I've definitely seen the rust issue pop up from time to time, especially if the windows have metal tracks or fittings. You're right to be cautious about moisture lingering—compressed air is a good idea, actually. I've been recommending that to clients who notice rust forming after cleaning.
About silicone sprays, I used to be pretty into them myself because they're easy and seem to work well at first. But like you said, grime buildup can become an issue after a while. I've noticed this mostly happens in areas with lots of dust or pollen. Silicone sprays are great at making things slippery, but unfortunately, they're also pretty good at attracting dirt.
What I've found works better (at least for me) is using a dry lubricant—something like graphite powder or even a dry PTFE spray. Graphite can be messy if you're not careful, but it doesn't attract dirt nearly as much as silicone does. PTFE sprays dry completely and leave a thin film that's slick without being sticky. Just make sure the tracks are totally clean and dry before applying it, otherwise you'll trap moisture underneath, and we're back to square one with corrosion.
Another thing I'll mention is checking out the type of windows you have. Some of the newer vinyl or fiberglass windows have plastic or nylon fittings that don't rust at all, so corrosion isn't really an issue there. But if you've got older aluminum frames or metal fittings, rust prevention becomes way more critical.
I had a client last year who was diligent about rinsing his window tracks regularly but still ended up with rust spots because he wasn't drying them fully afterward. Once we got him into the habit of drying thoroughly and using a dry lubricant instead of silicone spray, things improved dramatically. No more rust issues and fewer cleanings overall since dirt wasn't sticking as much.
Anyway, your guitar string trick is clever—I might have to borrow that one next time I'm stuck without my usual toolkit.
"Graphite can be messy if you're not careful, but it doesn't attract dirt nearly as much as silicone does."
True, graphite doesn't attract dirt as much, but honestly, I stopped recommending it a while back. Had a client who used graphite powder on white vinyl frames and it stained pretty badly. PTFE sprays are definitely cleaner, but lately I've been leaning toward lithium grease—thin coat, minimal dirt attraction, and it holds up better in humid climates. Just my two cents...
Good point about lithium grease, hadn't thought of that. I've mostly stuck with PTFE myself—clean and easy—but humidity can be tricky. Might give lithium a shot next time around... thanks for the tip!
"I've mostly stuck with PTFE myself—clean and easy—but humidity can be tricky."
Yeah, humidity's always the sneaky villain, isn't it? I've tried PTFE too, and it's great until that damp weather rolls in... then suddenly my windows sound like they're auditioning for a haunted house. 😂 Lithium grease does hold up better in moisture, but anyone else find it a bit messy to apply? Or am I just clumsy? Might have to give it another go though, if only to keep the ghosts away...
I've had similar experiences with lithium grease—works wonders against humidity, but yeah, it can get messy fast. One trick I've found helpful is applying it sparingly with a small brush or even an old toothbrush. Keeps things tidy and spreads evenly. PTFE's great for quick fixes, but if you're dealing with constant dampness, lithium grease is worth the extra hassle. Plus, fewer ghost auditions at 2 AM... always a bonus.
I've never tried lithium grease on windows, but your toothbrush idea reminds me of when I tackled squeaky hinges with silicone spray—worked great but left a slippery mess on the floor. Learned that lesson the hard way (ouch). Anyway, do you think lithium grease would hold up better against temperature swings? My windows get blasted by sun in the afternoon and then chilled overnight... wondering if it'd stay effective or just turn gummy over time.
I've used lithium grease on my sliding patio door tracks, and it held up pretty well through summer heat and winter cold—didn't get gummy or anything. But windows might be different since they're more exposed to direct sunlight. Maybe test it on one window first to see how it handles the temp swings before going all-in? Better safe than sorry...
I've tried lithium grease before too, and honestly, wasn't thrilled with it on windows. It might've worked great on your patio doors, but on my windows it attracted dust like crazy. Ended up looking like a fuzzy caterpillar after a few months, lol. Switched to silicone spray after that—way cleaner, dries fast, and seems to handle sunlight better without turning into a dirt magnet. Just my two cents...
Totally agree about silicone spray being better for windows. Another tip I've found helpful is to first clean out the window tracks really well—vacuum them thoroughly, then wipe down with some rubbing alcohol to remove any leftover grime or residue. After they're dry, apply a thin coat of silicone spray and wipe off any excess. Doing this once or twice a year has kept my windows smooth and dust-free...no more fuzzy caterpillar tracks here, haha.
Interesting you mention silicone spray...it's decent, but honestly, I've had better luck with dry graphite powder. A homeowner showed me this trick years ago—less messy, doesn't attract dust, and lasts longer in my experience. Worth trying if silicone isn't cutting it for you.