How to Maintain and Clean Your Fly Screens: Expert Tips by The Mesh Company

Category: Insect Mesh

We all have those pesky insects bothering us here and there, especially during summers. That’s why fly screens are there to save the day. However, like most things, fly screens require maintenance and cleaning. Although it may seem like a daunting task, with just a few steps, you can make sure your fly screens remain effective for years to come. In this blog, we have compiled expert tips on maintaining and cleaning fly screens that will help you keep your screens looking good and doing their job properly.

Let’s get into it…

Choose The Right Fly Screen Material

Before we dive into how to maintain and clean fly screens, let’s first discuss the material you should go for. Fly screens come in various materials, including stainless steel, fibreglass, galvanised steel, and aluminium.

Each material has different requirements and cleaning methods. For instance, fibreglass mesh is less prone to rust and can be simply cleaned using a soft cloth and mild detergent, while aluminium mesh is known for its durability, making it suitable for areas prone to harsh weather conditions.

Aluminium Insect Mesh

The superior quality aluminium mesh delivers exceptional fly screening for any soffit vent. Its lightweight nature and ease of cutting make it the perfect material for soffit vent mesh. It serves as an effective deterrent against insects when used to block air-bricks and soffit vents. Despite its light weight, this mesh successfully bars birds and insects from entering through holes and crevices. Most commonly, this lightweight mesh is utilized as a fly mesh for door screens, serving as a reliable barrier against unwelcome intruders.

Holes / Wires Per Linear Inch = 18 x 16 (rectangular)
Wire Thickness = 0.28mm
Hole Size / Aperture = 1.13 x 1.31mm

Fibreglass

Created with top-grade European craftsmanship, this insect mesh delivers outstanding netting solutions for soffit vents. It is ideally used to cover air-bricks, soffit vents, and similar openings, effectively deterring insects. Though lightweight, the mesh effectively keeps birds and insects from intruding through various holes, gaps, and crevices. Most frequently, this lightweight mesh finds use as a fly mesh for both doors and windows, serving as a reliable line of defense against unwanted pests.

Colour – Black, Grey & White
Holes / Wires Per Linear Inch = 18 x 16 (rectangular)
Wire Thickness = 0.28mmHole Size / Aperture = 1.13 x 1.31mm
Hole Size / Aperture = 1.13 x 1.31mm

Stainless Steel Insect Mesh

Designed with 1.36mm holes, stainless steel insect meshing is tailored to balance airflow and pest control effectively. This precise construction allows for optimal air circulation, whilst simultaneously forming a barrier against flies, wasps, and other winged creatures. As a result, it offers a robust solution for maintaining a fresh, pest-free environment.

Mesh Count = 16 holes per linear inch
Holes / Wires Per Square Inch = 256 holes per square inch
Wire Thickness = 0.23mm
Hole Size / Aperture = 1.36mm
Open Area % = 73.80%

Use The Right Tools

After choosing the right material for your fly screens, you need to use the right cleaning tools.

Use a soft brush and mild detergent to clean stainless steel mesh and galvanized steel mesh. Avoid using abrasive tools that could scratch the surface of the screen. For fibreglass and aluminium mesh, use a soft cloth and mild detergent to gently wipe away dirt and debris.

Regular Maintenance

Keeping your fly screens clean should be part of your regular cleaning routine. Maintaining them well will extend their lifespan, enhance their appearance, and prevent insects from entering your home. Ideally, they should be cleaned four times a year, but it is always better if they are cleaned more often.

Why Clean Your Fly Screens?

First, let’s address the question: why is it necessary to clean fly screens? They’re constantly exposed to outdoor elements, accumulating dirt, dust, pollen, and a variety of insect debris. This accumulation can gradually degrade the screen’s integrity, not to mention the diminished air quality it can lead to within your home. Regular cleaning enhances the longevity of your screens and keeps your home’s air fresh and clean.

Step 1: Remove The Screens

It is very important that you carefully remove the fly screens from the windows and doors before you start the cleaning process.

Step 2: Brush Off Loose Debris

Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose debris and dust from the screen. Always brush from the inside out to push the dirt away rather than deeper into the mesh.

Step 3: Wash Your Fly Screens

Prepare a mild solution of warm water and a gentle dish soap. Don’t use harsh cleaning products as they can damage the screen material. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and gently scrub both sides of the screen. Rinse the screen thoroughly with a hose or under a shower, ensuring all soap residue is removed.

Step 4: Dry Your Screens

Let your fly screens air dry in a clean, dust-free environment. Ensure they’re completely dry before reinstalling to prevent water damage or mould growth on your window sills.

Step 5: Check For Damage

While your screens are removed, it’s the perfect time to inspect them for any damage. Look for holes, tears, or loose edges that might need repairing. If the damage is minor, a fly screen repair kit could be a practical solution. If the screens are extensively damaged, they may need to be replaced.

Screens that have been damaged in any way will not function effectively. Hence, it is necessary to check for damages during the cleaning process. If the screens have holes or tears, it’s time to replace them. If you have invested in high-quality fly screens, such as those sold at The Mesh Company, they are likely to last longer, but nonetheless, checking them from time to time is still important.

The maintenance and cleaning of fly screens may seem like a chore, but it’s essential to keep them functional and long-lasting. The right tools and expert tips can help you maintain the appearance and functionality of your fly screens. Moreover, investing in quality fly screens from The Mesh Company and getting professional help from us when needed can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Invest some time in your fly screens. Your home and family will thank you for it.

As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project. We try to launch a couple of new guides every week. Eventually we will have covered everything there is to cover about mesh.

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Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.