Dusty, dirty window frames can distract you from enjoying the view in your home. Learn how to clean window sills with these quick tips.
Window sills gather so much dirt and dirt (even mold!) throughout the year, that it’s a great idea to wash them regularly. However, if you have a lot of windows in your home, the task can seem super daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!
I always tend to notice the dirt on your window sills after a long winter. There is nothing more annoying than opening up the windows on a fresh spring day only to see dirt and grime that has collected over the past 6 months. Sometimes home upkeep tasks just seem to pile up, and cleaning the window sills is the last thing on your mind.
It’s really amazing just how much dirt collects onto window sills, almost as much as the baseboards.
*This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
Supplies Needed To Clean Window Sills and Tracks
- Cleaning Toothbrush (Do not use your daily toothbrush for brushing your teeth!)
- Water
- Dish soap
- Paper ToIl
- Cloth (I love microfiber cloths for cleaning, but any cloth will do)
- Butter Knife
- Q-Tips
How To Clean Window Sills and Track
It’s a good idea to clean your windows BEFORE you tackle the tracks. Otherwise, you could be stuck with washing the tracks twice after washing the windows.
Step 1: Vacuum the window sills and tracks
You’ll want to get rid of any loose dirt and grime that may be stuck in the track, and a great tool for this is a vacuum cleaner.
Step 2: Scrub The Dirt Away
Create a mixture with water and dish soap, then dip a cleaning toothbrush into the solution. Once the toothbrush is soaked in the solution, start scrubbing away the dirt and grime.
For the hard-to-reach spots, you can try a butter knife or the Q-tips!
Step 3: Wipe Away Water Drips
Wipe away any leftover dirt and soapy solution with a paper towel.
Finish wiping the tracks with a microfiber cloth as the last step of the cleaning process.
Step 4: (Optional) Lubricate the tracks
This is super optional, but it does help keep the windows opening smoothly. For vinyl tracks, you can use a silicone lubricant, but only a small amount!
For wooden tracks, you can use wax.
This can make your windows glide open and closed as if they Are new.
Solution Alternatives
If you want to use something other than soap and water to clean your window sills, you can also use a water and baking soda mixture or spray straight vinegar onto the tracks.
If you would prefer to purchase a cleaner to clean the sills, I love this 7th Generation All-Purpose Cleaner.
How often Should You Clean Window Sills
How often you should clean your window sills, entirely depends on your climate.
If you are continually opening windows because the weather is so nice (lucky you!), then you’ll want to wash the tracks more often, maybe twice a year.
If you live in a slightly cooler climate and the windows don’t get opened for 6 months out of the year, then once a year should suffice.
What Kills Mold on Window Sills
If you do have mold on your window sills, it is better to call a professional service to get that straightened out. Mold is harmful to your health, and it is not something you should try to deal with yourself.
If you DO want to do it yourself, you CAN use hydrogen peroxide. Just spray it on and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it away.
Hydrogen peroxide does have mold-killing properties, and it can be effective; however, mold spores can be hard to see, and if you don’t get it all, mold will come back.
FAQ
What should I clean your window sill with?
Your favorite all-purpose cleaner will do for this task, but you can alternatively manufacture your own needing a half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar. This method is suitable for both vinyl and wood window sills.
How do baking soda and vinegar clean window sills?
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of water and white vinegar. Spritz liberally into the window tracks, making sure the baking soda is evenly soaked. The powder will bubble and fizz due to a chemical interaction between the baking soda and vinegar. Allow yourself 5 to 10 minutes of resting time.
How do you clean dirty caulk around windows?
To clean caulking, combine bleach with water or baking soda. If the caulking is really unclean, the moderately abrasive baking soda will aid in the removal of stains. To use bleach on its own, make a solution needing 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water.
What is the black stuff on your windowsill?
When the wind blows, mold spores can be deposited on your windows, sills, and casings. If you don’t thoroughly clean the regions around the pots, having potted plants along the window sill might also promote black mold development.
