Short answer: vacuum the loose dirt with a crevice tool. Sprinkle baking soda in the track, spray it with vinegar and water, and let it fizz for a few minutes. Scrub the corners with an old toothbrush, then wipe it clean with a cloth wrapped around a butter knife or flat tool, and dry it.
Window tracks are easy to miss, and they're on every property manager's checklist.
What you'll need
- A vacuum with a crevice or brush attachment
- Baking soda and white vinegar in a spray bottle (half water, half vinegar)
- An old toothbrush or small detail brush
- Microfibre cloths or paper towel
- A butter knife, chopstick or plastic scraper
Step-by-step
- 1Open the window or sliding door fully so you can reach the whole track.
- 2Vacuum loose dirt, dead insects and leaves using the crevice tool. Do this first or you'll just make mud.
- 3Sprinkle baking soda along the track.
- 4Spray with the vinegar and water mix and let it fizz for 5 minutes. This loosens stuck-on grime.
- 5Scrub with a toothbrush, paying attention to the corners and drainage holes.
- 6Wipe it out by wrapping a cloth around a butter knife and running it along the grooves.
- 7Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Moisture left in tracks attracts dirt and can cause mould.
- 8Clean the sill and frame while you're there.
Don't forget
- Drainage holes (weep holes) at the bottom of the frame. Clear them gently with a pipe cleaner so water can drain.
- Fly screen tracks, which collect the same dust.
- Sliding door tracks, which get the most dirt from foot traffic.
How to keep tracks clean
- Vacuum the tracks every couple of weeks during regular cleaning.
- Wipe them after heavy rain or windy days.
- Keep fly screens closed to stop insects collecting in the track.
Need it done before you move out?
Inside windows, sills and tracks are included in every Fresh Plus end of lease clean. Outside windows are available as an extra.
Frequently asked questions
What's the fastest way to clean window tracks? Vacuum first, then use baking soda and vinegar to loosen grime, scrub the corners and wipe it out. Most tracks take 5–10 minutes each.
Can I use bleach on window tracks? It isn't necessary for most dirt. If there's mould, use a mould-specific cleaner as directed, and never mix bleach with vinegar.
Why do my window tracks get mouldy? Condensation on the glass runs down into the track. Wiping condensation in cold months and keeping drainage holes clear helps.
