Slider window from the outside. The window is closed and surrounded by brick walls.

Over time, windows can become more difficult to open. This is typically due to dust and pollen buildup or general wear and tear. You can restore your windows’ glide by cleaning up the debris and lubricating the tracks.

As your window professionals who have served thousands of St. Louis homeowners, Zen Windows St. Louis is here to give you first-hand, helpful advice. In this guide, we’ll explain how to lubricate your windows and get them sliding smoothly again.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start, we recommend you gather a few key items to ensure the job’s done correctly. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
  • Small brush (an old toothbrush works well)
  • Mild detergent
  • Bowl or bucket of warm water
  • Soft cloth or paper towel
  • Dry rags
  • Lubricant (we recommend a silicone-based spray)

Clean Your Window Tracks Before Lubricating

First, clean your window tracks. Lubricating dirty tracks makes the problem worse as it causes more debris to stick to the lubricant. Follow these easy steps to clean your window tracks:

  1. Open the window fully: To access the tracks, open your window as wide as possible.
  2. Vacuum the tracks: Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove loose dirt and debris. Double-check corners and edges since dirt tends to accumulate more in these areas.
  3. Brush the tracks: After vacuuming the tracks, use a small brush to scrub away lingering dirt and grime.
  4. Clean with detergent: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water. Then, dip a soft cloth or paper towel into the solution and wipe down the tracks to remove the remaining dirt and grease.
  5. Dry the tracks: Finally, wipe the tracks with a dry rag to remove lingering moisture.

Lubricating the Windows Tracks

Now that your window tracks are squeaky clean, you can lubricate them. If you want your windows to open and close like new again, follow these steps:

  1. Choose the right lubricant: We recommend a silicone-based lubricant because it won’t attract dust and dirt like an oil-based lubricant.
  2. Apply the lubricant: Hold the lubricant can about 6 inches away from the tracks and spray a light, even coat along the length of the tracks. Avoid over-applying since excess lubricant can cause buildup.
  3. Spread the lubricant: Take a dry rag and spread the lubricant along the tracks to ensure an even coating and remove any excess.
  4. Lubricate the sashes and locks: If your window has sliding sashes or locks, apply a small amount of lubricant to those areas. This ensures that all of the window’s moving parts are covered.
  5. Test the window: Open and close the window several times. You should notice an immediate improvement. If not, lubricate the tracks again.
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If you still need help with your windows after following these steps, you might need a more permanent, long-term solution. While lubrication is a great maintenance task, sometimes windows are beyond repair and require replacement.

Zen Windows St. Louis proudly offers the easiest and most affordable window replacement services in St. Louis. Our simple process ensures you get the most bang for your buck. You can rely on our expert installation team for quality window replacement services. Discover the Zen Windows experience today.

Do you want to upgrade your home with new windows? Fill out a contact form to get a free quote.