Beeswax has always been my go-to as well—especially for older wooden windows. Soap just never seemed to cut it long-term. I've also tried silicone spray a few times, and it worked pretty well without attracting dirt. Only downside was the smell at first...had to air out the room a bit. Has anyone experimented with graphite powder? I've heard mixed things about it but haven't given it a shot myself yet.
I've actually tried graphite powder on my older double-hung windows, and to be honest, it's a bit hit or miss. It did help the sashes slide smoother initially, but I found it messy—ended up with dark smudges around the frames that were a pain to clean off. Plus, graphite doesn't really address swelling wood from humidity. I've had better luck sanding lightly and sealing the edges with a thin coat of polyurethane. Bit more work upfront, but lasts way longer in my experience.
Interesting point about the polyurethane—never thought of sealing the edges like that. Did you find it tricky to get an even coat without it dripping or pooling in the corners? I've always been hesitant to use anything liquid-based on window edges because I worry about buildup making things worse down the line. Graphite powder sounded promising at first, but yeah, the mess factor is a real drawback. Have you tried anything else besides sanding and sealing? I've heard some folks mention wax-based lubricants, but I'm skeptical they'd hold up against humidity. Curious if anyone's had luck with those...
I've actually had decent luck with wax-based stuff, surprisingly. Used candle wax once in a pinch—just rubbed it along the edges lightly. Held up better than I expected, even through summer humidity. Might be worth a quick try before ruling it out completely...
I've tried candle wax before too, and while it did help initially, I found it attracted dust and dirt over time, making things worse in the long run. Silicone spray has been my go-to—dries clear, doesn't gum up, and lasts longer. But hey, if candle wax works for you, more power to ya... DIY is all about experimenting anyway. Just keep an eye on it after a few months to make sure it's not causing buildup issues.
Have you ever tried graphite powder instead? I know silicone spray is popular, but I've found graphite works even better for windows—especially older wooden frames. It doesn't attract dirt or dust like wax can, and there's no risk of overspray getting on your curtains or walls (been there, cleaned that...). Plus, a little goes a long way, so one small tube lasts forever.
I do get what you're saying about silicone spray drying clear and all, but have you noticed it sometimes leaves a slippery residue on the glass itself? Maybe I'm just clumsy, but I've had a few "whoops" moments after spraying silicone near windows. Graphite powder seems less messy overall—though admittedly, it can leave your fingers looking like you've been fingerprinted at a crime scene if you're not careful.
Anyway, just throwing another option out there. DIY fixes are always trial-and-error...or maybe that's just my house?