Changing weather can bring pleasant breezes and fresh air through open windows. However, opening your windows can reveal the upsetting discovery of dirty window sills and window tracks. These are the two areas that are most often overlooked when cleaning windows and we’re not ashamed to admit that we’re guilty of it too. Here is our little guide for cleaning your window sills and window tracks.
Find the Right Tools
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you’ll need for this cleaning project. While it is already going to be an easy task, the right products can simplify it even more. The tools you will want to use are:
- An old toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Dish soap
- A spray bottle
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
There are also a few optional tools you can include on this list such as your vacuum to remove any loose debris before cleaning, a brush specifically designed for cleaning window tracks, and some hydrogen peroxide if there is any mold around the tracks or window itself.
Cleaning the Window Tracks
When you’re ready to get started you can open up your window and take a look at the tracks along the bottom and sides of the window. There will likely be some debris and dirt accumulated so if you prefer, can start the process by vacuuming the debris from around the tracks and window sill. To best clean the dirt and staining on the tracks, try this method:
- Mix equal portions of water and white vinegar in your spray bottle
- Sprinkle a very small amount of baking soda around the tracks
- Spray the mixture around the bottom and sides of the tracks and leave the solution for 5 to 10 minutes
- Use the toothbrush or track brush to scrub the grime and then use a microfiber cloth to remove the grime from the crevices
- If there is any grime and solution remaining in tight crevices, use some cotton swabs to remove and dry the area
If there is any mold and mildew within the tracks after cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, this is likely because water can become trapped within the seal of the window when it rains. Mold can be nasty and a pain to remove, but this is a common issue and can be fixed pretty easily so don’t worry. Try this to clean the mold:
- Pour some hydrogen peroxide into your empty spray bottle
- Thoroughly spray and soak the moldy areas and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes
- Use the toothbrush to wipe away the mold and rinse the brush with warm water
- Once the mold has been cleared, dry the tracks and crevices around the window’s seal as thoroughly as possible
Cleaning the Window Sills
Now that the less visible portion of the window is clean and dry, you can shut the window and focus on the next step: the window sill. You’ll want to start by determining if your window sill is wood or plastic because this will impact which products can be used when cleaning. Here is the best method for cleaning wooden window sills:
- Mix some warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in your spray bottle, you won’t be using very much so you can keep portions small
- Use a soft toothbrush to lightly scrub away any dirt on the window sill
- Rinse the soapy mix away with a small amount of clean water and dry the window sill thoroughly so that no water seeps into the wood
Your wooden window sill should look as good as new after cleaning. If it has been painted or stained, you can touch up any lost paint or refinish the wood after the sill is fully dry. Here is the best method for cleaning plastic window sills:
- Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the window sill
- Use the spray bottle to spray a small amount of water around the window sill and let it mix with the baking soda
- Let the water and baking soda sit a minute or two and then use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture
- If there is any staining on the window sill, mix an equal amount of white vinegar with the water before spraying it on the baking soda
- Allow the vinegar and water mixture to react with the baking soda for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing the mix with a toothbrush and rinsing it with clean water
- Dry the window sill thoroughly with a microfiber cloth
You can finish the cleaning process by wiping down the glass with your favorite glass cleaner. Your windows are now looking great and are ready to be opened up for some fresh air. If you can’t seem to find time to clean your windows, don’t worry! Our cleaning services Boston can help you with any number of cleaning projects around the house, contact us today!
