To keep pool cage and lanai screens clean, rinse them gently a few times a year, keep plants and sprinklers from spraying the mesh, and have them professionally cleaned when you notice a gray haze or green growth. In Florida, pollen, dust and humidity build up on large screen enclosures quickly, so a little regular care goes a long way.
Here is why pool cages get dirty and how to keep yours looking clear.
Why do pool cage screens get so dirty?
Pool cages and lanai enclosures are big walls of mesh that sit outside all year. In Polk County, they collect:
- Pollen that turns screens yellow or green in spring.
- Dust and dirt blown in from yards, roads and construction.
- Mildew and algae, helped along by Florida humidity and shade.
- Cobwebs and insects in corners and along the frame.
- Sprinkler spray that leaves mineral spots and feeds growth.
Over time, that buildup dulls the view from inside, makes the enclosure look gray, and can reduce the breeze coming through.
How can you keep screens cleaner between professional cleanings?
A few habits help:
- Rinse gently with a garden hose every few months. Use low pressure and spray from the top down.
- Brush off cobwebs with a soft, long-handled brush.
- Adjust sprinklers so they water the lawn, not the screen.
- Trim plants and trees that touch or hang over the enclosure.
- Watch shaded sides. Areas that stay damp are where mildew and algae start first.
What should you avoid when cleaning screens yourself?
Pool cage mesh is easier to damage than it looks. Be careful with:
- High-pressure washers, which can stretch, tear or pop screen panels out of the frame.
- Stiff brushes, which can fray the mesh.
- Harsh chemicals, which can harm plants, the pool water and the frame finish.
- Ladders against the frame, which can bend aluminum or stress the screen.
If the enclosure is tall or heavily stained, a professional cleaning is the safer route.
What does a professional screen cleaning include?
Love's Window Washing specializes in large lanai and pool-cage screens, along with window and door screens. Our screen cleaning includes pollen and dust removal, a frame wipe-down and airflow restoration. For window and door screens, we carefully remove, hand-clean and re-fit each one.
The result is clearer sightlines and a fresh breeze through your outdoor living space.
How often should pool cage screens be cleaned?
Many Florida homeowners have their enclosure cleaned once or twice a year. Consider more frequent cleaning if:
- The cage sits under trees or near a busy road.
- You see green or black growth on shaded sides.
- Someone in the house has allergies and spends time on the lanai.
- You are preparing for a party or the holidays.
What if the screens are torn?
Cleaning will not fix a torn or sagging panel. Damaged screens let in bugs, dust and pollen, and they can get worse in a storm. We also offer screen repair for window screens, sliding-door screens and pool-cage and lanai panels, re-meshing and re-fitting panels so the bug barrier works again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pressure wash my pool cage?
High pressure can damage mesh and push panels out of the frame. A gentle rinse or a professional low-pressure cleaning is safer.
Will cleaning my screens help airflow?
Yes. Removing pollen and dust from the mesh lets more breeze through and makes the view clearer.
Do you clean window screens too?
Yes. We clean window and door screens as well as lanai and pool-cage screens.
Which areas do you serve?
We are based in Lakeland and serve Polk County, including Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Lake Wales, Haines City and nearby towns, plus Plant City.
Get a free estimate
Tell us about your enclosure on our free quote form. We usually reply within one business day.
Want this taken care of? Visit our Screen Cleaning in Lakeland, FL page.