Last Updated on August 21, 2026
Crimsafe screens add security, airflow, and a barrier against insects. They also make window cleaning harder because the stainless steel mesh sits between you and the glass. Dirt can collect on the screen, while pollen, dust, construction residue, and water spots can build up on the window behind it.
The safest method uses water, a soft brush or microfiber cloth, and light pressure. You usually don’t need to remove the screen. Start by removing loose dirt, rinse the mesh, clean the glass through the screen, and dry both surfaces with clean microfiber cloths. This method helps protect the screen’s powder coating and reduces streaks on the glass.
Quick answer: Rinse the Crimsafe screen with clean water, loosen dirt with a soft non-abrasive brush, rinse again, then clean the glass with a screen-safe solution and a microfiber cloth or suitable squeegee. Avoid steel wool, abrasive pads, bleach, ammonia, strong solvents, and pressure washers.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather the following supplies before you begin:
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Supply
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Purpose
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Safety note
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Garden hose or clean water
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Removes loose dust and grit
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Use a gentle flow, not a pressure washer
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Bucket
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Holds the cleaning solution
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Use a clean bucket without chemical residue
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Lukewarm water
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Helps lift normal dirt
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Avoid very hot water on cold glass
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Mild, screen-safe detergent
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Breaks down light grime
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Check the screen and window manufacturer’s instructions
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Soft-bristle brush
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Cleans the mesh and frame
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Choose non-abrasive bristles
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Microfiber cloths
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Wipe the mesh, frame, and glass
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Use separate cloths for dirty and final wiping
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Squeegee, if suitable
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Removes water from accessible glass
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Keep the rubber edge clean
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Clean chamois or drying cloth
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Reduces water marks
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Do not rub with a gritty cloth
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Crimsafe’s care guidance recommends a soft, non-abrasive brush or microfiber cloth, clean water, and a thorough final dry. The manufacturer also lists dedicated cleaning products for its screens.
Step 1: Check the Screen, Window, and Weather
Inspect the screen before washing it. Look for loose fasteners, damaged mesh, a bent frame, worn seals, or a window that does not open and close correctly. Do not force the screen or window during cleaning. Contact a qualified screen or window professional if you see damage.
Choose a cool, cloudy part of the day if possible. Direct sun can dry water and soap before you finish, which can leave marks on the glass. Do not clean exterior windows during unsafe wind, freezing conditions, or any situation that requires you to lean out of a window.
If your Crimsafe screen has a specific care label or your installer gave you instructions, follow those instructions first. Product finishes, window coatings, and installation methods can differ.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt From the Crimsafe Screen
Begin with the mesh and frame. Use a soft brush or a dry microfiber cloth to remove loose dust, spider webs, pollen, and insects. Work from the top of the screen downward. Use short, light strokes instead of pressing the brush into the mesh.
This step matters because dry grit can act like sandpaper when it mixes with water and pressure. Removing loose debris first also keeps dirt from spreading across the glass.
For indoor screens, vacuum around the frame with a soft brush attachment if you have one. Keep the vacuum head from pulling against the mesh.
Step 3: Rinse the Screen With Clean Water
Rinse the entire screen and frame with clean water. A garden hose with a gentle flow works for accessible exterior screens. Direct the water from top to bottom so loosened dirt moves away from the clean area.
Do not use a pressure washer. High-pressure water can damage the mesh, frame finish, seals, or protective coating. Crimsafe specifically advises against pressure washing its security screens.
Rinsing also helps remove urban dust and road particles that can settle on Toronto-area homes. If the screen faces a busy road or a construction area, give it an extra rinse before you use any cleaning solution.
Step 4: Wash the Mesh and Frame Gently
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with lukewarm water if the screen needs more than a water rinse. Apply the solution with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Clean the mesh and frame with gentle, even strokes.
Do not scrub hard spots with a scouring pad. Let the solution loosen the dirt instead. Work in small sections and rinse each section before the soap dries.
Clean both sides of the screen when you can reach them safely. If the screen cannot be removed and the inside surface is accessible only through the window opening, do not stretch, bend, or pull the mesh. Clean the reachable area and arrange professional service for difficult sections.
Step 5: Rinse Away All Soap Residue
Rinse the mesh and frame with clean water until no detergent remains. Soap residue can leave a dull film and attract more dust. Pay close attention to the bottom frame, corners, drainage paths, and fastener areas.
Use a clean microfiber cloth dampened with water to wipe any remaining residue. Then rinse once more. Crimsafe recommends a final clean-water rinse followed by drying with a chamois or microfiber cloth.
Step 6: Clean the Glass Behind the Screen
Once the screen is clean, clean the window glass. You can often wash accessible glass through the screen without removing it.
First, rinse the exterior glass through the mesh if the window design allows it. This removes loose grit before you wipe the surface. Next, apply a small amount of glass-safe cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth or a screen-compatible tool. Avoid soaking interior walls, trim, flooring, or electrical equipment.
Move the cloth in overlapping strokes. For a larger accessible pane, use a clean squeegee and wipe the blade after each pass. Keep the rubber edge free of grit. A dirty blade can drag particles across the glass and create lines.
If the screen blocks your tool from reaching the corners, do not push hard against the mesh. A narrow microfiber tool may help, but some windows need screen removal by a qualified professional. The correct choice depends on the screen frame, window type, latch, and access conditions.
Step 7: Dry the Screen, Frame, and Glass
Dry the mesh and frame with a clean microfiber cloth or chamois. Wipe the glass with a separate dry cloth. Start at the top and work down. Check the corners and lower frame for trapped water.
Use a fresh cloth for the final pass. A cloth that already contains dirt or detergent can leave haze. Inspect the glass from different angles before you finish. If you see streaks, lightly dampen a clean cloth and make one more controlled pass rather than adding more cleaning solution.
