Maintenance
Pollen on Windows and Screens: What to Do in Spring
By Solpath Window Detailing · Published · Updated
Pollen settles on glass, screens and sills as a yellow-green film, heaviest in late winter and spring when the oaks flower. Rinse it off rather than wiping it dry, which smears it, and clean the screens as well as the glass because they hold the most. If you are booking a cleaning, schedule it after the peak so it lasts.
When it comes
The live oaks that shade so many South Florida streets flower in late winter and spring, and they put out a great deal of pollen. Neighborhoods under a heavy canopy see the most of it, on cars, pool water and windows alike.
Why wiping makes it worse
Pollen is fine and slightly sticky. A dry cloth smears it into a film and pushes it into the corners. Rinsing first floats it off, and then the glass can be washed and squeegeed normally.
Where it collects
- Screens, which catch far more than the glass behind them
- Sills and the bottom track of sliders
- Pool screen enclosures, which turn yellow-gray in a heavy season
- Outdoor furniture and lanai glass under trees
Timing
Cleaning in the middle of a heavy pollen week buys a few days. Booking just after the peak, and doing the screens and the enclosure at the same time, buys the rest of the season.
