The total time of the task will depend on the number of windowsills.
Cost
$5–$15
You might need a thing or two.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Vacuum with brush or nozzle attachment
Microfiber cloth
Used toothbrush
SUPPLIES
Soap
All-purpose cleaner
Windows set the tone for your entire home and keeping them in tip-top shape requires more than occasionally wiping the glass with cleaner. Cleaning the windowsills—the structure that holds the glass panes in place—is the best way to ensure that no dust or debris ever obstructs your view of the outside world.
Though this chore can seem daunting, it will never take more than 30 minutes of your time with a few smart tricks and some cleaning supplies that you probably already have. Use this guide to find out how to clean a windowsill without breaking a sweat.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Odds are, you probably already have most of what you need to make your windowsills sparkle. Removing dust and even mold is easy to do with common household objects like an old toothbrush, a microfiber cloth, and a vacuum.
Use a Vacuum to Remove as Much Dirt and Dust as Possible
Before doing anything else, whip out your vacuum (use an attachment) and use it to suck up as much free-floating dirt and dust as possible from your windowsill. Take the opportunity to clean your window tracks of dead bugs and debris, too. Removing this type of debris is much easier to do when dry rather than wet, so save the spray for later on in the process.
Scrub Mold With a Toothbrush and Dish Soap
After eliminating all dust, it’s time to move onto the nitty gritty of window cleaning. Follow these steps and this chore will be done in no time.
If you notice any mold at all, spray each spot with a small amount of all-purpose cleaner and let it soak until it becomes easier to remove.
Then, use an old toothbrush and a combination of dish soap and warm water to scrub it away. Avoid applying water directly to wooden windowsills as this can lead to water damage.
Work by dipping the brush in the mixture and gently shaking it to remove excess liquid.
Dry everything completely before moving onto the next step.
Wipe Everything Clean With a Cleaning Solution and Cloth
Photo: Julia / Adobe Stock
The final step in this process is also the easiest. Now that you’ve removed most of the dirt (and all of the mold), all you need to do is spray a microfiber cloth with a small amount of all-purpose cleaner and wipe away any stuck-on dirt that remains, just as you’d clean baseboards or wooden trim elsewhere in your home.
When you’ve completed this step, open your windows to let them air dry and enjoy how much brighter and cleaner your space will feel.
Plan to Clean Your Windowsills Once or Twice a Year
Windowsills become dirty after lots of use and time. If you live in a climate where you’re only able to open your windows for a few months of the year, you’ll need to do one to two yearly windowsill cleaning sessions at most.
On the other hand, you’ll need to clean windows that are used year-round every couple months. Keep an eye on any mold development and get rid of it as soon as you spot it, as it can pose health hazards to your home. And if you’d rather not do the work yourself, hire a window cleaner to do it for you.
DIY Windowsill Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
The cost to hire a professional window cleaner can be anywhere from $2 to $7 per pane, and most homeowners pay an average of $260 for all of their windows.
While that’s considerably more expensive than the $10 to $15 you’ll need to do it yourself, the pros will be taking care of every part of your windows—not just the sills, but the tracks, panes, and even the outside, too.
Having lived in California, New York, Germany, and now France, Audrey Bruno is no stranger to making a home in strange places. Whether she’s in a studio apartment in a bustling city or a house in the quiet countryside, her years of exploring the world of home improvement inform the way she approaches every space. Her writing covers a vast array of home and lifestyle subjects and has appeared in publications like Domino and SELF.
Having lived in California, New York, Germany, and now France, Audrey Bruno is no stranger to making a home in strange places. Whether she’s in a studio apartment in a bustling city or a house in the quiet countryside, her years of exploring the world of home improvement inform the way she approaches every space. Her writing covers a vast array of home and lifestyle subjects and has appeared in publications like Domino and SELF.
The homeowners guide to Window Cleaning
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
