How To Deep Clean & Prevent Mold In All Your Door And Window Tracks

Window and door tracks are one of those parts of a home that tend to be out of sight and out of mind. That is, until the weather reaches the perfect temperature for airing out the house. Then, with the windows and doors open, you might notice the tracks are covered in dirt, and may even show a sign or two of mold. Fortunately, a quick vacuum with a crevice attachment and a wipe down with a damp rag is often enough to rid window and door tracks of built-up dirt and grime. Even getting rid of small bits of mold is a relatively easy job that can be completed with items you already have on hand, like vinegar and an old toothbrush.

Cleaning your window and door tracks not only prevents mold growth and makes your home feel cleaner, but it can also result in your windows and doors opening and closing more efficiently. With less strain on the opening mechanism, such as the rollers on your sliding doors, the parts are likely to need less frequent repair, saving you money in the long run. If you've never cleaned window or door tracks before, the steps are easy, and the more often you clean, the less time this task will take.

To deep clean your windows and door tracks, you'll need a vacuum with a crevice attachment, a spray bottle filled with a 1:1 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water, an old toothbrush or small soft-bristled scrub brush, and a couple of microfiber towels for wiping down the tracks. Start by opening the windows and doors you'd like to clean, and use your vacuum's crevice attachment to suction any loose dirt or buildup. Then liberally spray the tracks with your vinegar and water solution and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Wipe the tracks clean with a microfiber cloth and repeat these steps if necessary. Make sure to wipe the tracks completely dry before shutting the window or door to prevent mold growth.

Follow these same easy steps to clean mold from your window and door tracks; however, rather than mixing vinegar and water, spray undiluted vinegar directly on any mold. Leave the vinegar to sit for an hour. Then scrub with your old toothbrush and wipe the area clean and dry.

Mold can irritate allergies and wreak havoc on porous materials such as wooden windows or door frames and drywall. Fortunately, dealing with mold in your window and door tracks doesn't have to be a regular occurrence — there are some steps you can take to prevent or lessen mold growth. For mold to grow, moisture needs to be present. So the first thing you should do is monitor your home's humidity levels. According to the EPA, ideal indoor humidity levels are between 30 and 50 percent. Humidity levels above 60 percent may facilitate mold growth. You can check humidity levels in your home with an inexpensive humidity meter. If humidity is high, running a dehumidifier can remedy the problem.

Also, ensure that your windows and doors are able to shut properly and that the seals aren't damaged, which would allow water to enter or condensation to build up. An easy way to do this is to use a candle to check your windows and doors for drafts. Damaged or warped windows and doors will need to be repaired or replaced to prevent moisture damage and potential mold growth. Wiping down your tracks at least once per month is also a great step toward preventing mold.