Are dirty window tracks driving you up the wall? If you’re looking for an effective way to clean them like a professional, you’re in the right place! With a house full of family and friends, the rising temperatures inside make you want to open those windows for fresh air. However, the thought of exposing your filthy window tracks can be quite embarrassing. It’s astonishing how much grime and debris can accumulate over time, turning your window tracks into a buggy graveyard.
You may have attempted the baking soda and vinegar method or even the old toothbrush trick, but often you find yourself struggling to get rid of all the residue. Wrapping a rag around a butter knife might seem like a good idea, but it usually falls short of reaching every nook and cranny. The result? Frustration, wasted time, and less-than-satisfactory outcomes. Before you think about hiring a cleaning service or keeping those windows closed indefinitely, consider this simple yet effective cleaning process. Depending on the size and level of dirtiness of your windows, this method should only take around five minutes per window. Once you see how efficient it is, you’ll want to incorporate it into your regular deep cleaning routine to avoid future embarrassment.
Gather Your Supplies
Let’s get started! First, you need to gather all the necessary supplies listed below:
- Cleaning Bucket (any container that can hold water will do)
- Multipurpose Cleaning Solution
- Stiff-Bristled Paintbrush (if needed, you can trim a soft-bristled brush)
- 2 Microfiber Cloths
- Magic Eraser
- Compressed Air
- Vacuum Cleaner with Crevice Tool (a detailing attachment for your car is even better)
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Add a few inches of hot water mixed with cleaning solution to the bucket and set it along with your other cleaning supplies next to the first window you’ll tackle.
Remove Loose Dirt From Window Tracks
Begin with the window closed. Use the paintbrush to dust off and loosen any dirt in the tracks or around the locking mechanism. Next, vacuum up all the loose dirt using your vacuum’s brush attachment. While you’re at it, give the window glass a quick once-over with the vacuum as well.
Now, open the window as wide as it will go and wipe down the bottom of the window with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Starting from the sides and moving toward the middle, use the stiff-bristled paintbrush to dislodge any dirt and dust in the side and bottom tracks. Vacuum up the loose debris using the vacuum crevice tool.
Bonus tip: Keep the debris pile in the middle of the window track to make vacuuming easier!
Scrub Window Tracks
With the loose dirt taken care of, it’s time to close the window. Lightly dip your paintbrush into the cleaning solution and tap it against the side of the bucket to remove excess liquid. The brush should be damp, not soaked.
Scrub the upper section of the window tracks, the edge of the window, and the locking mechanism. Make sure to operate the locking mechanism while cleaning to access all those hard-to-reach crevices. For those tricky corners, use short bursts of compressed air to blow out any stubborn gunk, especially around the locking mechanisms.
Caution: Holding the compressed air trigger for too long can lead to condensation and frost buildup.
Once you’ve scrubbed thoroughly, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime. For any persistent spots or scuff marks, the Magic Eraser can work wonders. Open the window as wide as possible and clean the underside with a damp microfiber cloth. Scrub the sides and lower window track with the damp paintbrush, and if the corners are particularly dirty, let some cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. This is where the stiff bristles prove their worth.
After scrubbing, remove the loosened debris with the damp microfiber cloth, then use the compressed air again to clear out those hard-to-reach areas. Keep blasting and wiping until you’re satisfied with the cleanliness. Finally, tackle any remaining stubborn spots with the Magic Eraser and give everything a final wipe with the damp microfiber cloth.
Final Touches
To complete your cleaning session, grab some window cleaner and give the glass a quick shine. It should already be relatively clean thanks to your diligent weekly cleaning routine.
Now that your window tracks are sparkling, go ahead and throw open those windows to let the fresh air in! If you have any additional window track cleaning tips that haven’t been covered here, feel free to share them in the comments below.