How Often Should You Clean Crimsafe Screens in Toronto?
Cleaning frequency depends on exposure to dust, pollen, traffic pollution, moisture, renovation debris, and chemicals. Crimsafe’s care guidance lists six-month cleaning for mild environments and more frequent cleaning for marine exposure. For most Toronto and GTA homes, a practical starting point is a full clean twice a year, with extra rinsing after nearby construction or heavy dust.
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Condition
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Practical care plan
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Typical urban or suburban home
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Clean the screens and windows about every six months
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Home beside a busy road
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Inspect more often and rinse when visible dust builds up
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New construction or renovation nearby
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Rinse and inspect after dust settles; arrange post-construction cleaning if needed
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Screens exposed to pool chemicals or fertilizer
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Rinse promptly after contact
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Screen with visible stains or trapped grime
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Clean sooner and avoid aggressive scrubbing
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High-rise or difficult-access window
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Use a professional window cleaning company with safe access equipment
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Regular cleaning helps remove contaminants before they sit on the protective finish. It also gives you a chance to notice damaged seals, blocked drainage paths, loose hardware, or glass defects.
What Should You Never Use on a Crimsafe Screen?
Avoid products and tools that can scratch the mesh or damage its coating. Do not use steel wool, abrasive pads, scouring powders, bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, strong solvents, or harsh degreasers unless the manufacturer specifically approves them. Do not use a pressure washer.
Avoid dry scrubbing when the screen contains gritty dirt. Rinse first, then use a soft brush. Do not use a sharp object to clear mesh openings. A sharp tool can cut or distort the screen and may affect its security performance.
If a stain does not come off with gentle washing, stop and identify the substance. Paint, cement dust, hard-water deposits, and chemical residue may need a different treatment. Ask the screen manufacturer or a professional cleaner before testing a stronger product.
Can You Remove Crimsafe Screens to Clean the Glass?
Some screens are removable, but the method depends on the frame and installation. Do not assume that every Crimsafe screen can be taken out by the homeowner. A screen may use fixed fasteners, security hardware, or a frame that requires a specific release method.
If you cannot remove the screen without force, clean the glass through it or hire a professional. Removing and reinstalling a security screen incorrectly can damage the frame, seals, fasteners, or alignment. A professional can also clean exterior glass that is unsafe to reach from inside the home.
When Should You Hire a Professional Window Cleaner?
Professional help makes sense when the windows are high, the screen cannot be removed, the glass is heavily stained, or the home has post-construction dust. It is also a safer option for condo windows, large panes, skylights, and exterior glass that cannot be reached from ground level.
Northern Touch Property Care states that it is fully insured and certified, and its Toronto office is located at 639 Dupont Street.
Need help cleaning windows behind Crimsafe screens in Toronto or the GTA? Contact Northern Touch Property Care for a free, no-obligation estimate, or call 647-258-5584. Ask about screen-safe window cleaning for homes, condos, commercial properties, and difficult-access glass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Windows With Crimsafe Screens
Can I use dish soap to clean Crimsafe screens?
Use only a mild product that is compatible with the screen finish and window surface. Crimsafe’s official care page recommends its Wash & Wax product and a clean-water rinse. If you plan to use household dish soap, check the manufacturer’s instructions first and use a very small amount. Never combine cleaning products.
Can I clean the glass without removing the security screen?
Yes, many windows can be cleaned through the screen. Rinse away grit first, then use a microfiber cloth or suitable narrow tool. Do not force a squeegee or cloth against the mesh. If the screen blocks access to the glass, hire a professional rather than bending or removing fixed hardware.
How do I remove white marks from a Crimsafe screen?
White marks may come from dried minerals, salt, dust, or another surface contaminant. Start with clean water and a soft microfiber cloth. Do not use an abrasive pad. If the mark remains, ask Crimsafe or the original installer about an approved stain-cleaning product before applying chemicals.
Can I use a pressure washer on a Crimsafe screen?
No. Avoid pressure washers because high-pressure water can harm the mesh, coating, frame, and seals. Use a gentle water rinse instead.
How do I clean Crimsafe screens in a condo?
Check the condo’s building rules before using a hose, opening windows, or hiring exterior cleaners. Use a controlled amount of water indoors and protect floors and trim. For exterior or high-rise glass, use a professional company with the right access and safety procedures.
Should I clean the screen or the glass first?
Clean the screen first. Removing loose dirt and rinsing the mesh keeps grit from transferring to the glass. After the screen is clean, wash and dry the glass with separate tools.
How long does it take to clean one Crimsafe screen?
A basic screen wash may take about 5–10 minutes per screen when the screen is accessible and lightly soiled. Large windows, heavy buildup, blocked access, and high-rise work take longer.
Can Northern Touch Property Care clean windows with security screens?
Northern Touch Property Care provides professional window cleaning for Toronto and GTA homes, condos, commercial buildings, and high-rise properties. Contact the team at 647-258-5584 for a free estimate and explain the screen type, window location, and access conditions.
Final Checklist
Before you finish, confirm that you have:
1.Removed loose dirt before scrubbing.
2.Used clean water and soft, non-abrasive tools.
Rinsed the mesh and frame from top to bottom.
4.Avoided pressure washers, steel wool, bleach, ammonia, and strong solvents.
5.Cleaned the glass with a separate microfiber cloth or clean squeegee.
6.Dried the mesh, frame, corners, and glass.
7.Checked for damaged mesh, loose hardware, worn seals, or blocked drainage.
8.Arranged professional service for high, fixed, stained, or unsafe windows.
References
Editorial note: Crimsafe is a registered brand name. Always follow the care instructions supplied with your specific screen and contact the manufacturer or installer if those instructions differ from this general guide.
