If mold forms on the window frame, you need to act quickly. A few useful tips on how to remove it quickly and prevent it in the long term.
Mold on the window frame: What promotes the spread of the fungi?
Mold multiplies particularly quickly in the cold season. The higher humidity in combination with large temperature differences between inside and outside, and a suitable breeding ground promote the infestation. The fungi become immediately noticeable: first through many small discolorations on the frame and then through spots.
Mold is particularly often found in rooms where a lot of moisture forms due to human activity. Such are, for example, the kitchen and thatBathroom without a vent. But the fungi can also spread in the bedroom, because a person releases more than 500 ml of fluid when sleeping. In addition, at low temperatures you ventilate less or incorrectly.
Roller shutters, blinds or opaque curtains prevent free air circulation and promote the formation of condensation.
In attic apartments, the differences between the inside and outside temperatures are also very high, the window frames cool down very quickly and condensation forms more often. You should therefore ventilate attic apartments more often and for longer if you want to prevent mold.
Remove mold immediately: These home remedies will help
Fortunately, there are several home remedies that you can use to combat mold. We list some of them that everyone has at home. First test its effect on an invisible area and then clean the window frames.
1. Vinegar can kill over 80% of mold. Vinegar with 6% acid has proven to be particularly effective. You can use it to treat porous surfaces particularly well, because vinegar penetrates the pores and can clean the material deeply. However, you should be careful when cleaning - the acetic acid can attack silicone, rubber seals, plastic and chrome parts. But you can use it to clean the window panes.
2. Isopropanol (diluted alcohol) has disinfectant properties, however, is less effective against mold than vinegar. It is sold diluted in stores, but you should also dilute it with water in a ratio of 1 to 1 before treating the window frames. Simply let the home remedy take effect for about a quarter of an hour and then wipe off the surface.
3. Baking soda is also an effective remedy for mold. In contrast to vinegar, it is particularly effective on non-porous surfaces such as metal, glass, plastics, etc. For stubborn mold stains, you can make a paste yourself from baking soda and water (mixed 1 to 1). Work the paste into the surfaces with a brush and leave it to work for about 2 days. Then wipe them with a clean cloth. For discoloration and new mold spots, you can dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and then spray it on the surface. Leave it on for 6 hours, wipe it off and you're done!
4. Hygiene dishwashers can eliminate fungi and bacteria in more than just laundry. Most can also reliably remove mold. To do this, simply pour 50 ml (about 1 capful) of conditioner and 100 ml of water into a spray bottle and then spray the affected areas with the solution. Leave the conditioner on for 10 minutes and then wipe it off.
5. Dishwashing liquid cannot kill mold. Nevertheless, it is used to remove the spores. You can then treat the window frame with one of the home remedies listed above.
Several preventive measures
With the right preventive measures you can prevent mold from forming. These include, among others:
- Ventilate at least twice a day. This means opening the window wide and leaving it open for about 10 minutes.
- Replace thick curtains with curtains - this will improve air circulation in the room.
- Never dry laundry on the radiator or in front of the window. This is how the water evaporates andthen condenses directly on the window frame.
- Leave as few plants as possible on the windowsill. Houseplants increase the humidity in the room.
- Ventilate the room well immediately after bathing and cooking.
- Wipe foggy windows as quickly as possible.
- Clean the window frames regularly to remove the breeding ground (dust, grease and dirt) for mold.
- Have leaky windows repaired.
Mold on windows is not only unsightly, but also harmful to your health. You should then act quickly so that the spores do not spread. Simply clean the area first with diluted dishwashing liquid and then disinfect with vinegar, alcohol, baking soda or hygiene dishwashing detergent. Before each treatment, be sure to test the home remedy in an invisible area first. Then ventilate regularly and keep the humidity in the room below 60%.
Also read our article on the topic:“Remove mold from joints”
