Sun shade screens, also called solar screens and sun blinds, are practical installations that serve the purpose of shielding you and your furniture from direct sunlight. Additionally, they offer a layer of privacy to residential homes or RVs, and also keep your space cool.
The exterior surface of a sun shade screen is continuously exposed to outdoor elements, resulting in the buildup of debris such as dust, dirt, and grime. When this happens, it’s time to get your sun shade screens cleaned thoroughly.
The best way to clean your sun shade screens is to remove and wash them with a brush, using a soap and water mixture. They then need to be wiped down, dried and finally reinstalled. We’ll explore all this and more in this guide – let’s get to it!
Cleaning Your Sun Shade Screens
We recommend cleaning your sun shade screen when they become dirty or dusty. Neglecting to do so may result in reduced functionality, as the accumulation of dust particles and dirt can impede their ability to allow enough light to pass through and also obstruct airflow into your home or RV.
Items You Will Need
- Nylon-bristled brush
- Bucket
- Liquid dish detergent or vinegar
- Water hose
- Lint-free cloth
1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
To start the cleaning process, you’ll need to prepare a cleaning solution by mixing about 2 liters of water with a quarter cup of liquid dish detergent (make sure it’s mild). Then, stir the mixture thoroughly until the detergent is entirely dissolved.
You can also use white vinegar instead of liquid dish detergent if you prefer to opt for a cleaning solution without suds that is completely natural.
2. Remove the Sun Shade Screens
Next, you should remove your sun shade screens. If they’re fastened by clips, you can release them by rotating them. However, if they’ve been nailed in place, you’ll need a screwdriver to remove them.
Additional Tip: You can apply small stickers or masking tape to mark the top edge of each sun shade you are removing. This will help you orient them correctly, making it easier to reinstall them after they have been cleaned.
Be sure to lay the sun shade screens down on a clean and flat space after removing them. You can also lean them against a wall or fence, as long as the space is clean and spacious enough.
Avoid using dirty or dusty areas as they will make the cleaning process harder, as the dirt in the surrounding areas may transfer onto your newly cleaned sun shade screens. Position them side-by-side with the dirty side up for better access.
3. Clean & Rinse the Sun Shade Screens
Next, dip your nylon-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and begin scrubbing your sun shade screens in vertical motions. A nylon-bristled brush is perfect for this purpose because its bristles are firm enough to get the dirt and grime out without damaging the sun shade screen itself.
If your sun shades aren’t too dirty, you may be able to clean them with a sponge or a lint-free microfiber cloth instead of a brush. A nylon-bristled brush is recommended for a deeper ad more thorough clean.
After scrubbing in vertical motions, scrub the sun shade screen again in horizontal motions. This will help dislodge the dirt and grime embedded in the mesh. Next, rinse them with clean water, preferably using a water hose to make the rinsing easier.
If you don’t have a hose available, you can slowly ladle clean water from a nearby bucket onto the sun shade. Repeat this rinsing process until all of the soap, dirt, and grime have been washed off.
Bear in mind that dried soap suds are harder to rinse off. It is recommended to clean in sections to prevent the soap suds from drying before they can be rinsed off.
4. Wipe Down the Sun Shade Screens & Let Them Dry
Once the cleaning and rinsing process is complete, wipe your sun shade screens down using a clean lint-free cloth. This helps prevent water marks or streaks from tainting the material. The best place to let them dry is in a clean and sunny area.
Take note that this may take several hours, so you may want to use this time to also clean your windows.
5. Reinstall Your Sun Shades
Once your sun shade screens have dried completely, you can now reinstall them on your windows. Lift up each sun shade screen, and ensure it is oriented correctly according to the tape or markings you made earlier.
Lastly, set them against your window and rotate the clips that hold them in place or screw in the screws along their frames. That’s it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we will answer some common questions relating to the cleaning process and how to ensure that they remain clean and well-maintained.
What Can I Do for a Quick General Clean Instead?
You can clean your sun shade screens quickly by running a lint roller across their surfaces multiple times. This will remove loose dirt and dust without requiring you to remove the blinds or screens from your window.
Alternatively, you can use a vacuum with a soft bristle attachment to brush the dust off and simultaneously vacuum it up.
How Often Should I Clean Sun Shade Screens?
You should clean your sun shade screens at least 2 to 4 times per year. The frequency will depend on how much dust or dirt is in your immediate environment. It is best to clean them during sunny or windy seasons, as these conditions will aid the cleaning and drying process.
You should avoid cleaning your sun shade screens during winter or the rainy seasons as these conditions make it harder to dry them.
What Should I Do if There’s Rust on My Sun Shade Screens?
You can remove rust by first removing them from your windows and then pouring household vinegar over the rusted areas. You should then scrub them thoroughly with a bristle brush and clean water.
If you prefer not to remove them from your windows, you can remove rust by pouring vinegar onto a cloth and then wiping down the sun shade screen while it is still attached to your window.
For stubborn rust stains, mix a spoonful of baking soda with a splash of water to make a baking soda paste, similar to the consistency of toothpaste. Scrub the affected areas with this mixture until the rust is removed, after which rinse off the sun shade screen and wipe dry.
About Sirinan
Sirinan is a self-proclaimed cleanaholic and the editor-in-chief of Cleaney. Apart from coming with up creative ways to keep her living spaces clean and tidy, she loves to read on rainy days.