How to Clean Window Screens with WD40 (5 Simple Steps)

Have you ever looked at your window screens and felt frustrated by how dirty they look? I used to feel the same until I found a simple and cheap way to fix it. The answer is WD40. Yes, that little can you may already have in your garage. In this article, I will show you how to clean window screens with WD40. It works great, removes sticky dirt, and brings screens back to life without stress.

Gather Everything You Need for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your window screens with WD40, you need to prepare a few things. This helps you finish the job without running around looking for stuff. It also makes the whole cleaning time go faster and smoother. You don't want to stop halfway and look for a missing cloth or tool. Getting everything ready helps a lot.

First, get your WD40 spray. You can find it in most hardware stores or even online. Choose the regular WD40 spray, not the degreaser or the dry lube kind. The regular one works best for cleaning screens because it loosens up the dirt and also gives a little shine.

Next, grab a soft brush. It can be an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush. This will help you gently scrub off the dirt without hurting the screen. You don't want to use a hard or metal brush because that can tear the screen.

You will also need a microfiber cloth or two. These cloths are good because they do not leave little fibers behind. They're also soft and absorb well, which is helpful for wiping off the WD40 and the dirt.

Also, have a bucket with warm water. You might need it for rinsing your cloth or brushing off loose dirt before spraying the WD40.

Put on some gloves. WD40 is not too harsh, but it’s always better to protect your hands, especially if you have sensitive skin.

And lastly, a dry towel to lay the screens on while cleaning. It's better to take out the screens and place them flat on the ground or a table with the towel underneath.

• WD40 regular spray
• Soft cleaning brush or toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths
• Bucket with warm water
• Gloves
• Dry towel or surface to work on

Remove the Screens and Do a Basic Dust-Off

Now that you have all your tools ready, it's time to take off the window screens. Most screens are easy to remove. You usually just lift them up a little and pull from one side. If you're not sure how to remove them, don't force them. Check if there's a small latch or tab to release first.

Once you have the screen out, lay it flat on a towel or old sheet. You can do this outside if the weather is nice. Working outside is better because there's more space and you don't need to worry about making a mess.

Now grab your brush or a soft broom. Start brushing gently to remove any loose dirt, dust, and spider webs. Don't press too hard. You only want to get the dry stuff off the surface. If there are leaves or little bugs stuck in the screen, use your fingers or a tweezer to remove them carefully.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment if you want. That works great to suck up all the dry stuff. If you don't have one, the brush alone is still good enough.

Make sure to dust off both sides of the screen. Even though you'll use WD40 later, removing the loose dust first helps the spray work better. It lets the WD40 reach the stubborn dirt directly.

After brushing, if your screen is still too dirty, you can rinse it lightly with warm water. Just splash a little and use your hand or a soft cloth to rub gently. Let it dry or pat it dry before moving to the next part.

• Carefully take out the screen
• Lay it on a towel or clean surface
• Use a brush to remove loose dirt
• Take off leaves or bugs with fingers
• Use vacuum cleaner brush if you have one
• Lightly rinse if needed and let it dry

Spray WD40 and Let It Sit

Now comes the fun part—using WD40. Shake the can first. This helps mix the spray inside so it works better. Hold the can about 6 to 8 inches away from the screen.

Spray a thin layer over one side of the screen. You don't need to soak it, just cover it lightly. Make sure you get the corners too. They usually have the most dirt stuck in them.

Once sprayed, wait for about 5 to 10 minutes. This waiting time lets the WD40 loosen up the sticky dirt and anything oily or greasy. WD40 is really good at breaking down gunk. You'll start to see the screen look a little wet and the dirt might even start dripping a bit.

During this time, you can go do something else, or just get your cloth and brush ready for the next part.

After the wait, flip the screen and spray the other side the same way. Again, keep the layer light, just enough to cover the screen. Don't overdo it. Too much spray is not helpful and makes it harder to clean.

If your screen has very dirty spots, spray a little more on those parts. Give them some extra time too. The more time WD40 has to work, the easier your job will be in the next part.

Remember to keep your space open with good air flow. WD40 has a strong smell, so working outside or with a fan helps.

• Shake the WD40 can first
• Spray lightly over one side
• Wait 5 to 10 minutes
• Flip and spray the other side
• Add more to extra dirty spots
• Make sure the air is flowing

Gently Scrub the Dirt Away

Now that the WD40 has done its work, it's time to remove the dirt. Take your brush and gently scrub the screen. Start at the top and work your way down. You will see the dirt come off easily. WD40 makes it soft and loose, so it should not take much pressure.

Use slow, small strokes. If you go too hard, you might damage the screen. It's better to go over the same spot a few times than to scrub too hard once.

Focus on the edges and corners. Dirt likes to hide there. You can even spray a little more WD40 if it looks like you missed a spot.

After brushing, take your microfiber cloth and start wiping the screen. The cloth will pick up any loose dirt and the extra spray. Wipe gently and don't forget both sides.

You might need to rinse your cloth a few times. If it gets too dirty, switch to a fresh cloth. You want the cloth to clean, not just move the dirt around.

If the screen still looks greasy after wiping, you can wipe again with a cloth dampened in warm water. That helps remove the last bit of WD40.

