck of dust and pollen on the screen rinses onto the glass with the next rain. If you only cleaned the glass but skipped the screens, the cycle starts over the next morning.
The right way to clean screens
- Remove every screen (don't try to clean them in place, you'll never get the back side)
- Lay flat on a soft surface
- Scrub with soft brush + dish soap + water on both sides
- Rinse with a hose
- Stand on edge to dry for 30 minutes
- Re-install tight in the frame
What to skip
- Pressure washers (will warp the mesh)
- Vinegar (won't lift the pollen)
- Cleaning while installed (you can't reach the back)
Why most cleaners skip this
It's slow. Removing, washing, drying, and re-hanging takes longer than the glass itself. Our Exterior 3-in-1 package includes every screen because we think it's the only honest way to clean a window.
Need a window cleaning?
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