Crimsafe security screens are built to last — but like any home fixture, they need regular maintenance to keep them performing at their best and to maintain your warranty. The good news is that cleaning Crimsafe screens is straightforward, provided you use the right approach and avoid a few common mistakes.
This step-by-step guide covers how to clean Crimsafe screen doors and windows correctly, how often you should clean them, and what to avoid.
What You Will Need
- Warm water
- Mild dish detergent or a dedicated aluminium cleaning product
- A non-abrasive sponge or soft microfibre cloth
- A soft-bristle brush (optional, for mesh detail)
- A garden hose or bucket of clean water for rinsing
That is all you need. Do not use abrasive pads, steel wool, harsh chemical cleaners, or high-pressure washers on your Crimsafe screens.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Step 1: Rinse Loose Debris
Start by rinsing the screen with water to remove loose dust, pollen, and debris. Use a garden hose on a gentle setting or pour water over the screen. This prevents you from rubbing grit into the mesh or frame during cleaning, which could cause scratches.
Step 2: Apply Mild Detergent Solution
Mix a small amount of mild dish detergent with warm water. Dip a soft sponge or microfibre cloth into the solution and wipe the frame surfaces, then the mesh, using gentle circular motions. Pay attention to the corners and the junction between the mesh and the frame — dust and salt deposits tend to accumulate here.
For the mesh itself, a soft-bristle brush can help work the detergent solution through the wire weave and dislodge embedded particles. Use gentle strokes, not heavy pressure.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the entire screen thoroughly with clean water to remove all detergent residue. Detergent left on the powder coat surface can attract dust and cause staining over time. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Allow to Air Dry
Allow the screen to air dry naturally. You can wipe the frame with a dry cloth if you prefer, but the mesh will dry on its own quickly. Do not use a cloth on the mesh in a rubbing motion while it is dry — this can push debris into the weave.
How Often Should You Clean Crimsafe Screens?
The right cleaning frequency depends on your environment:
- Suburban Adelaide homes: Every 3 to 4 months is generally sufficient for maintaining appearance and protecting the powder coat and mesh from environmental deposits.
- Homes near major roads or highways: More frequent cleaning (every 6 to 8 weeks) is advisable. Vehicle emissions deposit residue on screens that can become acidic over time.
- Marine environments (coastal Adelaide — Glenelg, Brighton, Semaphore): Every 3 to 6 weeks. Salt deposits from sea air accelerate corrosion on all metal surfaces including stainless steel. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain warranty compliance in coastal locations.
- Industrial areas: Same as coastal — every 3 to 6 weeks. Chemical residue from industrial processes can be aggressive on powder coated surfaces.
Crimsafe warranty documentation specifies minimum cleaning frequencies for coastal and high-exposure environments. Failure to clean at the required frequency can affect warranty coverage — check your product warranty for the specific requirements applicable to your location.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Crimsafe
- Abrasive pads or steel wool: These will scratch the powder coat surface, breaking the protective barrier and leading to premature corrosion.
- Harsh chemical cleaners: Bleach, solvent-based cleaners, and acidic products can damage the powder coat and stain or corrode the stainless steel mesh.
- High-pressure washers: High-pressure water jets can dislodge the mesh from the Screw-Clamp system at the frame perimeter and damage the powder coat. Use garden hose pressure only.
- Dry rubbing the mesh: Rubbing the dry mesh with a cloth or brush can push abrasive particles through the weave and scratch the wire surface. Always rinse first.
Checking for Damage During Cleaning
Cleaning is a good time to inspect your screens for any damage or wear:
- Run your eye along each frame section looking for dents, chips in the powder coat, or scratches.
- Check the mesh for any areas where wires appear bent, broken, or separated from the frame at the clamp.
- Test the locking mechanism on any hinged or sliding Crimsafe doors — it should engage firmly and release cleanly.
- Check the door closers and hinges for any rust or looseness.
Minor surface scratches on the frame can often be touched up with matching powder coat touch-up paint. Contact Stan Bond SA for touch-up products matched to your specific screen colour.
Maintaining the Door Hardware
In addition to the mesh and frame, keep the door hardware maintained:
- Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the door track on sliding Crimsafe doors once or twice a year. Avoid oil-based lubricants which attract dust and can gum up the track over time.
- Wipe the door track clean of dust and debris during your regular cleaning routine.
- Check that the door closer (if fitted) is operating correctly and adjust tension if the door is closing too slowly or too fast.
Further Information
For information about the full Crimsafe window and door screen range available in Adelaide, see our Crimsafe Security Screens page. For cleaning advice specific to your Crimsafe product, contact Stan Bond SA on 08 8336 2066 — our team can advise on product-specific maintenance requirements and supply touch-up products if needed.