The Best Way To Clean Window Tracks

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If you aren't sure what window tracks are, it first helps to know what a window sash is. Pella explains that this movable part of a window frame holds the glass, and goes up and down inside the frame. Double-hung windows have two sashes, and these slide along narrow areas called raceways or tracks. That is where the dirt and debris accumulate.

Your window track rests behind your window sill and also holds your window in place. The track keeps out drafts and allows you to open and close your window smoothly. However, the track's nooks and crannies allow dust, dirt, allergens, and insects to get stuck and then accumulate quickly. In addition to ruining your windows' visual appeal when the sashes are open, debris in your window tracks can cause your windows to stick and the tracks and casements to warp, as per Angi. The dirt and debris can come from inside or outside your home.

It is common for most homeowners never to clean their tracks, but doing so regularly is important to prevent bacteria, mold, and other allergens from forming, which can all impact indoor air quality and your health. Well-maintained window tracks and frames will also last longer, which extends their life and can save you money.

You might be shocked to see how much dirt and debris has accumulated in your window tracks, but hold on a minute, because spraying a ton of window cleaner on there will only lead to a dark, sludgy mess. Wcma Net Window & Door takes a clean toothbrush or small, soft brush to sweep out the tracks first, but you'll need something else for any dirt accumulated in the crevices and corners. A handheld vac or hose attachment can do this, as long as it has a crevice attachment tool.

Smart Vacuum Guide explains that these tools are made from plastic, but instead of being rounded at the end, they are flat with narrow, angled slits on one side. Some are designed to attach to vacuum cleaner hoses and extension wands, but there are also ones made for hand vacuums. These small attachments are prone to get lost, but you can buy them separately at home supply stores and other retailers. Some may be generic, but you can also look for ones made by the same manufacturer as your vacuum or hand vac. Crevice tools are also suitable for cleaning other small spaces, like in between baseboards and carpets, beneath the fridge, and inside your car or truck.

If you prefer sticking with natural cleaners, The Intentional Mom uses baking soda, white vinegar, and household supplies like an old toothbrush, paper towels, a rag, and a butter knife to clean window tracks. Safe Household Cleaning points out that since vinegar is an acid, it can penetrate bacterial cells — it is a safe and effective cleaner that does not harm the environment, either. If the smell is too intense, All American Window and Door recommends adding a bit of lemon juice.

To get started with this method, pull out a box of baking soda and sprinkle some into the dirtiest parts of the tracks, including the corners. Next, pour about 1 cup of vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the soda — let that bubble up and then rest for five to 10 minutes. Take a clean, old toothbrush and work from the edges of the tracks into the middles. You can wipe this up with paper towels or clean, damp rags. Then, dampen another clean rag and cover the top of a butter knife (or other blunt-edged, slim tool) with it. Now you can get into the narrow parts and corners. Once that is done, you can do one final swipe with a pre-moistened cleaning wipe.

You can shop for all-natural, eco-friendly glass cleaners that clean well, but many of these will have a vinegar or alcohol smell. They are generally made with plant-based ingredients, so you can feel good about using them. And since Safe Household Cleaning writes that store shelves are packed with these cleaning products, so you shouldn't have a problem finding one that you like. Some of them only use renewable energy sources, and you can also look for biodegradable and cruelty-free ones. Environmentally-friendly cleaning products are also appropriate for people who experience side effects from traditional cleaners (breathing difficulties and allergic reactions).

The other option here is a regular store-bought window cleaning product like Windex. These sprays can be just as effective as homemade ones and are used similarly. Your Best Digs lists its favorites, which include some that are tough on grease and others that are fragrance-free. Window cleaning products may contain ammonia, but the smell should not last long enough or be too strong to be offensive. A penetrating foam window cleaner can also work very well on dirty tracks, and you can let it sit for five minutes or so until wiping it away with a soft-bristle brush, toothbrush, paper towel, or clean rag.

You can try a few of these until you find a favorite to use on your frames, tracks, and glass. If it leaves behind streaks or spots, it could be that old cleaning rag you've been using. Try again with paper towels or newspapers and if that doesn't do the trick, try another brand.

Like vinyl and aluminum window frames, wooden ones should be checked and cleaned regularly for deterioration and damage. You can use your vacuum tool to remove dirt and dust first and check for cracks or mold in the frame and tracks. Real Homes posts that dampness causes mold to form on wood, and that unfinished wood is likelier to succumb since it is not sealed. Put on your protective gear (always do this when cleaning up mold), vacuum up as much as possible, and thoroughly clean the filter.

Add 1 teaspoon dish soap to 1 cup of warm water and apply to the mold. Scrub carefully with a toothbrush, rinsing and repeating as needed. If the wood is untreated, the mold may have penetrated beneath the surface. You can mix up equal parts of vinegar and water and apply that to the stains if the dish soap doesn't get down deep enough. For untreated wood, swap out that dish soap for 1 tablespoon of bleach, let it sit for 60 minutes, wipe it away with a clean cloth, and rinse.

Home Supply Window & Door cleans wood window frames and tracks using similar methods as used with vinyl versions. First, remove loose dirt and dust with a dry, soft cloth, and look for holes, peeling, or cracks. The frame and tracks can be cleaned with a few drops of mild detergent mixed in warm water. The cleaning cloth should be damp but not soaking wet. Once washed, wipe everything down with a clean, damp cloth to remove the suds. Make a final pass with a dry cloth, and you are finished once the frames and tracks are dry.

Tidy Life Happy Wife has yet another hack that can make your window tracks look like new: compressed air. To get started, she closes the window and uses a stiff-bristled paintbrush to loosen up dirt and debris in the tracks and around them. Next comes the vacuum brush attachment, to suck up what you have stirred up. Open up the window as far as it goes, and wipe up anything else with a dry microfiber cloth. To work on the tracks, pick up the paintbrush again and dig in, working from sides in towards the middle; vacuum it up.

Close the window, and dip the paintbrush in your homemade cleaning mixture or product. The brush should be damp but not dripping when you use it – scrub the upper part of the tracks and the locking mechanism, closing and opening the latter to get into all its crevices. Here's where the compressed air comes in. Using short, quick blasts, spray those hard-to-reach areas to get out the gunk. You can wipe that away with your microfiber cloth, open the window, and repeat the process on the bottom part of the tracks. Voilà! Those tracks will be sparkly clean.