Window tracks and sills in your home get covered in dust and dirt from the inside and the outside, regardless of whether your windows are wooden or vinyl. Knowing the proper way to clean window tracks, sills, and glass will keep your windows in good condition and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Your windows may bind or fail to close correctly due to dust, dirt, and debris getting into the window tracks and sills. They may also appear dull and dingy. Continue reading to find out how to properly clean window tracks, sills, and more if you wish to get your windows back in shape.
How to Clean Window Glass
When cleaning your window, the first step is always to clean the glass. It makes sense to want your new or old windows to be pristine. More light coming into your home through clean windows can increase your sense of connection to nature. But figuring out the best approach to clean the windows without smearing or scratching can be challenging. Here are some pointers for window cleaning like a pro.
STEP 1. Do not use glass cleaners if they are alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners. Although they can appear to clean more thoroughly, they can leave streaks or even a thin coating that draws dust and moisture. If you have a difficult area to clean, you can begin your cleaning procedure by dabbing a clean cloth with a solvent like rubbing alcohol or acetone and rubbing it straight on the area. Continue cleaning your window as usual after wiping it dry.
STEP 2. No matter how difficult some things may be to remove once they are set on, don’t use a razor or any other type of blade to scrape these off. Your windows may become permanently scratched. As a result, it is making them more prone to breakage in the future.
STEP 3. When rubbing the solution, choose a soft, lint-free wipe. The best option is a microfiber towel, although a gentle, clean paper towel can also be used. To reduce the streaking, rub in several directions.
STEP 4. After cleaning your window, if streaks persist, rinse it with clean water to help get rid of any leftover cleaning solution.
What Type of Window Glass Cleaner to Use?
- If you buy a solution, use a brand of commercial cleaner that you are comfortable with and is proven and tested.
- You can use a ready-made vinegar-based solution or even create your own using the easy DIY window glass cleaner below.
DIY Window Glass Cleaner
- Combine ten parts warm water and one part white vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Before applying the solution, wipe the window with a gentle, clean, lint-free microfiber towel or paper towel to eliminate dust.
- Put the vinegar mixture on your lint-free towel and rub it into the soiled areas of your window. However, avoid getting any cleaning agents on the wood, fiberglass, or vinyl frames as they may tarnish the finish. Feel free to be generous with the quantity of cleaner you put on the cloth or towel.
- To dry the window as completely as possible, use another clean cloth. If you have numerous windows to clean, it is advisable to complete each one thoroughly rather than spraying all of them at once because you will need to do this immediately after cleaning to avoid streaks.
- If streaks still appear after washing, rinse with clean water.
How to Clean Window Sills and Tracks
The easiest way to ensure that no dust or dirt ever blocks your sight of the outside world is to clean the windowsills, which are the structure that keeps the glass panes in place.
Even while this task may appear overwhelming, it won’t require more than thirty minutes of your time if you use a few clever tips and some cleaning items that you most likely already own. Learn how to clean any windowsill effortlessly by using the method listed below.
Wooden Window Sills and Tracks
Wooden window sills give homes a cozy feel, but they require a little more upkeep and attention than vinyl ones. Any wooden window sill can get dingy from constant exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and debris; with time, this exposure might cause harm.
Learn how to maintain the window sills and tracks on wooden windows to safeguard your home and your windows:
How to Clean Painted Wooden Window Tracks and Sill
STEP 1. Utilize a gentle bristle brush to eliminate paint flakes and other debris if the paint is flaking before cleaning.
STEP 2. Scrub the dirt off the window sill with soft scouring pads, water, and dish soap.
STEP 3. Put enough baking soda into the mixture and lightly scrub any spots.
STEP 4. Use an old but clean toothbrush soaked in soapy water for window tracks.
STEP 5. Rinse with warm water, then pat the window sill dry with a towel or let the water drain through the weep holes.
How to Clean Varnished Wooden Window Tracks and Sills
STEP 1. Clean the window sill and tracks with a gentle bristle brush and soapy water.
STEP 2. Rinse the window sill and tracks well, then immediately squeeze out any excess water to prevent damage to the wood.
STEP 3. Utilize fine-grade sandpaper to eliminate a small layer of the finish if you discover watermarks or stains.
STEP 4. Apply a fresh coat of varnish to the window sill to restore the finish after it has dried fully.
How to Clean Plastic Window Sills and Tracks
Weep holes within plastic and vinyl windows were made to let water from other sources escape while still keeping wind and rainwater out. On plastic and vinyl windows, this makes cleaning the window sills simple. You can reach within and wet those sills and tracks to clean them since the weep holes give water a place to exit. Weep holes should be periodically inspected to ensure that the apertures are not blocked; if they are, a toothbrush can be used to remove them.
If the weep holes are prepared, use these instructions to clean vinyl window sills.
STEP 1. Apply a thin layer of baking soda to the window tracks and sill.
STEP 2. In a spray container, combine distilled white vinegar and water equally.
STEP 3. The baking soda should be soaked, and the mixture should settle for 10 minutes.
STEP 4. Apply your vinegar spray along the vertical window tracks as you wait.
STEP 5. Work from the top down to remove grime and dirt from the tracks with an old toothbrush.
STEP 6. After the sill has soaked for ten minutes, scrape it from end to end with the toothbrush. Get into the nooks if you can.
STEP 7. Use a butter knife and a microfiber towel wrapped around it to reach into tiny spaces and crevices.
STEP 8. To clear the dirt and residue, pour warm water over the tracks and sill, allow it to drain off of the weep holes, then repeat as necessary.
STEP 9. Dry the window tracks and sill using a dry cloth after thoroughly rinsing them.
How to Eliminate Molds on Window Sills
- Distilled white vinegar is a natural deodorizer, antifungal, and capable of eliminating most mold species. Use a spray bottle to soak the places where you observe mold after adding undiluted vinegar to it. After giving the vinegar an hour to work, wipe away the residue.
- Another organic antifungal that helps eliminate mold and mildew is hydrogen peroxide. Spray moldy patches and tough stains with peroxide after pouring them into a spray bottle. Since hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, it can lessen the visibility of stains while eliminating the mold.
- Another natural substance having bleaching and antifungal qualities are baking soda. Mold and mildew should first be covered with a layer of baking soda before being misted with water to dampen it. After letting the paste rest for ten minutes, scrape the mold off. You may use the same mixture to scrub stains since baking soda is also a mild abrasive.
Once the mold in the window sill has been removed, clean it using warm water and either wipe off the extra water or allow it to drain through the weep holes. The final procedure is to dry the window sill using a cloth to remove any remaining moisture that can cause mold to reappear.
