How to Make Vinyl Window Assemblies Slide Better

Vinyl windows that stick, or are difficult to open and close can be annoying, and should not be ignored. Eventually the window may not slide at all, and this can be a huge issue if you’re hoping to sell your home, or simply for personal comfort reasons. In many cases, before a window begins to stick, it will squeak to indicate the track is dirty and needs lubrication. Cleaning and lubricating a vinyl window assembly are tasks most owners can do themselves.

1

Close the window and wipe along the track, trim and sill with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, dirt and bugs.

2

Open the window and wipe the track, trim and sill parts that you could not reach with the window closed.

3

Remove stuck on dirt and bugs remaining in the track with a soft bristled cleaning brush. Be careful not to scrub the surface too hard, or you may damage the vinyl.

4

Vacuum any remaining dust, bugs or debris out of the track, and then wipe all parts of the window a final time with a cloth and a mild dish soap and water solution.

5

Wipe all surfaces dry with a clean towel. Make sure the track is thoroughly dried before you apply the lubricant.

6

Close the window and spray the cloth with silicone spray lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the grooves of the window track. Do not spray the lubricant into the track. This leaves a mess on the glass and the sill that can be difficult to clean.

7

Open the window and apply lubricant for the parts of track that you could not reach with the window closed.

8

Open and close the window several times to distribute the lubricant evenly into the track’s grooves.

9

Wipe any excess or spilled lubricant from the window glass and trim using a water-based cleaner and a damp cloth.

Things You Will Need

Cloth

Dish soap

Soft bristle brush

Vacuum

Water

Water-based cleaner

Spray silicone

Tip

If the window continues to stick after cleaning and lubricating, check that the weatherstripping around the window has not peeled or cracked. Sometimes if weatherstripping is damaged, it can double over and cause a vinyl window to stick.

Clean your window track with a vacuum, or wipe with a damp cloth, regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.