How to Properly Lubricate Your Window Tracks and Hinges

Ensuring that your windows are in optimal working condition is crucial if you want to maximise their lifespans and ease of use. Regular window cleaning and maintenance can help you prevent common window-related issues such as sticking and squeaking. Part of window maintenance involves lubricating your window track and hinges to ensure that they are able to operate smoothly. In this post, we take a look at some tips that can help you ensure that you’re properly lubricating your tracks and hinges.

Using the Right Lubricant

Depending on the type of window that you have, the most suitable lubricant might differ. For instance, silicone spray lubricants are ideal for windows with tracks such as sliding windows as they provide a non-greasy, long-lasting solution that will ensure your windows can easily slide open and closed. On the other hand, hinges that experience metal to metal contact would benefit more from lubricants such as white lithium grease.

Cleaning Before Lubricating

A common mistake that many homeowners make when lubricating their window tracks and hinges is neglecting to clean them beforehand. This results in dirt, grime or dust being trapped in the hinges or the tracks and limiting the effectiveness of the lubricant. Dirt and grime that are not properly removed can mix with the lubricant and may even cause blockages or wear and tear that can affect the lifespan of your windows.

Applying Lubricant Sparingly

At the same time, you also do not want to apply too much lubricant to your window tracks or hinges as this can cause it to build up or even attract dust and dirt, causing more problems. A light, even layer is often sufficient and can help you avoid such a problem. For a more precise application, you can also consider using a cloth or a lubricant applicator to directly apply the lubricant to the moving parts of the window hinges or tracks.

Inspecting Regularly

Finally, ensure that you inspect your windows regularly to identify potential issues and address them early. This can also help you to identify when the previous coating of lubricant has run its course and a new layer of lubricant needs to be applied. Generally, you should look to incorporate such inspections into your regular window cleaning and maintenance schedule. You can also expect to have to reapply lubricant to your window tracks and hinges every three to six months, depending on how frequently you operate them.

Getting Your Windows from Trusted Suppliers

Purchasing your windows from reputable suppliers can also help you ensure that they are of high quality and will not wear out easily. Valley Windows is the leading supplier of custom windows in Melbourne, and we offer a variety of timber and aluminium window and door designs for you to choose from. Visit our showroom today or contact us for a free consultation to find out more about how we can help you with your window needs.