How do I clean my windowsills?

Vacuum out tracks, use a toothbrush or small scrubbing brush with vinegar and water and Dawn

Hi Robin,

I'd start with vacuuming those tracks on the bottom. They seem to be the hardest to clean. I use a mix of equal parts of vinegar and water plus a few drops of Dawn in a spray bottle for a lot of my cleaning projects and I'd use it for this one too. I'm not sure what you mean by a "mess", but here are some thoughts. I usually spray the bottom tracks with my cleaner and let it sit while I clean the actual window sill using a microfiber cloth with my mixture. If any part is extra messy, I'd use a green scrubber or a toothbrush on those parts.

Of course, the corners of the tracks are the toughest. For those I'll spray again (if needed) then wrap a rag around a screwdriver or an old knife - something small and thin - so that I can actually work on those corners. Once I get everything out, I'll give it a final extra cleaning, just in case. ;) Then let it dry thoroughly. - Remember to clean the glass, as long as you're there. *Tip, When cleaning glass, wipe horizontal on the inside and vertical on the outside so if you have any streaks you'll know if they are inside or outside.

At this point, I'll look it over and decide if it needs to be painted. That's another project but sometimes there are small dents to be repaired, sanded and primed or loose paint that needs to come off then sanded and primed before painting.

If the window doesn't go up smoothly, I'll put some WD-40 on a rag and wipe it along the side tracks to help lubricate the area. Don't put it on heavily, just wipe it on, let it sit for a few mins, then wipe off any excess. I hope this helps you. Wishing you the best.

The above answers are great. I use a spray of water or a hot steamer with tips for the corners. Wash and rinse. They will be good as new.

Hi Robin, use a vacuum and a dry toothbrush to get the heavy dirt out, then use 50/50 mix of vinegar and water with a microfiber dish cloth to wipe the tracks down, this should get your windows gliding good again, also, if you remove the windows, number them so you know how they fit back in. Good luck!