Mold on windows is not only a health hazard, but also unattractive because it is so visible. It can also quickly spread to other areas that are more difficult to reach and clean - inside the wall on the studs, the window frame, the drywall and the insulation. The good news is that mold is easy to remove if you catch it early enough. How to remove mold from windows is the topic of this article.
What should you consider before you start?
To remove mold from the window, you can scrub it with either undiluted white vinegar or household bleach. As a rule, it's worth starting with the vinegar method, as vinegar is less aggressive than bleach.
If using vinegar and mechanically sanding away the mold doesn't do the trick, switch to bleach. Bleach is a biocide, meaning it can kill mold. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that bleach is an effective biocide against mold, but warns against using bleach “on a routine basis.” Tip: Biocide is any substance that is capable of killing living organisms.
When you should fight mold on the window: If you see mold on a windowsill, you should kill it immediately. Mold does not die on its own as long as the conditions that caused it still exist.
Safety instructions:Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products that contain ammonia. Mixing the two substances creates a toxic gas that can be fatal if inhaled.
Remove mold from windows with home remedies – follow these instructions
There are many things on the windows that promote mold growth: condensation, leaking water, dirt and warm air. So it's no wonder that mold forms there more often than in other areas.
Remove mold from windows – what do you need?:
- Clean spray bottle
- Nylon scrub brush
- Mask
- Waterproof gloves
- Safety glasses
- Clean towels
Materials:
- White vinegar
- Bleach, unscented
How to remove mold from windows with vinegar
- Wear protection: Put on waterproof gloves, a mask and safety glasses.
- Dry the windowsill: If the windowsill is wet, dry it by wiping it with a clean, absorbent cotton or microfiber cloth.Tipp: Do not attempt to clean the mold at this time. Just be sure to remove the water and anything else that might hinder the vinegar's effect on the mold.
- Sprinkle the vinegar: Pour about 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar into the spray bottle. Spray the mold area and saturate it thoroughly. Let the vinegar solution sit for about an hour. In the meantime, do not rinse or touch them.
- Scrub the mold: Scrub off the vinegar solution with the nylon scrub brush. You need to rub vigorously as the mold can become embedded in the paint.
- Allow to dry, then assess: Allow the windowsill to dry and then inspect it. Every spot of mold must be gone so that the windowsill is completely free of mold. Even a single remaining spot of mold is enough to quickly reactivate the mold. If the mold doesn't go away, switch to bleach.
If you still have mold stains, switch to bleach
- Prepare the bleach solution: Clean the spray bottle and brush. Add 1 cup bleach and 1 cup cool water. Replace the atomizer to cap the bottle, then gently swirl the bottle to mix.
- Spray the bleach: Spray the bleach solution on the windowsill to saturate the mold.
- Scrub the mold: Scrub the mold on the windowsill with the nylon scrub brush similar to the previous steps. Work the bleach solution into the mold.
- Wash off the bleach solution: Thoroughly wash the windowsill to remove the mold and bleach solution.
Tipp: If the window paint is discolored by the mold, you can apply a mold-resistant primer after cleaning and repaint the affected area.
Remove mold from silicone joints – follow these steps
- Make a paste using 1 cup of white vinegar and 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda.
- Use a damp rag to squeeze out a small amount of the paste.
- Rub the paste over the sealant. Make sure there is a good, thick layer over the mold.
- Leave the paste on for 5 minutes.
- Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the paste from the sealant.
- Use a clean, wet sponge to rinse off the sealant. Make sure you use cool water.
- If stains remain, repeat steps 4-6 until no mold remains.
- Kill any remaining mold spores with bleach and water. Spray a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water liberally onto the sealer and allow it to evaporate.
- Rinse the area again with a sponge and cold water.
- Dry them with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
Tips on how to prevent mold from forming
- Eliminate moisture from the window: Condensation forms on windows in the cold months when it is warm and humid inside but cold outside. In warm months the opposite is true. Use a dehumidifier and encourage air circulation to reduce condensation.
- Keep window sills clean: Dust, dirt and hair that accumulate on the windowsill provide food for mold to grow. Wiping down the windowsill regularly will go a long way in preventing mold growth.
- Use mildew-resistant paint: Mold-resistant paints not only have a dense molecular structure that prevents mold growth, but they also contain fungicides that help kill mold spores.
- Choose shiny paint: Paints with a higher gloss level are better protected against mold because they are less porous and less absorbent. Paint the windowsill with semi-gloss or gloss paint.
When to call a professional:Call a mold remediation company if the mold on the window is part of a larger problem that extends up or down the wall, into the wall cavity, or into the ceiling.
What can you do about mold on the wall? Which home remedies work and how to use themfind out here!
