We may not look at them as often as the glass in our windows, but their tracks can build up a lot of dirt over time. What’s more is that many sliding windows are designed with multiple grooves that can make it hard to know how to clean them properly. So how do you actually clean window tracks?
Here, we take you through a very simple strategy that doesn’t require any fancy (or expensive) equipment. We’ll also go through some other methods, as well as tips to keep your window tracks clean for longer.
How to clean window tracks: The sponge method
There’s a popular YouTube video that shows us how to clean window tracks using a sponge.
“In this video, I am going to share the steps you can follow to clean the window track,” the caption reads.
“Step 1: Grab a thick sponge/scourer and line it up to the window or sliding door tracks.
“Step 2: Using a stanley knife, slice where you’ve marked.
“Step 3: Wet the sponge with soapy water and line up the slits with the tracks.”
And you’re done!
“The dish sponge”: best window track cleaners
Members of the popular Mums Who Clean Facebook group say they’ve tried this hack, and it works wonders.
“The dish sponge,” says one mum. “Slice it according to your tracks. You could use a pencil to draw on the tracks and place your sponge over them. Once the sponge is stained with pencil marks, you slice it accordingly. Use it damp, fit it in, and it works like magic! Try it. Costs almost nothing.”
Other ways to clean window tracks
If you don’t have time to cut up a sponge, other mums in the Facebook Mums Who Clean group suggested an Oates Trackbuster, which gets into hard-to-reach crevices on windows, doors and corners. Some other options you could consider include:
- A scourer-based window track cleaning tool.
- A tile and grout brush to loosen dirt, then a cloth or rag to wipe it down.
- A microfibre cloth you can fit into the window track and move along it to clean it.
- A damp towel or rag and some window cleaner.
In theory, you can use anything you have on hand to clean window tracks. For example, some mums in the Mums Who Clean Facebook group have even said they like to grab a wet microfibre cloth and wrap it over a screwdriver to clean their window tracks.
Ideally, whatever you use should be pliable and absorbent enough to both dislodge dirt, then remove it.
How often should you clean your window tracks?
The amount of wind, rain and dust that move through your windows are some factors that will affect how often you need to clean your window tracks. So, it’s a good idea to check the tracks every time you’re dusting or cleaning the windows, and clean the tracks if they are dirty.
To prevent the buildup of dirt and debris in your window tracks, you should add this task to your regular cleaning schedule. Another easy way to keep them clean is to do a quick clean with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner and wipe the tracks with a sponge afterwards.
How to stop mould from growing in your window track
Mould is everywhere, including your window tracks. What it needs to thrive is moisture. So when you are cleaning your windows, make sure you give them a good drying afterwards to prevent mould from growing.
If you already have mould growing in your window tracks, using a microfibre cloth and a simple mixture of dishwashing liquid and water is the best way to kill and remove it.
Cleaning tools
