Motorized retractable screens are one of the best upgrades for Central Florida living. They let you enjoy fresh air while blocking insects, reducing glare and keeping debris out of your outdoor spaces. However, like anything installed outdoors in our warm and humid climate, they need occasional cleaning and simple maintenance to stay in perfect working condition.
The good news? Cleaning them is easy, safe, and only takes a few minutes per screen.
Click the picture below to go to YouTube and view a video detailing the cleaning process⤵
Why Regular Cleaning Matters in Central Florida
Central Florida has a few unique environmental factors that make regular cleaning important:
- Pollen buildup (especially oak and pine seasons)
- Salt air in and near coastal areas
- Sand and dust from wind and near new construction
- Lovebug residue twice a year
- High humidity that encourages mildew buildup
Cleaning your screens a couple of times a year helps your motorized retractable screens stay clean and operate smoothly.
What You’ll Need
- A garden hose with a sprayer that has a gentle setting.
- A soft brush, cloth or sponge. If you use a soft brush, having a pole that extends can make it easier to reach up high.
- A bucket of water with mild soap like Dawn dish detergent.
- Optional for mildew: diluted white vinegar
- DO NOT USE: pressure washers, harsh chemicals like bleach or anything solvent based or abrasive pads
Step-By-Step Cleaning Instructions
Step 1: Lower the Screen Fully
Run the screen all the way down to the floor so you can clean the entire screen surface.
Step 2: Rinse the Screen
Use your garden hose with the spray nozzle on the soft spray setting.
Start at the top and rinse downward to remove dust, pollen, spider webs, and surface dirt. Do not use a pressure washer. It can damage the mesh or push water up into the housing.
Step 3: Scrub with Soap & Water and Rinse
Fill a bucket with water and some mild dish soap. Use a soft brush, cloth or sponge to clean the mesh. Scrub the entire mesh from top to bottom and rinse. Remember to clean both sides of the mesh. FOR MILDEW: use a mix of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water and wipe the affected area. Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom to best clean the screen.
Step 4: Air Dry
This is important. Let the screen air dry completely before retracting it. Do not retract it while it’s wet. Moisture can sit inside the housing and mix with our Central Florida humidity and cause mildew to form. Most screens dry in 30 minutes or less.
Step 5: Clean the Tracks, Housing and Bottom Bar
- Vacuum or wipe the tracks to remove sand and debris.
- When tracks dry, apply a dry silicone lubricant directly to the zipper port of the sidetrack. **Never apply oils or lubricants like lithium grease or WD 40**.
- Raise the screen up about halfway to easily wipe down the bottom bar on both sides, then clean the brush pile or rubber bottom seal with a handheld brush.
Maintenance Schedule for Central Florida Home and Business Owners
Twice a Year
- Inspect housing and tracks for insects and debris
- Check the bottom bar and brush pile for debris
- Check the battery in your remote control
- Wash and rinse screens
After Major Events
- After big storms or hurricanes: rinse off wind-blown dirt and debris
- After lovebug season: wash residue ASAP (it’s mildly acidic)
PRO TIPS!
- Get a soft brush and an extendable pole. It’s a lot easier to clean your screens this way as opposed to going up and down a ladder.
- If your screens don’t need to be washed, you can use a soft cloth and Simple Green for spot cleaning.
- Keep a can of dry silicone spray handy. If you notice your screen hanging up or hesitating when it’s operating, spraying down the sidetracks of your motorized screens can quickly remedy the situation.
- If you live near saltwater, rinse your screens every few weeks with fresh water.
- Avoid letting your landscaping sprinklers spray directly onto the screens.
When to Call the Professionals
You should contact us if you notice:
- Uneven rolling
- The screen is binding in the tracks
- Tears in the screen fabric
- Issues with your motor or remote control
New Horizons — Go Retractable can perform service and routine maintenance for your motorized retractable screens. While most maintenance can be done by the homeowner, we are happy to set you up on an annual or biannual Preventative Maintenance Program.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning and maintaining your motorized retractable screens in Central Florida is simple but very important to keep them looking new and operating flawlessly. With routine care, your screens will last a long time — even in Central Florida’s challenging climate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should I clean my motorized retractable screens in Central Florida?
Short answer: Wash and rinse the screens at least twice a year, and after major events. Rinse off wind‑blown dirt and debris after big storms or hurricanes, and wash lovebug residue as soon as possible because it’s mildly acidic. If you live near saltwater, give the screens a fresh‑water rinse every few weeks. Regular light rinsing and track lubrication during heavy pollen seasons also helps keep them operating smoothly.
Question: What cleaning tools and products are safe to use (and what should I avoid)?
Short answer: Use a garden hose on a gentle spray setting, a soft brush/cloth/sponge (an extendable pole helps), mild dish soap like Dawn, and diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) for mildew. Avoid pressure washers, harsh chemicals such as bleach, any solvent‑based cleaners, and abrasive pads. For the tracks, only use a dry silicone lubricant—never oils or products like lithium grease or WD‑40.
Question: Can I retract the screen while it’s still wet?
Short answer: No. Let the screen air dry completely before retracting. Retracting it wet can trap moisture in the housing, and combined with Central Florida’s humidity, that encourages mildew. Most screens dry in 30 minutes or less.
Question: How do I clean and lubricate the tracks, housing, and bottom bar?
Short answer: Vacuum or wipe the sidetracks to remove sand and debris. When the tracks are dry, apply a dry silicone spray directly to the zipper port of the sidetrack (do not use oils or WD‑40). Raise the screen halfway to wipe both sides of the bottom bar, then clean the brush pile or rubber bottom seal with a handheld brush.
Question: What should I do if the screen sticks, rolls unevenly, or seems to bind?
Short answer: First, clean out the sidetracks and apply dry silicone to the sidetracks; this often fixes minor hesitation. If problems persist, or if you see tears, uneven rolling, binding in the tracks, or motor/remote issues, contact the professionals at New Horizons – Go Retractable for service or to set up an annual or biannual Preventative Maintenance Program.