Here’s how to clean sun screens before you install them for summer

This is the time of year when you put your sun screens back up on your windows if you have them.

If you don’t, you might want to buy them for your sunniest windows. They can provide more shade in your house, reflect the sun’s rays and absorb and disperse heat back into the air.

If you already have sun screens, you may want to clean them thoroughly before you put them back on your windows for the summer months.

• You will need to use soapy water, a garden hose and a soft brush or rag to scrub off the dust and dirt.
• Clean both sides of the sun screens and rinse off the soap. Dry them with rags or an old towel.
• After they dry, wipe them down with a vinyl protection product to make them look like new again.

The screens usually have aluminum frames and can be coated with vinyl or fiberglass. They will generally last 10 years or more but may need replacing if they have deteriorated. Make sure the aluminum frames are not broken or bent and that there are no rips or tears in the screening material.

You can leave these screens on the house all year round, of course. But if you do, be sure to clean them in the fall to remove dusty residue and insects. When they are off, it’s a good time to wash windows as well.

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