https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/problem-solved/2025/04/08/how-to-replace-clean-window-screens-diy/82742561007/
To replace a window or door screen, you’ll need:
- Replacement screen big enough to fit over the frame.
- Screen roller tool.
- Screen spline.
- Tape.
- Utility knife.
To replace a screen:
- Carefully remove the existing spline from your window or door. A screwdriver or similarly small tool is helpful to pry up a little bit so you can firmly grasp it and pull.
- Discard the old screen and spline. Some recycling centers may accept these items, or you can find clever ways to repurpose the used screen around your home and garden.
- Roll out the replacement screen so it covers the opening and the frame and cut it. You want a little bit of overhang.
- Align the screen to the frame and tape it into place. Avoid taping over the channel where the spline goes.
- Use the smooth side of the roller tool to gently press and roll the screen into the frame’s channel.
- Place some new spline above the screen and gently use the roller tool to press it into the frame’s channel.
- Once it’s in, use the grooved side of the roller tool to press the spline in firmly. Be careful not to cut the screen. You may need to go over the spline more than once to get it secure.
- Repeat these steps on the opposite side, then again on the remaining sides. Starting with the opposites will keep the screen tight and in place.
- Use the utility knife or scissors to remove the excess screen and put the window back into the frame.
If you can easily remove the screen to clean:
- Rinse it off with a hose or in the bathtub.
- Gently clean both sides of the screen with a mix of warm water and dish soap using a sponge or a soft brush.
- Rinse the soap off and repeat as needed.
- Wipe off the screens and excess water.
- Let them completely dry before reinstalling them.
ALTERNATIVE CLEANING METHOD
Use WD40 – Spray a cloth and wipe down. Keep wiping down with clean part of cloth.