Clean and lubricate the tracks on your sliding door and windows to keep water out and to make them slide like new.

Door and window tracks have drain holes to let rainwater or condensation flow out. When these holes get plugged with debris, the water comes inside your house and can damage adjacent floors and walls. 

Cleaning the tracks unplugs blocked drain holes. While you’re at it, lubricate the tracks so doors and windows open and close more easily.

Steps

1. Slide all sections of the door or windows to one side or remove them entirely, if possible.
2. Vacuum the tracks.
3. Use a wire to clear the drain holes on the exterior walls of the tracks.
4. Rub a lubricant stick or candle back and forth along the tracks a few times.
5. If you did not remove the door/window, slide the door/window sections to the other side and then clean and lubricate the remaining section of the tracks.
6. If you removed the door or windows, put them back into place.

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Green alternatives
To save energy, use a rag instead of a vacuum cleaner.