I did not clean my window tracks for three years. When I finally looked, there were dead bugs, a layer of gray sludge, and what might have been a sprouting seed. The windows were clean. The tracks were a science experiment.

The Tools You Need

White vinegar, baking soda, an old toothbrush, paper towels, and a butter knife wrapped in a thin cloth. That is the whole kit. Total cost: about two dollars.

Step by Step

1. Vacuum first. Use the crevice tool to suck up loose debris.
2. Sprinkle baking soda along the track. Be generous — it costs almost nothing.
3. Spray white vinegar over the baking soda. It will fizz. Let it sit 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub with the toothbrush. Focus on corners and grooves.
5. Wrap the butter knife with a thin cloth. Run it along the track to pull out gunk.
6. Wipe clean with damp paper towels, then dry to prevent mildew.

For Really Bad Tracks

Mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and let it sit on stains for 30 minutes before scrubbing. The oxygen in peroxide bleaches stains without harsh fumes.

Prevention

After cleaning, rub a thin coat of silicone lubricant along the track. This makes the window slide smoothly and makes the next cleaning easier. Clean tracks once a season — it takes ten minutes once you have done it once. Or wait three years like I did.