Why Do Window Tracks Get So Filthy?
First, let’s get something off our chest—window tracks are a pain in the backside for a reason. They’re exposed to the outdoors, rarely cleaned, and love to collect:
- Dust and pet hair
- Dead insects and spider webs
- Sand, red dirt, and pollen (cheers, spring)
- Mould and algae in wetter regions
Salt and corrosion if you’re anywhere near the coast
And when those channels get clogged, your windows stop sliding properly, water gets trapped and before you know it, you’re dealing with corrosion, mould or worse—water damage inside your home.
Field-Tested Quick-Clean Method
- Vacuum cleaner with crevice attachment or brush attachment
- Spray bottle with warm water + a squirt of dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Old toothbrush, detailing brush, grout brush or soft-bristled brush
- Butter knife wrapped in a microfibre cloth
- Paper towel, clean cloth or damp microfibre cloth
- Optionally: handheld steamer, garment steamer, steam cleaners, anti-fungal product, white vinegar, baking soda
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- First step: Dry vacuum first – Suck out loose dirt, dust, pet hair, dust accumulation and gunk buildup using the crevice tool. This is maintenance to prevent damage from dirt building up over time.
- Spray and sit – Spray your soapy water mixture or natural option (like a cleaner spray made with white vinegar and warm water) into the tracks and let it sit for a few minutes. It helps break up stuck on dirt and buildup on window sills.
- Cover baking soda with vinegar (optional sponge hack) – If the grime is stubborn, sprinkle a little baking soda and follow with a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz. Works great on dirty window tracks.
- Scrub into crevices on windows – Use your chosen soft brush or dish sponge to agitate the dirt and grime buildup, especially in hard to reach spots.
- Wrap and scrape – Wrap your butter knife or brush nozzle in a damp towel or microfibre cloth and run it along the awning window tracks or casement window tracks to lift dirt over time.
- Wipe and dry – Use a dry microfibre cloth or fresh cloth to wipe up dirty water and finish off. If using a steam cleaner, go over it once more with a dry cloth to remove excess water.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
Here’s the straight-up answer: every season change. That’s four times a year — autumn for leaf drop, winter to combat condensation, spring for pollen and bugs, and summer because of dust and open windows. This prevents the spread of dirt and grime.
Live near the coast or in a high wind area? Bump it up to every two months. Salt air and wind blown grit will clog your tracks faster than you can say “dodgy rental inspection”. Especially true for bathroom window tracks and exterior window cleaning needs.
Depends on where you live and what kind of dust, pollen or storm damage you’re dealing with. Here’s our general guide:
| Location Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Coastal homes | Every 2 months |
| Rural/dusty areas | Every 3 months |
| Inner-city apartments | Twice a year |
| Homes near bushland | Every season (quarterly) |
| General maintenance | Every 6 months minimum |
Avoid These DIY Disasters
We’ve been into too many homes where someone’s tried a viral hack and made things worse. Here’s what to avoid:
- Don’t use bleach — it breaks down plastic and rubber seals, especially in full sun.
- Avoid straight vinegar on aluminium — it can cause pitting on major window manufacturers’ frames.
- No pressure washers — we’re cleaning tracks, not the ute.
- Skip bicarb bombs — bi-carb soda and water can be useful, but don’t go overboard or you’ll be scrubbing dirt spots for hours.
Regional Issues to Watch Out For
Australia’s got more climates than excuses at a tradie barbecue. Here’s what to watch for, depending on where you live:
- Coastal NSW & QLD: Salt buildup, sand intrusion, and the occasional mozzie invasion. Keep up a regular cleaning.
- Top End: The wet season brings mildew growth and gunk over time — hot water or a handheld steamer helps.
- VIC & TAS: Winter condensation and spring pollen = perfect time for a full window track cleaning.
- WA interior: Dust storms mean built-up dirt and dirty window frames. A vacuum cleaner with a larger water tank or dust container is handy.
Tool Tips
A few tools we keep in the ute or garage:
- Crevice tool and brush attachment combo
- Bristle brush, detailing brush, and grout brush for hard-to-reach crevices
- Spray bottle with soapy water solution or cleaner spray
- Soft cloths, clean water, a damp cloth, and microfiber cloths (always keep extras)
- A garment steamer or steam cleaner for professional cleaner-level results
- Dry silicone spray to help the actual window slide more easily after cleaning
Still think your tracks are too far gone? Give us a call. The Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew has cleaned everything from dirt-packed tracks to spider-infested sills — we’ve got the tools, tricks and stubborn streak to handle it all. We offer top-notch window cleaning services including interior and exterior window cleaning, cleaning window frames and even commercial window track maintenance.
Go Preventative
The easiest clean is the one you don’t have to do. Here’s how to stop the collection of product options, buildup of dirt and accumulation in window tracks:
- Install flyscreens — stop bugs and dirt from getting in
- Use draught stoppers — reduce wind-blown debris
- Close windows during storms or pollen days
- Quick wipe with a dry cloth once a month — great for double-hung window tracks
- Dehumidifier or anti-fungal product — especially for awning windows in damp areas
FAQ
Can I use vinegar to clean tracks?
Yes, but not on aluminium. Use a diluted cloth with vinegar or mix with baking soda for a natural option.
What’s the best brush for cleaning tracks?
A bristle brush, grout brush or even an old toothbrush. A soft bristled brush for delicate window panes.
Can I use a vacuum on wet tracks?
Only with a wet/dry vac. Always remove loose dust and dry vacuum first.
How do I get into hard-to-reach areas of window tracks?
A crevice tool, garment steamer or wrap a knife in a damp microfibre cloth. Handy for awning or casement window tracks.
Why do my windows stick after cleaning the tracks?
Residue or dirt after scrubbing. Wipe with a clean microfibre cloth and try dry silicone spray if needed.