Window screens often get forgotten about once installed when it comes to your window cleaning, so it’s important to set aside time twice a year (at least) to clean your window screens. But, in order to do this properly and thoroughly, you need to know how to remove said screens. While this is an easy process and can be done in a few simple steps, the exact process depends on the type of window you have.
In this guide, we’re going over the exact steps you need to follow to remove window screens from single-hung, double-hung, and slider windows, plus the best tips for making the process smooth sailing.
Key takeaways
Window screens should be moved at least twice a year for cleaning purposes.
Removing window screens is a beginner-friendly DIY project that doesn’t require tools (for the most part).
To successfully remove window screens, you will need to locate the metal springs and pull tabs holding your screen in place.
Successfully removing window screens starts with understanding the type of window you have and lowering the correct sashes.
When removing window screens from the inside, remember to be careful with the window opening as you’re not protected from falls.
Removing window screens can, and should be, done inside the home since this makes the project the safest. However, it’s important to remember that once you’ve removed the screens, your window is fully open. If you’re removing window screens from high-up windows, take extreme precautions to keep yourself and others safe by preventing falls out the window.
How to remove window screens from single-hung windows
Single-hung window screens are easy to remove since you only have to lower one window sash, which is the frame of glass that raises vertically. You can remove a window screen from single-hung windows in three simple steps:
Lower the bottom sash
Pinch the springs
Remove the screen
Step 1: Lower the bottom sash
The first step in removing window screens from single-hung windows is to pull the bottom sash out or down. Make sure the bottom sash is unlocked, and maneuver the window according to your manufacturer’s instructions: pull it towards you and tilt it until it’s facing down.
Step 2: Pinch the springs
With your bottom sash tilted down, find the metal springs that should be on both sides of the screen (these are the springs that latch the screen in the window frame). Pinch or push the springs to loosen the screen by applying pressure to both.
Step 3: Remove the screen
With the pressure you’ve now applied to both springs, carefully remove the window screen from the window.
How to remove window screens from double-hung windows
Double-hung windows are similar to single-hung windows with the main difference being the top sash is able to lower as well. Removing screens from double-hung requires one extra step solely because you have to maneuver the screen on this window type in order to remove it.
Here are the four steps you’ll need to complete in order to remove a window from double-hung window screen removal:
Lower both sashes
Raise the window screen
Pinch the springs
Remove the screen
Step 1: Lower both sashes
Similar to the section above, you will have to lower both sashes on a double-hung window, specifically the top and bottom. Make sure your sashes are unlocked, and maneuver them so that both are tilted downwards and into the house.
Step 2: Raise the screen
Since this window type has movable sashes, you will need to raise the window center to either the center or to a point where it’s easy for you to grab.
Step 3: Pinch the springs
Find the springs attached to the window screen and push them in to apply pressure that loosens the screen. The screen should also have tabs you can use to pull it out.
Step 4: Remove the screen
Once the springs have been loosened, carefully remove the screen from the window.
How to remove window screens from slider windows
Image source: Simonton Windows
Unlike single-hung and double-hung windows, sliding windows open horizontally. Both sashes can open, so how you go about the first step depends on the way your slider window functions.
Here are the steps to removing slider window screens:
Open the window fully
Pinch the springs
Pull the screen tabs
Remove the screen
Step 1: Open the window fully
Unlock the window and slide the sash until your window is fully open.
Step 2: Pinch the springs
Find the side of the screen that contains the springs and carefully push the screen sideways to apply enough pressure that pinches the springs. Locate the tabs and use them to help pull the screen out of place.
Step 3: Pull the screen tabs
The corners of your window screen frame should have tabs that you will need to pull towards the springs to fully unlock the screen. Start with the bottom corner by pulling the tabs to the springs before pulling it to you. Then, move to the top corner and repeat the process, pulling the tab to the spring and then to you.
Step 4: Remove the screen
The screen should be unlocked and ready to be carefully removed from the frame.
When to hire a pro
The good news is that removing window screens is an incredibly easy do-it-yourself task, but that doesn’t mean the option to hire a professional is out the window (pun intended). If you have novelty windows, large windows, or windows that are too high up for your comfort level, there’s no shame in outsourcing this task to a professional window dealer.
The only thing to keep in mind when hiring a professional to remove window screens is the cost. While this DIY project should be free (as there are no tools needed), hiring a professional means you will have to pay for their service, which could reach the hundreds. However, if this route feels more comfortable for you, the expense might be worth it!
Removing window screens: the bottom line
Window screens should be removed at least twice a year for basic cleaning, once in the spring and again in the fall. Removing window screens is one of the easiest DIY tasks homeowners can do, but it does come with a few precautions. The first is ensuring you’re careful once the screen is removed since you’ll have no netting protecting you from falling out. This becomes incredibly dangerous if you’re removing screens for second or higher stories.
The next is knowing what window type you have so you can properly remove your windows. Not lowering all sashes or removing the screens correctly can result in damaged window screens, which means you’ll then have to pay to replace them.
Frequently asked questions
Window screens, regardless of the type of window, have springs that need to be compressed to loosen the screen and reveal the tabs. Once you see the tabs, pull these towards you to loosen the screen in the frame and remove it.
Yes, window screens can be removed from the inside. This is how most window screens operate, but it can fluctuate depending on the type of window you have.
If your window screen doesn’t come with pull tabs, you can remove it by either compressing the screen and wiggling the window (gently) out of place or using a helpful tool like a flathead screwdriver or putty knife. If you have to resort to tools, dip the edge of the tool into a corner at a time and wiggle the screen free.