Motorized screens are not merely a fashionable decorator element on modern homes, but they provide elementary protection, greater privacy, and an unobstructed indoor-outdoor flow. Like any home decorator, though, they require routine maintenance to be in their best form. Motorized screen cleaning can be nervy, but with the right approach, you can have them in like-new form.
Understanding Common Cleaning Issues
Before using a bucket and sponge, it is well to understand the special problems of motorized screen cleaning. The screens are bruised and damaged easily when subjected to the normal cleaning procedure. They get dirty, dusty, full of pollen, etc., over time and lose efficiency while dulling them.
Also, grease or outdoor kitchen food residue stain in the way of stains, and also outdoor weathering, will render stains extremely recalcitrant. Mesh or mechanisms will equally be ripped by extensive rubbing and harsh chemicals. Therefore, the screens have to be cleaned gently and lightly to preserve their material as well as their usability.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Motorized Screens
Progressive screens with MagnaTrack, for example, should not be hard to clean. Just follow this simple step-by-step process to clean them effectively without damaging their fragile design.
Roll out the motorized screen to its complete length to lay out the whole surface. Turn off the motor of the screen or unplug it so that it will not be accidentally turned on while cleaning.
Gently brush off loose debris and loose particles using a soft-bristled brush. Gently clean the screen without tearing or stretching the mesh by avoiding too much pressure. So, sweep off the surface dirt first, then combine warm water and mild dish soap. Never use bleach or strong cleaning chemicals to clean the screen because they will destroy the screen material.
Soak a sponge or microfiber cloth in the soapy water and clean the screen with gentle, soft, circular motions. Treat spots or stains of dirt lightly, but not too hard. Rinse the sponge or cloth out repeatedly as necessary to prevent smearing dirt around.
Rinse the screen thoroughly with a hose or spray bottle of clean water after cleaning. Removing soap residue is essential, as residual suds will attract more dirt in the long term. Let the screen air dry fully before retracting it. If available, use a handheld blower or fan to accelerate the drying process.
Regular Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
Regular maintenance will reap rewards in dollars and time down the line. To prevent slowing down debris accumulation, dust or gently sweep your screens on a regular basis, preferably every month. If you have mounted your motorized screens on high-traffic outdoor areas, then cleaning more often is justified to prevent grime accumulation.
Inspect the screen house and tracks from time to time for any blockage. Trash, twigs, or dirt within the tracks will hinder the free movement of the screen. Apply a silicone lubricant permissible to manufacturer’s standards on the tracks from time to time to maintain the mechanism in a healthy condition.
During windy or stormy weather, retract the screen to protect it from unnecessary wear and tear. Most importantly, refer to the manufacturer’s care guidelines for your specific screen model to ensure you’re following their recommendations.
Enjoy Clean and Functional Screens
In routine upkeep, your motorized screens will have your house looking and running beautifully for decades to come. Regular cleaning does not only keep them looking as good as new but also make them function without any hiccups, and you get your money’s worth. From living outside to making your house safe from the outside, clean and well-maintained screens add a touch of luxury and ease to your life.
For others who would like to make it even simpler, there are also professional firms that can be hired to do cleaning and maintenance for you. Whatever you do, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it for you, the most important thing is regular attention to keep your motorized screens in their best state.