Lubricating sliding windows

[salar]

What would folks recommend for sliding glass windows that run directly in a rubber/furry channel, to make them move more freely? They are about ten years old so not in the flush of youth. They became so stiff I actually wrenched the handle off the sliding section but with some coaxing with Fairy Liquid and hot water they are moving again. Problem is the channel is outside, so any soap is long gone with all this rain and spray. Any ideas please?

 

[matthewriches]

beeswax all day long!

 

[VicS]

PTFE spray

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/d60/Lubricants+&+Sprays/sd2795/PTFE+Spray/p63929

 

[salar]

I have two windows so maybe I will do a scientific evaluation and try both! Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[rogerthebodger]

PTFE spray

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/d60/Lubricants+&+Sprays/sd2795/PTFE+Spray/p63929

I agree with VicS. I use PTFE dry spray on almost anything but don't go for the one specified for sailing go for a generic as Vic posted.

 

[M-S-D]

Ah, this looks like what I was looking for. For glass direct on metal, would both the above be fine ?

 

[lw395]

Silicone spay works well on a lot of rubber and rubber-like plastics.

 

[Momac]

The furry channels tend to get clogged with dirt and growth of moss. This should be cleaned out regularly with once year seeming to be sufficient, in my case, to ensure the dirt does not significantly impair the sliding windows . Dirt build up may also clog drainage holes/slots which is alo best avoided.
The chief officer has taken on the window channel cleaning duty . She uses cotton buds and a general household multi surface cleaner spray.

I don't think we have used anything to lubricate the channel and would suggest avoiding anything that might encourage dirt to stick to it.

 

[Poignard]

I bought some of this from Halfords for my car windows

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/grease/halfords-silicone-lubricant-400ml

 

[rogerthebodger]

Ah, this looks like what I was looking for. For glass direct on metal, would both the above be fine ?

You should never have direct glass to metal contact as the metal will chip the glass and if toughened glass the metal contact will shatter the glass.

 

[PaulRainbow]

PTFE is fine, but silicone is best left on the shelf. Try varnishing or gelcoat repairs on any surface that silicone has got onto.

 

[PeterBoater]

I found that accumulated dried salt was causing the windows to stick and that just squirting in silicone spray made it worse in the long run; the salt has to be cleaned out first. To avoid breaking the window handle/catch if the window won't move, I use one of those glass suction handles used for moving sheets of glass about etc, available from DIY stores.