Keeping windows open

Once you've freed up your painted shut windows, make sure they don't stickagain, using paraffin or candle wax. To keep a double hung window openingsmoothly,  rub candle wax on the track.

First, though, you need to get the window open. Do this by gentlytapping a hammer to drive a wide putty knife wedged  between the sash andstops. Do it on inside and outside joints, and take care not to use too muchpressure.

Candle wax, incidentally, is also great for keeping wooden drawers in oldcabinets running smoothly.