By the time you finish, the screen should already look a lot better. You'll see the color is more even, and it will feel cleaner to the touch too.

• Gently scrub with brush
• Use slow strokes, not hard ones
• Wipe both sides with microfiber cloth
• Clean cloth or switch cloth if needed
• Wipe again with warm water if still oily

Let It Dry Fully Before Putting It Back

Once your screen is clean and shining, you must let it dry fully. This is very important. Putting back a wet or oily screen can cause dust to stick again or even damage your window frame.

Place the screen in a dry and sunny area. If it's not sunny, use a fan or leave it near an open window with good air. Let it air out for at least 30 minutes or more. Touch the screen with your hand to check if it’s fully dry.

If it feels even a little bit wet or slippery, wait longer. WD40 needs to air out properly. It should feel dry and smooth, not greasy.

While waiting, you can wipe the edges of the screen frame too. Sometimes WD40 runs down and collects on the frame. Use a clean dry cloth for this.

After the screen is fully dry, carry it back carefully and place it back into the window. Make sure it clicks or fits back properly.

Do a final check. Look at it from outside and inside. You'll notice the big difference now. It's clear, fresh, and lets more light in.

• Let screen dry completely
• Use sun or air to help drying
• Wipe the frame edges too
• Check for dryness before putting back
• Reinstall carefully
• Enjoy the clean look

Keep Your Screens Clean Longer

Now that your screens are clean, let's keep them that way longer. You don't want to repeat this whole process every week. There are simple things you can do to help your screens stay clean.

Try spraying a little WD40 once a month. You don't need to do a full clean, just a light mist. It helps keep dust from sticking and gives the screen a small layer of protection.

Wipe your screens gently once every two weeks with a dry microfiber cloth. This quick action removes fresh dust before it builds up.

If it rains a lot or you live near trees, check your screens more often. Sometimes leaves and tiny insects get stuck easily. A quick look and clean saves more work later.

Keep the area near your windows clean too. Sweep the outside ledge and corners. This stops dirt and spider webs from building up and moving onto your screens.

Also, make it a habit to check the screens when you do regular home cleaning. Just a quick check and wipe goes a long way.

• Light mist of WD40 monthly
• Wipe screens every 2 weeks
• Clean around windows
• Check screens often in rainy or dusty places
• Add to your regular cleaning habit

Final Thoughts

Cleaning window screens with WD40 is one of the best tricks I have learned. It saves time, it works really well, and it brings your screens back to life. Many people do not know how useful WD40 is for this. I hope you try it out and see the great results for yourself. A little time spent today can keep your home looking fresh and clean for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use WD40 on all types of window screens?

Yes, it is generally safe to use WD40 on most types of window screens. Metal and fiberglass screens work well with WD40. Just spray lightly and wipe clean after. If your screen is made of a special coated material, test a small spot first. If there's no damage or change in color, it's fine to use. Always wipe off the extra WD40 after cleaning. That way, the screen does not stay oily. Let it dry well before reinstalling.

Can I use WD40 inside the house?

Yes, you can use WD40 inside the house, but make sure there is good air flow. Open windows or use a fan. WD40 has a strong smell and you don't want it to stay in the room for long. Also, place a towel or cloth under the screen to protect your floors or furniture. Try not to spray near walls or curtains. If possible, clean screens outside for better air and space.

Do I need to rinse the screens after spraying WD40?

No, you do not need to rinse the screens with water after spraying WD40. But you should wipe them well with a cloth. If the screen feels too greasy after wiping, then you can wipe it again with a cloth dampened with warm water. The main idea is to remove extra oil and dirt. Rinsing is not required unless you feel it's too much.

Is it okay to clean screens often with WD40?

Yes, but not too often. Using WD40 once a month is enough for maintenance. You can do a full clean every few months depending on how dirty your screens get. Using it too often is not needed and might make the screens too oily. Keep it balanced. Light wipes in between deep cleaning is a good habit.

Can WD40 remove bugs and sticky dirt?

Yes, WD40 is very good at removing sticky dirt, bug marks, and oily spots. It breaks down the sticky stuff and makes it easier to wipe off. If you have bugs or old stains on the screen, just spray the WD40, wait a few minutes, and then scrub lightly. Most of the time, they come right off without hard rubbing.

Do I need to take out the screen to clean it?

It is better to take the screen out for full cleaning. That way, you can reach both sides easily and avoid mess inside your house. But if you can't remove the screen, you can still spray and wipe carefully in place. Just be sure to protect the window frame and floor with cloths or towels.

Is it harmful if I touch WD40 without gloves?

WD40 is not very harmful, but it's best to wear gloves. Some people have sensitive skin, and WD40 can dry it out. If you do touch it, just wash your hands with soap and water right after. If you feel any itching or redness, use lotion or hand cream. Using gloves makes everything easier and safer.

Can I use other sprays instead of WD40?

There are other sprays like silicone spray or screen cleaners, but WD40 works best for deep cleaning and removing tough dirt. It's easy to find and not expensive. It also gives a nice shine to the screens. You can try others if you want, but WD40 is one of the most trusted options for this job.