I Never Cleaned My Window Tracks — Then This Tiny Steam Cleaner Made It Easy

I’m going to come right out and say it: I’ve never, ever cleaned the window tracks in my apartment. It wasn’t until cleaning routine videos invaded my social media algorithm that I started paying attention to mine … and then I couldn’t stop. My bathroom window was the biggest offender (although, honestly, all the windows in my apartment were in dire need of a clean). I couldn’t shower without all that crusty dirt and grime staring back at me — so I decided to try the SALAV CS-100 CleanSteam Compact Steam Cleaner. 

It’s been on my wish list since I spotted it on QVC in the spring, and its powerful steam seemed liked it would be just the thing to tackle all the grossness that’s been collecting in my window tracks. I immediately put it to the test, and my cleaning routine hasn’t been the same since. Here’s why I’d recommend grabbing one while it’s on sale for $65. 

The SALAV CleanSteam is a handheld steam cleaner that brings the powerful, deep-cleaning effects of steam to nooks, crannies, and surfaces throughout your home. Its compact size (6 x 3 x 9 inches) makes it easy to handle in small spaces, and the extra-long 13.5-foot cord allows you to tackle multiple areas in one session without having to unplug it and search for another outlet. 

It also comes loaded with accessories: three detail brushes, a steam hose, a flat steamer, a squeegee head, a scouring pad, two microfiber pads, and a water cup to fill its tank. Plus, the brush heads are color-coded, so you can assign them to specific spots around the house. It’s an impressively versatile cleaning tool, and according to the brand, it heats up quickly too. SALAV touts a 20-second heat-up time and up to 10 minutes of steam (there’s also a steam-lock setting for a continuous flow). 

The steamer cleaned my window tracks so effectively that it left me wondering how I’d managed to neglect the area for so long — it’s so easy to use! I will say that the CleanSteam took a bit longer to heat up the first time I used it (about 15 minutes), but once it was ready to go, I went to town on every crevice I could find. I attached the scrubbing brush and ran the steamer along the window tracks, where it immediately softened and dislodged what was probably years’ worth of gunk. I wiped everything away and suddenly, my windows looked the cleanest they’ve ever looked. I was floored by the results. Plus, it really is quite compact. I keep all the attachments in a plastic baggie, and the steamer itself fits snugly on a closet shelf. 

Now, I’m inspecting my apartment with a whole new level of scrutiny. Grime between my bathroom tiles and scuffs on my stovetop that I might’ve dismissed as signs of wear and tear have come up with a few seconds of potent steam. And for 28% off? It’s an absolute yes from me. 

Buy: SALAV CS-100 CleanSteam Compact Steam Cleaner, $65 (normally $90)