Sliding windows are one of the best features of your home. They allow for open-air living and a feeling of spaciousness. However, they require regular cleaning to keep them operating smoothly and looking good. There are many ways to keep your windows sliding smoothly by cleaning the window tracks, and we’ll look at a few different ways below.
If you want to know how to properly clean sliding window tracks, read on!
The Problem with Sliding Window Tracks
Window tracks are a magnet for dirt, dust, and even hair. Over time, this can cause the window to stick or not slide as smoothly as possible. Your sliding window operates best with a clean track to run along, and anything that gets into the track is certain to hinder the correct operation of the mechanism.
In some cases, the dirt and dust can even build-up to the point that the track becomes completely clogged, preventing the window from opening or closing at all. It’s often at this stage that many people realize the problem exists, which can make it extremely difficult to fix.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to clean the tracks regularly.
How Do Sliding Window Tracks Get Dirty?
There can be dust and pollutants floating in the air at any time, and you’ll always find them congregating in an area you want to keep clean. When dirt attaches itself to a window or window frame, opening and closing the window can dislodge this dirt. The natural place for it to land is on the track.
Once dirt reaches the window track, sliding the window across the track ensures the dirt gets thoroughly ground in, and you most likely won’t notice it. The problem can be made worse if you’re having construction work completed in your home – you’ll open a window to let the dust in the air blow out, but it will undoubtedly become trapped in the sliding window track. To counteract this, our post-construction cleaning service can ensure that everything is cleaned up after the work is finished.
In other cases, cleaning out window tracks is necessary simply because it hasn’t been done for a long time. If you’re moving home and want to leave your previous residence in the best possible condition or prepare your new home for moving in, you can take advantage of the move in/move out cleaning service from Happy Clean.
We also offer a deep clean service that can take care of your sliding window tracks and all the other nooks and crannies in your home that are often forgotten about.
The best way to clean sliding window tracks
There are a few different ways to clean your sliding window tracks, and the best one for you might depend on your particular situation. Here are a few of the best methods:
Use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment
Cleaning a window track with a vacuum cleaner is a good choice to suck the dirt and dust out of the track. It’s best to use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies of the track.
Be sure to hold the vacuum cleaner close to the track as you move it along, and don’t apply too much pressure, or you might damage the window.
Use a damp cloth
If your vacuum cleaner isn’t an option, you can use a damp cloth to clean the tracks. Simply wet the cloth with water and wring it out so that it’s not dripping, then wipe down the track.
Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the track, and be careful not to let any water drip onto the window itself. You could also use a piece of sponge to perform the same task, although you may need to cut it to shape, so it fits within the track comfortably.
Use a toothbrush
If you have a particularly tough area to clean, such as a corner or joint, you can use a toothbrush to get in there and scrub the dirt away. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, so you don’t damage the track.
Use a dryer sheet to clean the tracks
Dryer sheets are a great way to clean your sliding window tracks because they have a slight abrasive action that helps to remove dirt and dust. Hold the dryer sheet against the track and move it back and forth.
Be sure to use a fresh dryer sheet for each track, and discard the used one when you’re finished.
Use a can of compressed air
Compressed air can blow the dirt and dust out of the track. Be sure to hold the can at least 18 inches away from the track and move it back and forth while spraying.
Be careful not to spray the compressed air directly onto the window as it could cause damage.
Mixing It Up
In addition to using one of these methods, you can also mix them up to create a custom cleaning solution. For example, you could use a multistep process like this:
First, you’ll need to gather some supplies. These include a vacuum cleaner, a dustpan and brush, white vinegar, old newspapers, and a bucket or container.
The first step is to vacuum the tracks with the crevice tool attachment. This will remove any loose dirt and debris. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks. If there is any built-up dirt or grease, you can use white vinegar to help break it down. Soak a paper towel in vinegar and wipe down the tracks. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid getting the vinegar on your skin.
Finally, take some old newspapers and place them at the bottom of the window tracks. This will help to absorb any moisture and keep your windows from sticking.
It can become a laborious and complex process to clean your window tracks, and while you may get good results, it isn’t the best window track cleaner option.
The Best Method to Clean Window Tracks
While each method has its merits, a window sill steam cleaner can provide a better option overall. Wiping away dirt or sucking away debris with a vacuum can work well, but there’s often a build-up of grease and dirt that sticks to the window track.
Because it is oily, it can be difficult to remove. A vacuum might not be strong enough to pull it away, and a cloth or sponge might not lift it up and will instead simply move it along the track.
A window steam cleaner will release the dirt and grease with just a few passes and does not require any harsh chemicals. It is also a quick method, taking only minutes to clean all the tracks in your home.
Cleaning Window Tracks with Steam
Cleaning out window tracks with a steam cleaner is a fantastic option as it works in many ways at once. The steam will melt the grease and oil, freeing up the dirt to be easily removed. There are no worries about getting into the small spaces in the window track, as steam will reach almost everywhere. It can even penetrate microscopic holes and pores to deliver the ultimate cleaning.
The best window track cleaner is undoubtedly a steam cleaner. Not only does it clean the dirt and grease from the window tracks, but it also sanitizes the area and kills any bacteria or mold that might be present. This can be especially important if you have allergies or respiratory problems. No problem with any microbes – just a wonderfully clean window track and a window that slides just as designed.
Steam cleaners are also very effective at removing built-up dirt and dust, so you can be sure that your window tracks will be clean and sparkling after use. They are perfect for removing grime and other debris from even the tightest spaces.
How to Clean Window Tracks Effectively
Whichever method you choose, make sure to clean both the inside and outside of the track. Be sure to pay special attention to any corners or tight spaces, as these are where dirt and dust can accumulate.
You should also clean the track at least once a month to keep it looking its best. If you have a particularly dirty track, you can clean it more often.
Cleaning your window tracks is an important part of maintaining your windows, and it’s a job that doesn’t take very long to complete. Another aspect of maintaining your windows is to keep the glass itself clean – with a little bit of know-how and the right tools, you can have your windows looking and sliding like new in no time!
At Happy Clean, we offer window cleaning Edgewater residents trust. Our service includes every aspect of window cleaning, including the best way to clean sliding window tracks – using steam.
If you want great results for your windows, contact us today.
