How to Clean Window and Door Tracks—Plus, How Often You Should

Cleaning your window and door tracks regularly will prevent dust, dirt, insects, and grime from accumulating.

While most areas of your home get cleaned regularly, others often fly under the radar. This is especially true when it comes to window and door tracks. With many nooks and crannies, these tracks can be a hub for grime, insects, dust, and even mold—all of which leave the tracks looking visibly dirty. If you have tried to clean your window and door tracks in the past and found removing accumulated debris difficult, you're not alone. Luckily, restoring these tracks to their former pristine condition is made easy with a few everyday cleaning supplies. Here we share exactly how (and how often) to clean them.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean
David Flax, president of Window Genie, a Neighborly company

bright, open windows and back door in sun room — Credit: ucpage / GETTY IMAGES

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these cleaning supplies on hand before getting started.

Bristle brush
Vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment
Spray bottle
White vinegar
Toothbrush
Microfiber cloth(s)

How to Clean Window and Door Tracks

Though tedious, cleaning these tracks is an important part of keeping your home free of dust and debris. "Cleaning your window and door tracks is important because dirt and debris accumulate in the tracks over time, making it difficult to open and close your windows and doors," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean.

Fortunately, the process and necessary cleaning supplies are the same for cleaning both window and door tracks—so you can tackle both tasks at once.

Scrub the tracks with a bristle brush to loosen any dirt.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to remove loose dirt and debris from the tracks.
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts warm water with white vinegar.
Spray the solution generously on the tracks, covering all the surfaces.
Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to break down any buildup.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the tracks thoroughly, getting into all the corners and crevices.
Wipe away the loosened dirt and cleaning solution with a damp microfiber cloth.
Repeat until all of the dirt is gone.
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the tracks dry. Ensure they're completely dry to prevent mold or mildew.

How Often to Clean Window and Door Tracks

You should deep clean your window and door tracks as often as you clean your windows, which is a few times per year. "Major window manufacturers recommend cleaning your windows two to four times per year to increase the lifespan of your windows," says David Flax, president of Window Genie, a Neighborly company. It's best to tackle this chore during the spring and fall to help remove dirt, dust, and debris that has accumulated throughout the year. Note that basic weekly cleaning will help limit grime buildup in the tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean mold out of window tracks?

Using a vinegar and water mixture is great for cleaning mold. Vinegar is naturally very acidic, containing acetic acid which is anti-microbial and anti-fungal, making it effective for killing and cleaning mold. Mix a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water and apply it to the mold on the tracks. Let it sit for about an hour, and then wipe clean and dry.
Can you steam clean window tracks?

Yes, it's possible to use a steam cleaner to clean window tracks. Using a garment steamer to clean your window tracks is fast and simple—the steam can get into nooks and crannies and help lift dirt and debris out of the track. You'll want to avoid using a steamer for window tracks if your window tracks or window panes are made of finished wood, however.
What's the easiest way to maintain tracks between deep cleans?

To stay ahead of grime, do a quick once-over with a vacuum and damp cloth every couple of weeks. Use a cotton swab or small detailing brush to remove debris from corners. Occasionally, dampen a microfiber cloth with vinegar, running it along the track to prevent dirt from hardening over time.