If you’ve lived in Southwest Florida for any length of time, you know that pool cage screens can get dirty fast. Between the pollen, dust, hard water stains, and the occasional algae growth, keeping your enclosure clean can feel like a never-ending battle.
After installing and maintaining hundreds of pool cages across Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier counties, we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. Here’s our comprehensive guide to keeping your screens looking their best.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about why cleaning your pool cage screens is important:
- Extends screen life — Dirt and algae can break down screen fibers over time
- Improves appearance — Clean screens make your entire outdoor space look better
- Better airflow — Clogged screens reduce air circulation
- Easier maintenance — Regular cleaning prevents buildup that becomes harder to remove
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you start:
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Soft-bristle brush or car wash brush (long-handled)
- Bucket
- Mild dish soap (Dawn works well)
- White vinegar (for hard water stains)
- Spray bottle
- Ladder (for high areas)
Important: Never use a pressure washer on pool cage screens. The high pressure will stretch and damage the mesh, potentially blowing holes right through it.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Rinse First
Start by rinsing your screens with plain water from your garden hose. Use a gentle spray setting—not the jet setting. This removes loose dirt and debris before you start scrubbing.
Work from top to bottom so dirty water doesn’t drip onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
Step 2: Mix Your Cleaning Solution
In a bucket, mix:
- 1 gallon of warm water
- 2-3 tablespoons of mild dish soap
For areas with hard water stains or algae, you can add:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
Step 3: Scrub Gently
Dip your soft brush in the solution and gently scrub the screens. Work in sections, using circular motions. Don’t press too hard—you want to clean the screen, not stretch it.
Pay extra attention to:
- The bottom third of screens (where splashback collects)
- Areas near landscaping (pollen and dirt accumulate here)
- Corners and edges where aluminum meets screen
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse each section completely before moving to the next. Soap residue left on screens can attract more dirt and create spots.
Step 5: Address Stubborn Stains
For hard water stains that won’t budge:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Spray directly on the stain
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes
- Scrub gently and rinse
For algae or mildew (common on the north side of enclosures):
- Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
- Apply to affected areas only
- Let sit for 5 minutes maximum
- Rinse thoroughly
Caution: Test any bleach solution on a small, hidden area first. Some screen coatings can be affected by bleach.
How Often Should You Clean?
In Southwest Florida, we recommend:
| Cleaning Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Light rinse | Monthly |
| Full cleaning | Every 3-4 months |
| Deep cleaning | Twice per year |
If your property is near:
- Golf courses (more pollen and fertilizer)
- Construction sites (extra dust)
- Bodies of water (more algae potential)
…you may need to clean more frequently.
What NOT to Do
We’ve seen well-meaning homeowners damage their screens with these common mistakes:
Don’t Use Pressure Washers
We can’t stress this enough. Pressure washers will:
- Stretch your screens
- Create weak spots that tear easily
- Blow holes right through the mesh
- Damage the spline that holds screens in place
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Avoid:
- Concentrated bleach (dilute properly)
- Oven cleaners
- Rust removers
- Acetone or paint thinner
These can weaken screen fibers and damage protective coatings.
Don’t Scrub with Stiff Brushes
Wire brushes or stiff bristles will scratch and damage screens. Stick to soft-bristle brushes designed for cars or windows.
Don’t Clean in Direct Sunlight
Cleaning solutions dry too quickly in Florida’s hot sun, leaving residue and spots. Clean early morning or late afternoon, or work in shaded sections.
When to Call a Professional
Consider professional cleaning if:
- Your enclosure is more than one story
- You notice mold or heavy algae growth
- Screens haven’t been cleaned in over a year
- You’re not comfortable working on a ladder
Professional cleaning services have specialized equipment and can safely reach all areas of your enclosure.
Signs Your Screens Need More Than Cleaning
While you’re cleaning, look for these warning signs that indicate repair or replacement might be needed:
- Holes or tears — Even small ones will get bigger
- Stretched or sagging screens — Won’t return to normal tension
- Rust on aluminum frames — Can spread and weaken structure
- Loose or missing spline — Screens may come out in wind
- Faded or brittle screens — UV damage means it’s time to rescreen
If you notice any of these issues, it’s better to address them sooner rather than later. Small repairs are always more affordable than waiting until a full rescreening is needed.
The Bottom Line
Regular, gentle cleaning is the key to keeping your pool cage looking great and lasting longer. A few hours of maintenance every few months can add years to your screen’s lifespan and keep your outdoor space beautiful.
Have questions about your specific enclosure? Contact us or give us a call at (941) 676-8818. We’re always happy to help Southwest Florida homeowners get the most out of their screen enclosures.
