Window tracks get really gross and dirty. This tutorial on How to Clean Dirty Window Tracks will show you how to clean them in no time!
On the outside of our home's windows, the only thing protecting them from the outdoors is usually our window screens. They can get really dirty, moldy, and can even start growing mildew. I usually notice this problem twice a year. When spring comes along, I like to open all of our windows and let the fresh air and sunshine in. Then, in the fall when it cools down a bit after the long, hot summer, I like to do the same. I used to dread cleaning our window tracks! I promise, it is much easier than it looks.
Case in point...my dirty window tracks and screens. They look so gross.
Step one is to pull the screen up just a little bit. This will allow any mess we make cleaning them to fall outside instead of inside our home.
To get started, just take a paper towel or rag and clean off any debris that isn't stuck on. I usually just dust any dirt out of the window.
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Next, spray the entire area with Distilled White Vinegar. The vinegar will loosen up any dirt, mold and mildew. It will also help kill any bacteria that may be growing in your window tracks and screens.
Next, take a toothbrush and scrub your window tracks, screen frame and in the corners.
Now, rinse with water ( I usually just have a warm cup of water that I use), and wipe any left over debris away with a paper towel or rag.
As you can see, the window tracks are all clean, and it literally only took 2 minutes!
Take a look at the clean versus the dirty. Apparently, Nash prefers the clean side!
Now that you know how to get your window tracks clean, take a look at a couple other of my window cleaning tips below...
Find my Recipe for DIY Glass Cleaner for Windows and Mirrors HERE!
Check out the Easy Way to Clean Window Blinds HERE!
Find out my easy trick showing How to Clean Window Screens HERE!
Happy window cleaning, friends!
Stephanie says
Is the track cleaner process safe for wood framed windows?
Jessica says
Yes, the mildew on the windows will do more damage than anything. The vinegar is just used to clean it.
Nancy says
Also vinegar kills mold! Bleach just takes it away an it will come back. Use straight Vinager distilled white to kill any mold in your home don't delute the vinager.
MIke says
It will come back eventually no matter what is used.
Clorox cleanup works great for me since I don't have any wood around the windows to worry about.
JayneSnyder says
Please help me!!!! I tried to clean between the glass on my oven door, all I managed to do is make it look worse, Noe I really can"t see between the panes of glass because all it is is a streaky mess.
Jessica says
Try sprinkling with baking soda then spraying with vinegar. Let it bubble for a few seconds, then use a scubber to loosen up anything left behind. Rinse and clean again with vinegar and a paper towel or rag.
Dokey says
How does that get in between the oven glass? Never heard of cleaning between that glass!
June says
Meow do you clean between the oven glass ?
Sharon M says
I have taken the door apart before to clean between the two and while you are at it clan all exterior two glass panes
Msv says
There are openings in top of oven door, possibly vents. Cooking spills can drip into these holes. The spill runs down between the two glass panes in the oven door. It's a mess. How do you get in to clean?
Brenda says
Go to you tube and you will see how it's done
Nancy says
You have to take the screws out of the oven door. Be careful not to break the glass when taking it apart.
Jan says
I spilled a casserole and it went between. We ended up having an oven technition come and do it. After watching him, we knew we could have never been able to!
Jenny Taylor says
I have the same problem. The only way is to open the oven door and unscrew the metal.
Janie says
There are screws to loosen and the glass comes apart. Be careful to have two people. Someone to hold the bottom pars as it comes apart. Weve done ours once. Really gross between the glass and door.
JayneSnyder says
I really need your help
Em Dohv says
This certainly beats Windex, etc. Thanks for caring about the environment!!!!
Ivory says
Wow, nice job! I so needed this information. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Ann Mar says
Hi, Jessica,
Please start reading rubber gloves for ALL your liquid cleaning.
You may not notice it, however, your hands are drying out more than you think or observe.
Just have extra pairs with your various buckets and bottles or a specific go-to place for hanging them.
Best regards,
Ann
Tammara says
Just in time...cause I'm getting ready to clean my windows too and they look like yours! Thanks!
Chantee says
Thank you for this tip. Heinz also makes a cleaning vinegar that's a special cleaning strength. Comes with a blue and green label and will use this for this great window tip.
Amber says
does this work on shower door tracks also?
thanks
Jessica says
I'm not sure because I don't have shower doors, but it is definitely worth a try!
Stephanie says
Yes it works!! Follow the same steps as cleaning the window
Barbara Roberti says
HELLO AND THAKS FOR SENDING THIS TO ME BUT I DO HAVE A PROBLEM, MY SCREEN DO NOT CAME OUT. THEY ARE FIXED AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ME CLEAN THE TRACKS JUST WITH A PIECE OD RAG, HAVE TRY OLD THOOT BRUSHES BUT THEY WONT FIT, THE ONLY WAY IS FOR MY HUSBAND WET FROM OUTSIDE WITH THE HOSE IN JET BUT LOTS OF WATER DO CAME IN TO THE WALL, ANY SUGGESTION?
Thanks again.
Barbara from Australia.
Becky says
How to get rid of the armpit smell on clothing. Even after I wash my grandsons clothing it still has the odor. He uses deodorant but????
Jane says
Soak the deodorant spots on hydrogen peroxide for an hour before washing. If the odor is set in soak those areas overnight in peroxide. I use a wash rag soaked with peroxide and keep it over the stains wet with peroxide. You may have to do it twice to get it all out.
janice says
Vinegar works real well in the washer. Put some in the final rinse. It will take the smell out.
Jeannette says
Thanks for your posts. I often refer to them now to help me around our house. They are very helpful!
Jessica says
Thank you so much for the kind words...I'm so happy that they are helpful to you :)
Denise Marie Ellison says
The one place I absolutely HATE cleaning are the tracks on the sliding glass doors and we have 3 of them. This is the place bugs go to die. I just hate it.
Jessica says
We don't have any sliding glass doors, but I can imagine they are a real pain!
Gloria Falk says
I just love reading the helpful hints. I use to clean my own house but now that I am older someone cleans for me. There are times I have to help...like cleaning the windows. UGH. I appreciate reading everyone's response.Keep doing what y our doing...it's helping people.
Brenda says
Use a small round head stencil brush instead of a toothbrush to get into those corners even better. OR a denture brush with the little pointy brush on one end. Works great in all areas, refrigerators, bathtubs, windows, floors, sliding door tracks, etc.
sharon says
I usually use bleach in an empty dish detergent bottle. I then use a second empty dish detergent bottle filled with clean water to rinse. It works great but I'll try your vinegar technique. It's far less toxic than bleach :-)
Carol says
Do you have any tips for cleaning sliding glass door track? Especially how to get the black gunk from under the rollers.
mandomimi says
I'd like to add that when cleaning screens Ive 'used a sponge mop to scrub them. Soft and effective. Don't forget to flip them and do both sides.