Sticking Windows? The Best Way To Lubricate Hard-to-Open Windows

Have your windows become difficult to open? Dust, dirt, and pollen may have become lodged in the tracks, which is one common reason for sticking windows. Getting your window sashes to glide open and closed easily again is as simple as cleaning the accumulated debris and lubricating the tracks. Here’s how.

Gather Your Supplies

A few cloths and towels
Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
Vinegar or baby shampoo
Bucket of hot water
Silicone-based lubricant

Clean the Window Tracks

Open the window as far as possible to gain access to the tracks along which the sash slides open and closed.
Wipe the tracks and window frame with a dry cloth to brush away loose dust and dirt.
Vacuum any remaining debris from inside the track using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Create a mild cleaning solution by mixing three-fourths of a cup of vinegar or half a teaspoon of baby shampoo in a bucket filled with a half-gallon of hot water.
Dip a cloth in the solution and use it to clean away heavy dirt buildup, mold, and mildew.
Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe it over the window tracks. Then, dry the window with a clean towel.

TIP: Don’t use razor blades or other sharp metal tools to clean the window tracks. Also, avoid bleach and other abrasive cleaners that could damage the window frame.

How to Lubricate the Window Tracks Properly

After thoroughly cleaning your window’s tracks, you can now lubricate to allow them to glide effortlessly. To properly lubricate window tracks, you’ll want to spray a silicon-based lubricant onto a dry cloth and wipe along the inside and outside window tracks, jamb liner, and weatherstripping. Open and close the window several times to distribute the lubricant evenly. This step is extremely important to ensure even distribution of the lubricant. Apply more lubricant as needed until the window no longer sticks. If your window has multiple sashes, remember to clean and apply lubricant to the other tracks as well.

TIP: Don’t use WD-40 to lubricate sticking windows. This product could gum up the tracks and make the problem worse.

TIP: Avoid spraying lubricant directly onto the window. It could create a greasy mess on the frame that’s difficult to remove. Also, if the lubricant gets onto the glass, it could leave a permanent mark.

Replace Your Sticking Windows With Help From Quality Window & Door

Sometimes, windows stick because the sash no longer sits square in the frame. When this happens, it may be necessary to replace your windows. If it comes to this, be sure to team up with a reliable window installer in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Quality Window & Door can help you choose beautiful, energy-efficient windows for your home. The upgrade will restore operation to your sticking windows, reduce your heating and cooling bills, and add beauty and value to your home. No matter what operating style, material, or design you have in mind, we can meet your needs as a nonproprietary distributor of today’s best window brands.

To view replacement window products in person or find answers to more of your questions, please visit one of our local showrooms in Maryland and Northern Virginia or contact us at 1-800-370-8751.