How do you clean caravan fly screens?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How do you clean caravan fly screens? We will explain how to vacuum, clean and maintain caravan fly screens, and also what type of products you may or may not use for the job. 

How do you clean caravan fly screens?

Cleaning caravan fly screens is easier than you may think. You will just need a few things: 

• two old towels
• tow empty sprays bottles
• white vinegar 
• a brush or a soft sponge.

And here’s how to clean caravan fly screens step by step: 

1. Fill one of the two spray bottles halfway with water. 
2. Top-up with white vinegar. 
3. Remove the fly screen from the window. 
4. Gently vacuum each side of the screen. Or wipe both sides with a microfiber cloth. 
5. Lay the mosquito net flat on a towel. 
6. Spray the white vinegar liberally. 
7. Gently scrub with the brush or sponge. 
8. Turn the window over and repeat the operation. 
9. Fill the second spray with water. 
10.  Spray the screen with water on both sides. 
11. Gently wipe with a soft towel. 
12. Reinstall your screen on the window, even if it is still a little damp. 

And there you have it, you cleaned your caravan fly screen easily! If there is any dirt left, you can repeat this cleaning several times. If the fly screens are very dirty, add biodegradable washing up liquid in the first spray bottle to increase the effectiveness of the product.

The maintenance of caravan fly screens

Vacuuming is a simple, yet effective method of cleaning caravan fly screens without even having to remove them. Just pick up the accessory that works best. Usually the crevice tool.

• The fluff brush which is traditionally used for clothing or textiles works perfectly on mosquito nets especially for fairly fine dust and cobwebs.

• Essential oil and baking soda: this mixture gives a very effective and powerful cleaning product that will clean your mosquito nets. You need 4 cups of water, 4 teaspoons of baking soda and a few drops of essential oil such as thyme, cinnamon or cloves. Mix and put in the spray. Then spray on the screens and wipe with a clean cloth.

• The microfiber cloth: once you have moistened it, run it over the mosquito net to remove dust.

• Easy cleaning with liquid soap: No need for specific or expensive products to have a very clean mosquito net. Liquid soap is very effective in obtaining a perfect result. However, you must detach your sail from its frame.

1. You put it in a container filled with water and liquid soap.
2. Let it soak so the product has time to work. It will penetrate between the cracks of the net.
3. Rub lightly with a soft brush. You have to be delicate so as not to damage it, especially if it is a few years old.
4. Rinse with clean water to remove any remaining soap.
5. Put it in a small shaded corner so that it dries gently without risk of alteration. The sun’s rays could damage it.

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How to vacuum a caravan fly screen

The vacuum cleaner is ideal for cleaning window or door screens. Indeed, it is recommended for this type of maintenance, especially for non-detachable sails, i.e. a canvas that cannot be removed from its frame. 

To do this, simply vacuum the fly screens and remove any impurities that have lodged there. However, the device should not be turned on fully. This risks tearing the veil and rendering it unusable. 

It is preferable to gradually increase the power of the suction according to the degree of dirtiness of the canvas. It should be noted that only a type of vacuum cleaner allowing cleaning at height or a miniature and portable model intended for cars can be used.

For detachable screens, these can be removed from their frame and then placed on a flat surface. Then all that remains is to gently vacuum the veil. However, this device only makes it possible to remove the materials which are deposited on the veil.

 If the latter has taken on a darker colour due to dust and another soiling, washing is necessary. Therefore, after vacuuming, cleaning with detergent soap and water is required.

What type of products can I use to clean caravan fly screens?

Cleaning caravan fly screens do not require the use of specific products. Liquid soap or detergent is more than enough to rid the canvas of its impurities. However, you must detach the veil from its frame before placing it in a container containing soapy water. 

Then, let the solution act and penetrate between the stitches of the net before lightly rubbing the canvas. Care is required, as too sudden a movement risks damaging the mosquito net, especially if it has already had its day.

When cleaning is complete, rinse the screen with clean water. This removes the rest of the soap on the mosquito net which may give off bad odours or leave unsightly stains on a clear veil. Finally, dry the veil in the shade to prevent it from drying out too quickly or being attacked by the sun’s rays and the rest of the cleaning product. The mixture may crack the mesh of the net.

Can I use white vinegar to clean caravan fly screens?

Yes, you can definitely use white vinegar to clean caravan fly screens. White vinegar is a household product appreciated for its multiple properties. In particular, it allows you to quickly clean a window fly screen or door mosquito net. However, there are a few steps to follow to clean the insect screen with white vinegar.

1. Equip two empty spray bottles. Fill half of the first container with white vinegar. Then add water to dilute the acidic solution, then shake the vials well to mix the solution.

2. Remove the fly screens from the windows without forgetting to dust them beforehand with a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber cloth. This will make cleaning easier.
3. Place the canvas on a cotton towel, then spray the spray containing the mixture of vinegar and water over the entire surface of the mosquito net. This task is to be carried out on both sides of the anti-insect veil. Then leave a pause for the solution to take effect.

4. Fill the second spray bottle with water, then spray both sides of the mosquito net.

5. Then clean the mosquito net with a cotton towel, taking care not to make sudden movements that could tear the veil.

6. Hang the slightly damp mosquito net directly on the window.

This is the easiest trick to do when cleaning an insect screen. In addition, white vinegar is an effective solution often used to repel certain critters.

It should be noted that the cleaning of a mosquito net is done once or twice a year and more if the veil is stained with bird droppings or other unsightly dirt. However, too frequent washing risks weakening the veil which could tear at the slightest impact. However, if a small tear is found on the screen, it can be sewn up. If it is too large, it is better to replace it.

In conclusion

A caravan fly screen should be cleaned once or twice a year, but if your window really is in a place where it gets dirty very quickly, you can do it a little more often. You should know that being fragile, it cannot withstand frequent washing. It may then tear very easily!

If you have any tips, comments or questions about this content, please let us know!

FAQ on How do you clean caravan fly screens?

How to clean a fixed fly screen?

To clean a fixed fly screen spray with your water and white vinegar mixture, do not hesitate to add a good quantity. Scrub the mosquito net carefully but lightly with a sponge or soft brush. Turn the screen over and do the same. Fill the second spray with clean water.

How to clean a fixed fly screen without dismantling it?

Vacuuming is one of the easiest methods of cleaning screens without removing them from your window. Just use a hose attachment to suck gently. The combination of essential oils and baking soda makes a powerful cleaner and removes dust.

How to clean the motorhome fly screens?

To clean the fly screens of a motorhome you can simply let them soak in soapy water (or diluted with a little detergent) for half an hour and then rub it gently.

How to wash a window screen?

Cleaning a window screen does not require specific products. Liquid soap or detergent is more than enough to rid the canvas of its impurities. However, you must detach the veil from its frame before placing it in a container containing soapy water

References

• Caravan Fly Screen & Astonish Mould & Mildew Blaster – YouTube
• Use This Trick to Clean Window Screens in Seconds – YouTube
• How to Properly Clean and Maintain Screen Doors Without …