See Through Your Screens Again.

Cleaning a screen enclosure (lanai or pool cage) without tearing screens requires low-pressure soft washing—never high-pressure. I use garden-hose pressure with a Sodium Hypochlorite-based cleaning solution — typically a diluted 0.5–1% mix with a surfactant — that dissolves pollen, mold, spider webs, and love bug residue. The solution does the cleaning work, not the water pressure. I inspect every panel and fastener before starting, clean both the inside and outside of each screen, and address stubborn buildup like tree sap with extended dwell time rather than increased pressure. This method preserves the mesh integrity and aluminum frame finish.

The best way to clean a Florida lanai is with a low-pressure soft wash that combines gentle water pressure with a specialized cleaning solution. Florida lanais — especially those in coastal communities like Gulf Harbors and Hudson Beach where salt air accelerates buildup — accumulate pollen, love bugs, spider webs, and algae year-round due to the humid subtropical climate. High-pressure washing tears screen mesh and bends aluminum frames—the most common cause of screen enclosure damage during cleaning. A professional soft wash cleans the screens, frames, ceiling panels, and concrete floor without any risk of damage. For best results, lanais in Florida should be cleaned every 6–12 months.

Screen enclosure cleaning in Florida typically costs between $149 and $400+ depending on the size of the enclosure, the level of buildup, and whether it includes the pool cage ceiling. A standard single-story lanai starts around $149. Larger two-story pool cages or enclosures with heavy love bug and tree sap buildup cost more due to the additional time and care required. Always choose a licensed and insured professional—screen replacement from pressure damage costs far more than the cleaning itself.