Keep Windows Clean With An Affordable Paint Brush Hack

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

As you're knocking out your semi-annual deep clean, nobody can blame you for procrastinating on the windows. Keeping window tracks tidy is a study in frustration — it seems like every window has walls, corners, and crevices where grimy buildup becomes impossible to reach. If you've tried solutions like the viral sponge hack that claims to clean window tracks, you know exactly the desperate lengths it sometimes takes just to clear up the sill. And the tracks on the side jambs? They'll make you want to quit before you even start cleaning! For these tricky nooks, it all comes down to working smarter and not harder, with your choice of tools making the crucial difference. Rather than struggle with paper towels, sponges, or your normally trusty toothbrush, grab an unused paint brush for an easy hack to give those channels a thorough cleaning with minimal effort.

An old paintbrush works perfectly for cleaning windows because the long bristles easily reach all the tight corners. Unlike toothbrushes or cleaning brushes, paint brushes don't have a hard head to get in the way and make it difficult to angle the bristles where you need them. An ideal brush will be small enough to fit into the window channels and work around the corners. It doesn't have to be in great condition (you'll be beating up the bristles anyway). An angled brush is best to more easily pick away at those tight corners in the window channel. A straight paint brush will still work fine, though, and if you really want to give the bristles an angle, you can trim them into shape with some sharp scissors.

Start cleaning your window tracks with a dry paint brush, removing as much dust, dirt, and debris as possible. Tidying up like this before using a wet solution is generally the best way to clean window tracks, because it prevents you from spreading around muddy dirt and grime. Sweep the dirt out of the tracks, running the brush down the side channels and working it into the corners at the bottom. Don't be polite about it — smash the bristles into the nooks and crannies to dislodge those tough, stuck-on particles. After pulling out as much dry buildup as possible, sweep it to the center of the sill. Use your vacuum with a brush attachment to suck it all up.

You'll likely still have some blackened grime crammed into the corners of the window after the initial sweep, so come in a second time with a spray cleaner. Use a commercial all-purpose spray, or whip up a simple DIY vinegar cleaning solution. Spray the buildup, letting the cleaner sit for a minute or two to dissolve and loosen the dirt. Sweep out the dirt with your paint brush, and wipe it away with a clean paper towel. Rinse your paint brush before putting it away. At some point, you may want to upgrade to a more purpose-built stiff-bristled brush, like the KVZVK crevice cleaning window track brush, but this handy paint brush hack is the perfect trick to keep up your sleeve and turn one of the most annoying cleaning chores into a quick, easy effort.