When the weather starts to get humid or wet, mold on windows becomes a common sight. Dark spots start appearing on parts like sills, frames, and even the glass itself. If left without treatment, this mold can cause hidden health problems. Plus, the unsightly look and odor don’t look good for your property.
A. What Causes Mold on Windows?
Mold around windows (or on them) is caused by the combination of moisture, poor ventilation, and residue. Continuous rain creates wetness that lasts for days. Combine this with the poor ventilation system, and you get a recipe for ideal mold habitat. Poor ventilation also causes moisture to build up inside the window.
During colder months, condensations may form inside the window, especially if the insulation is poor. The droplets pool on corners, window frames, and sills. If this happens continuously, mold can form on these parts. The mold can also grow outside the frame perimeter, covering the wall areas around it.
When the mold finally grows uncontrollably, you will see large, dark specks. The specks are surrounded by fuzzy filaments that look like spider’s cobweb. This mold size requires professionals to remove.
B. How to Inspect Mold on Windows
After knowing what causes mold on windows, you must inspect them thoroughly. When checking the windows, make sure to see individual panes, frames, sills, and the corners. Open the window to see under/behind unseen parts. Check from the outside to see all window parts better.
Recognize the signs of mold growing on windows. Black mold may look like specks of dust, but when you go closer, the mold may emit a musty odor. A mold may also appear as greenish, bluish, or orange (almost rusty) specks. If the fungi have grown bigger, they may appear as fuzzy specks or stain.
Some mold has whitish or greyish color, which may not be visible at first if your window parts are white. The mold may also look like dust specks. You must run your fingers on them to see if they feel fuzzy or textured.
C. Steps to Clean Mold on Window Frame
Window frames consist of jambs (the vertical parts), head (the top part), and sill (the bottom ledge). Mold on window frame is very common, because moisture may pool up on its corners from condensation. A frame is usually made of wood, so make sure you know the best way to clean it.
Here is how you can clean mold using homemade products:
1. Prepare safety measurements
Put on work goggles and disposable mold and gloves. You must remove these things after cleaning. Place a large tarp under the window to catch flying spores.
2. Open the window
Open the window to let the sun and air dry some of the molds. Pick a sunny day to clean the window from the mold.
3. Prepare a homemade solution
Mix water and bleach with a 3:1 ratio. Dip a nylon brush to the solution and scrub the top and jambs. Brush the mold on window sill the last.
4. Clean the residue
Let the bleach sits for 20 to 30 minutes. Wipe off the residue with a clean, wet rag. You can mix a little mild soap to the water.
5. Dry and sandpaper the frame
Let the window dry naturally. Sandpaper the cleaned surface and vacuum the area around it.
Make sure to discard all the things that the mold touch in a secured bag. If your frame is painted, you may need to repaint it with a product that prevents mold on wood windows.
Read also: Types of Mold Removal Products and How to Use Them
D. Steps to Clean Mold on Window Glass
If the mold grows on the glass, you need to clean it properly, because glass is different from wooden frames around the window. Here is how you can clean mold from the glass surface:
1. Prepare safety measurements
The safety measurements are the same as the previous point about cleaning the window frame. If possible, wear rubber gloves to avoid injuring your hand if the glass is broken or cracked.
2. Make vinegar solution
Create a cleaning solution by mixing half part of vinegar and water in spray bottle. Spray the moldy surface generously and let it sits for a minute. Wipe the mold with a clean rag. Spray the glass with vinegar whenever necessary during the cleaning.
3. Wipe off the vinegar
Create a soapy solution with mild soap. Use another clean cloth to wipe off the vinegar and remove the smell.
After the first vinegar layer is washed with soap, clean the glass for the last time with a paper towel. Keep the window open to let sunshine and air enter, drying the window naturally.
E. Tips to Prevent Mold on Windows
Once you get your windows cleaned, you need to prevent the same thing from happening again. This is how you can prevent mold on windows in daily life:
1. Check house parts from the leak
Whenever you see mold signs, check the house parts around that area. See if there is any leak or plumbing damage. Resolve the problem quickly.
2. Use a proper ventilation system
Make sure your house has a good ventilation system. Check if the window’s insulation is properly installed. Turn on the vents when you are cooking. Open the windows when the day is bright to allow fresh air.
3. Reduce humidity
If you live in a humid area, install a humidifier. You can also install an air conditioner if you live in a particularly hot area. They will help to prevent moisture buildup on windows.
4. Install mold-resistant products
Many household products now have mold-resistant versions. Paint, gypsum molding, coat, and drywall now come in mold-resisting quality.
Read also: Guide to Mold-resistant Paint and Recommendations
5. Clean mold from household plants
Window sills often become favorite places to put plants. If the plants develop fungal problems, they can spread the mold to nearby house parts. Make sure you keep the plants healthy to prevent it.
Finally, fix your roof gutter. A damaged or cracked gutter may create droplets or water stream that create mold on home exterior.
A window is one of the most common places for mold to grow. Window sills, jambs, head, and glass may develop a mold for various reasons. You can clean the mold using homemade products, such as bleach and vinegar. Prevention steps, such as fixing circulation and installing a humidifier, are important to prevent mold on windows from growing.
