How to clean sliding glass door tracks

Why tracks matter

The bottom track is what the door rides on. Sand, salt, pollen, pet hair and lanai debris pack into it and the door drags, the rollers wear, and water pools instead of draining. On the Treasure Coast, tracks fill faster than anywhere because of the beach and the pollen.

Step by step

1. Open the door and vacuum the track with a crevice tool, including the grooves either side of the raised rail. 2. Scrub the channel with a stiff brush (an old toothbrush works) and a small amount of soapy water. 3. Rinse by pouring a cup of clean water down the track; it should drain out the weep holes. If it doesn't, clear the weep holes with a toothpick. 4. Wipe dry with a cloth. 5. Slide the door a few times to check it glides.

Salt and mildew

Near the coast, rinse the track with fresh water every few weeks to dissolve salt before it corrodes the metal. Mildew in the track comes off with the scrub; avoid bleach near the door's seals.

When it's not the track

If the track is clean and the door still drags, catches or sits low on one side, the rollers are worn or the door needs adjusting. That's a sliding door repair company's job.