How To Get Rid of Mold on Windows

Mold can grow in the bathroom, in the basement, in insulation or drywall that has gotten wet, or under a sink where a leak occurred. When it comes to windows, don’t be alarmed if you think you see mold in the window frames or window sills – it’s quite common.  In order to address instances of mold, you need to first locate the source and then move to clean it. Proper mold remediation will prevent additional mold growth.

1. Find the source of the mold: Mold needs moisture, which is commonly found in air around a window frame. Rain can cause leaks through the seals, or the window may have been left open to allow water in. Condensation may build on any of the windows in the house, so be sure to look in the room for signs of mold. If mold is growing in the windows of your bathroom, you may have a problem with ventilation. If you have heavy curtains hanging, be sure to open them periodically and let the air circulate through the area.
   
   
2. Remove and replace damaged windows: If the reason for the mold is a faulty window, you will want to have it repaired or replaced. If you don’t stop the source of the growth, it will continue after you have attempted to remove and clean the noticeable colony. When replacing a window, be sure to have all wet framing or insulation completely removed. Any connecting framing that was exposed or wet also needs to be completely dry before installation. Be sure to look for any leaks around the window that needs to be repaired.
   
   
3. Check for other water sources: Your windows may not have obvious leaks, but you could have excess water being routed through your window frames because of a backup on the roof or in the gutter system. Carefully cleaning out your gutters during each season can prevent debris and leaves from building a dam in the gutter that back flows water down through your window frames. If you see signs of roofing damage or evidence of leaks, have them repaired as well.
   
   
   
   
4. Redirect the water flow away from your house: Homeowners with basements tend to find mold and mildew growing around the lowest windows in the space. The windows that are closest to the ground take the brunt of the water flow, putting pressure on the seals around the window or coming through the window itself. There is also a lot more condensation on these windows during the winter. Have water diverted away from the bottom of the house and these windows to reduce the growth of mold.
   
   
5. Reduce moisture in the bathroom: Bathrooms have a lot of humidity and moisture, creating a breeding ground for a colony of black mold. When taking a shower, have the exhaust fan running to put the moisture out of the room. When possible, leave a window and the door open after you are finished to let the steam dissipate into the hallway or other areas of the house. You can always use a small portable fan on the counter or floor to circulate the air while you are bathing.
   
   

There are several natural mold remediation products on the market that can be used to clean off mold, and you may already have a few things around the house that will do the job. Keep in mind that breathing in chemical cleaning agents can be damaging to your lungs. It may be wise to wear a mask to avoid taking in all the particles. As you consider the following products, remember that you also need to kill the root source of mold if your cleaning is going to be effective.

• Bleach is good for removing mildew staining, but it won’t penetrate through the material to kill the mold spores. This makes it possible for the mold to reoccur.
• White vinegar is an acidic liquid that has been effective at both killing mold spores and removing discoloration. This is a popular alternative to bleach. However, the smell is a bit bothersome for some people.
• Borax can be used to clean off the mold, though it may require some scrubbing for it to work. Letting the borax sit on the windowsill or on the pane until it completely dries can be more effective in killing deeply planted mold spores.
• Tea tree oil is considered a natural fungicide. You will need to dilute the tea tree oil with water to apply on the window, spraying it thoroughly and letting it soak for a while. A good ratio of the essential oil is one teaspoon per cup of water. This is an excellent prevention against mold as well.

Mold can be several colors, such as green, black, or brown, but you don’t have to see the colony of growth to feel the effects of its presence. Black mold is considered one of the most toxic fungi, causing devastating health concerns when left unaddressed.

Many people are sensitive to mold, and continual exposure may create respiratory concerns or skin reactions. Those with asthma or allergies tend to have more severe side effects, such as persistent wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes, nagging cough, and shortness of breath. The dangerous nature of mold exposure should encourage you to seek the professional help of a local mold remediation company, as respirators and protective gear may need to be used while removing the mold. Additionally, improper cleaning methods may leave behind remnants of mold or even make the problem worse if spores travel throughout the building.

Unless you are vigilant and experienced in rooting out the source of the mold, your cleaning solution may only be a temporary fix. Don’t let a minor problem turn into something more severe. If you aren’t confident that you can take care of the mold problem yourself, call the experts at Mold Remediation to assess your home and determine the right course of treatment.