By Graham FisherInsect screens and the tracks they slide in collect dirt, dust and pollen, and a sticky track makes a screen hard to operate. This guide follows the care instructions one window maker, Andersen, publishes for its insect screens and patio door tracks, plus screen cleaning tips from Renewal by Andersen. Materials differ between makers, so check your own window maker’s care guide before you begin.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Andersen’s help center says regular cleaning keeps insect screens looking good and working properly for years, and that clean tracks matter for smooth operation. Its articles single out homes in coastal, industrial or agricultural areas, where more dirt, dust, smoke and salt spray are in the air. To prevent corrosion of a screen frame, Andersen mentions an aerosol corrosion inhibitor spray as part of regular care.
Tools and Supplies for Screen and Track Cleaning
The table below lists common tasks and the tools or supplies that Andersen’s care articles and Renewal by Andersen’s blog describe. None of them are powered tools.
| Task | Tool or Supply | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clean standard aluminum insect screen mesh | Soft-bristle brush, mild soapy water, garden hose | Rinse thoroughly; dry the frame with a soft cloth |
| Clean micro-fine stainless steel mesh (Andersen’s TruScene screens) | Wool, feather, or synthetic duster, or soft cloth | Do not use a hose or water |
| Clean insect screen frame | Soft-bristle brush, mild soapy water, soft cleaning cloth | Dry the frame completely to prevent corrosion |
| Remove debris from gliding screen lower track | Vacuum or soft cleaning cloth | Slide screen away from the operating panel to expose the track |
| Clean retractable screen upper and lower tracks | Vacuum or soft cleaning cloth; water for occasional rinsing | Inspect tracks for straightness and damage first |
| Lubricate tracks | Non-oil-based spray (e.g., dry lubricant spray) | Avoid oil-based lubricants; they attract debris |
For general window cleaning, a squeegee and cleaning kit can help with glass, but the screen and track tasks rely on the gentler tools above. A microfiber cloth is especially useful for drying frames without leaving lint, and a soft-bristle brush is safe for mesh that could tear under stiff bristles.
How to Clean Insect Screens
Standard Aluminum Screens
Andersen’s help center says to clean the mesh and frame with mild soapy water and a soft-bristle brush, then rinse with clean water. Renewal by Andersen’s blog adds that you can first spray the screen with a garden hose on a low-pressure setting to knock off loose debris. After rinsing, use a soft cleaning cloth to completely dry the frame. The blog also recommends laying screens on a tarp in a sunny spot to air dry before reinstalling them.
Micro-Fine Stainless Steel Screens
Renewal by Andersen explains that its TruScene screens use a micro-fine stainless steel wire mesh that is tighter than standard aluminum mesh. For these screens, the blog instructs homeowners to use only a duster or a soft cloth to wipe down the mesh. The blog says not to use a hose or water on them. Once dusted, the screen can be put back in place.
How to Clean Window and Patio Door Tracks
Gliding Screen Tracks
For patio doors with a gliding insect screen, Andersen’s help center recommends closing the door, sliding the screen away from the operating panel, and vacuuming or wiping debris from the exposed lower track. After cleaning the track, you can clean the mesh and frame with a garden hose and mild soapy water, scrubbing gently with a soft-bristle brush if needed. Rinse off any soap residue and let the screen dry thoroughly before operating it again.
Retractable Screen Tracks
Andersen’s retractable screen guide says to inspect the upper and lower tracks for dirt, debris, or damage. Use a vacuum or a soft cleaning cloth to remove visible dirt inside the tracks. The guide also suggests occasionally rinsing the tracks with water to clear out buildup and maintain smooth operation. If the tracks need lubrication, the manufacturer advises using a non-oil-based spray, such as the dry lubricant spray it sells, and warns against oil-based lubricants or cleaners that can attract more debris.
Lubrication and What to Avoid
Andersen’s care articles repeatedly caution against oil-based cleaners and lubricants. An oily film can remain on the track or frame, causing dust to collect and affecting how the screen glides. For retractable screen tracks and for casement or awning window hardware, the help center recommends a dry silicone spray or a non-oil-based spray instead. The same guidance appears in the casement and awning window care article, which says to avoid liquid spray lubricants that contain acetone and to steer clear of oil-based products altogether.
Painting an insect screen frame is also not recommended by Andersen. Its gliding screen article also says not to paint insect screens or any surface that has sliding contact with other parts, and the company suggests ordering a replacement screen if you want a different color. For storing your cleaning tools between jobs, see our cleaning equipment storage guide.
How Often to Clean Screens and Tracks
Andersen’s help center recommends inspecting and cleaning insect screens and tracks at least once a year. For homes in coastal, industrial, or agricultural areas with higher levels of airborne material, the same articles advise cleaning every three months. Renewal by Andersen’s blog suggests cleaning screens twice a year, in spring and fall, to wash away winter road salt and summer pollen, for example at the same time you clean your windows.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a pressure washer to clean insect screens?
Renewal by Andersen’s blog says to use a garden hose with the nozzle on a low-pressure setting. It does not mention pressure washers. For micro-fine stainless steel screens, it says not to use a hose or water at all, only a duster or soft cloth.
What should I do if my screen still sticks after cleaning the track?
Andersen’s gliding screen article notes that if the screen is clean and installed correctly but still does not operate smoothly, the rollers may need adjustment. The retractable screen guide adds that tracks should be straight and free of damage. If a track appears crooked or damaged, contacting the manufacturer is recommended.
Can I paint my insect screen frame?
Andersen’s help center explicitly says painting the insect screen frame is not recommended. Instead, the company suggests ordering a replacement screen if a different look is desired.
For more window cleaning tools and guides, see our window and glass cleaning section.
Sources
- Andersen: Clean Your Insect Screen’s Mesh and Frame
- Andersen: Clean and Care for Gliding Insect Screens on Patio Doors
- Andersen: Clean and Maintain Retractable Screens on Gliding Patio Doors
- Andersen: Clean and Care for Casement and Awning Windows
- Renewal by Andersen: Tips for Cleaning Your Windows’ Insect Screens and Glass
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
