I’ve run into that same issue with WD-40 leaving marks, especially on painted trim. Rubbing alcohol’s a solid call—works well and doesn’t leave much behind. On sealing, I get the urge to block every draft, but you’re right, too tight and you’re just trapping moisture and odors. I usually leave a small gap or use weatherstripping that isn’t totally airtight. Learned that the hard way after a closet started smelling musty last winter... balance is key.
- Totally hear you on the musty closet—been there, sniffed that.
- I’ve found that using draft stoppers made from old socks (yep, upcycling at its finest) lets just enough air sneak through.
- WD-40’s a classic, but I switched to a plant-based spray—smells less like a mechanic’s garage and doesn’t stain.
- If you ever try sealing with caulk, don’t go wild... learned the hard way that windows need to breathe too.
- Honestly, sometimes I just crack a window for five minutes and call it “eco-ventilation.”
Draft stoppers from old socks—classic move. Just make sure they’re clean, or you’ll end up trading musty for funky. On the caulk, totally agree about letting windows breathe. Too much seal and you’re trapping moisture, which means more problems down the line. As for plant-based sprays, they’re fine, but I’d double-check that they don’t gum up any moving parts. WD-40 isn’t perfect, but at least you know what to expect. Quick tip: if your heater’s acting up, sometimes it’s just a clogged filter, not drafts or seals at all... worth checking before you go wild with the caulk gun.
Not sure I’m with you on the plant-based sprays—tried one last year and it left a sticky mess on my window tracks. Ended up having to clean it off and just used a bit of silicone spray instead, which worked better and didn’t cost much. Also, about the caulking, isn’t it better to just use weatherstripping where you can? Easier to remove if you need to air things out later. Filters though, yeah, those get nasty fast... I check mine every couple months now.
Silicone spray’s always been my go-to for window tracks too—plant-based stuff just gums up the works in my experience. Had a client once who insisted on “eco” everything, and I spent more time cleaning up than fixing anything. As for weatherstripping vs caulk, I lean toward weatherstripping where it makes sense. It’s easier to swap out if you need to open things up or if it gets worn. Filters though... yeah, those things are magnets for dust. Seen some so bad they looked like shag carpet.
