Optimum performance can be achieved for years to come with basic, routine maintenance on your Andersen® Retractable Patio Door Screen.

How to Check Operation and Clean Your Retractable Screen

This article will walk you through how to routinely check the operation and clean your Andersen® retractable patio door screen.

The Andersen® Retractable Screen is designed for smooth, intuitive use. The screen door automatically latches to the frame when the screen is fully extended, or covering your doorway. To release the latch, you'll slide the release lever up or down, and the screen will automatically retract out of sight into its frame.

Important: The retractable screen is intended for insect control only. It is not designed to retain objects, people, or pets inside. It will not prevent someone from falling through the door.

When to Use This Article

We recommend following the instructions in this article to clean or check your retractable screen at least once a year. If you live in a coastal, industrial, or agricultural area with higher levels of airborne materials like dirt, dust, smoke, and salt spray, we recommend following these instructions at least every three (3) months.

This Article Will Help You:

• Understand best practices for operating your retractable screen.
• Inspect and check the operation of your retractable screen.
• Clean and maintain your retractable screen and its parts.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Recommended supplies for cleaning:

• One (1) soft cleaning cloth
• Soft-bristle brush
• Vacuum

Let's Get Started

Best Practices for Operation

To ensure your screen continues to function properly, follow the operation suggestions below:

• When opening or closing the screen, keep your hand level, not moving it up and down.
• Do not lift or push down on the screen while operating.
• Avoid applying inward or outward pressure to the handle.
• Do not step on, push heavy objects over, or roll carts across the lower track. This may cause damage.

Safety Feature

The screen is designed to release from the track under pressure to help prevent damage to the retracting mechanism or mesh.

Inspect and Check Operation

The upper and lower tracks, which are what the screen glides on to open and close, should always be straight, free of dirt or debris, and have no visible damage. So, we recommend you routinely check the retractable screen's upper and lower tracks to help you identify if it's time to clean or if damage has occurred.

Inspection

1. Retract the screen into the frame.
2. Look at the screen's upper and lower tracks.

• • Do you notice dirt or debris in the tracks? Follow the cleaning instructions below.
  • Do you notice that one of the tracks appears to be damaged or crooked? Contact Andersen® Windows and Doors for assistance.

Additionally, we recommend you check the installation of your retractable screen yearly. To make sure that the retractable screen is installed properly and follows our installation guides, see Installing the Andersen® Retractable Screen for Gliding Patio Doors.

Reset Screen

If the screen mesh comes off the track, simply open and close the screen to reset it.

Clean and Maintain Your Retractable Screen and Its Parts

There are multiple components on your retractable screen — the screen itself and its track — that should be cleaned if you found dirt or debris during your inspection.

Clean Screen

1. Gently wipe the insect screen's mesh with a soft-bristle brush to remove dust and debris. This helps remove dust and debris without damaging the mesh.

Clean Tracks

1. Use a vacuum or soft cleaning cloth to remove visible dirt or debris inside the screen's upper and lower tracks.
   • Occasionally rinse the tracks with water to help clear out dirt and maintain smooth operation.

    

Lubricate Tracks

If the tracks need lubrication, we recommend using a non-oil-based spray, like Andersen® Dry Lubricant Spray, to lubricate them.

Important: Avoid using oil-based lubricants or cleaners, they can attract more debris.

Speed Adjustments

The tension on your retractable screen is factory preset and should not require an adjustment.

Need Parts?

Contact Andersen® Windows and Doors for assistance with a quote for replacement parts. To arrange for a professional to install your replacement part, contact a Service Provider in your area, see Locating Andersen® Window and Patio Door Service Providers.

Related Articles

For more information related to adjusting the speed of discontinued retractable screens, see Canister Adjustment for Retractable Screens for Patio Doors.

Related Links

For additional information about the retractable patio door screen, see Andersen Windows.

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