Because of how dangerous a build-up of mold can be to anyone who inhabits that space, finding out how to clean mold from windows and indeed everything is really important.
However, in this article, we’ll be restricting ourselves to windows: how to remove mold from them and how to prevent a reappearance. Now, let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
How to Remove Mold From Windows
The following are steps involved in removing mold from windows:
- Vacuum.
- Clean,
- Disinfect.
- Leave to dry.
How do you remove mold from windows using a vacuum?
Follow these steps to remove mold from windows using a vacuum:
1. Use the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and mold spores that are loose.
2. Use a wet cloth and vinegar to clean the vacuum cleaner.
Your vacuum cleaner should have a crevice tool for this cleaning. Before you vacuum mold spores, make sure you are wearing a respiratory mask, a pair of gloves and goggles. Also, ensure the room is well ventilated before you start this cleaning because of the loose mold spores.
Vacuuming will work if you are trying to remove mold from your window sills and the mold is dry.
Consider using a vacuum cleaner that has HEPA filtration to take care of the mold spores.
Empty the dust canister or bag into an airtight container immediately and dispose it off.
You certainly do not want to leave mold lying around as you could be creating a worse problem than you are trying to solve.
Clean
If the mold is wet, don’t bother vacuuming it out because that will make a mess of everything. This time around you’ll have to get your hands dirty with your gloves on though.
Get a bucket of water with laundry soap and a soft-bristled scrubbing brush. Scrub off the mold from the window sills and the windows themselves using the brush and soap.
Do not use the brush continuously without dunking in clean water. Dunking the brush in water after each scrub removes the mold that has been collected or dislodged.
Since you are not using a vacuum cleaner that automatically sucks up the dirt, you’ll need to place a rag on the floor directly beneath the window.
This way, whatever doesn’t get caught by the brush will fall on the rag making it easy for you to clean up.
Make sure your window is open throughout this cleaning process.
Disinfect
When you are done with vacuuming and brushing off the mold, the next thing to do is to disinfect the area.
This is because mold is toxic and so just removing the mold without disinfecting the spot where it has grown will not eliminate its spores totally.
Use bleach or vinegar for this process. Mix a little quantity of bleach or vinegar and water. Then wet a rag preferably microfiber or cotton with the cleaning solution and scrub the window.
Pay attention to the crevices on the sills and consider cleaning all the windows.
Leave To Dry
Allowing your windows and window sills to dry is really important because a damp place is a breeding ground for mold.
So, if you close your windows without allowing them to dry properly, you’ll repeat the cleaning in a short time. This is because there will be mold reinfestation.
If your windows aren’t in areas where they can get some sunlight, you might have to strategically position window fans. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that your window sills dry out in about 24 hours.
Video: How to Remove Black Mold From Windows
This video will show you how to remove black mold from your windows.
How to Prevent A Mold
Re-Occurrence
What do you do to prevent mold growth on windows?
Here’s what you can do to prevent mold growth on windows:
1. Eliminate moisture.
2. Proper ventilation.
3. Keep the window area clean.
4. Modern window installations.
Eliminate Moisture
Eliminating moisture in window casings and sills is important in preventing mold re-growth. Use a clean towel to remove water and moisture from your windows and all surrounding areas.
Then clean out snow melt and rainwater from gutters so that they won’t overflow to your windows. Make sure the gutters are always clean and dry. Seal up leaks in the windows and surrounds to prevent water or moisture from seeping in.
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation in the moldy area and windows reduces moisture. Always open your windows often, install a dehumifier and exhaust fans to remove excess moisture from the atmospheric air especially during summer.
Increasing ventilation in and around the windows is important in rooms where steam is generated. Examples are in the kitchen and bathrooms. Controlling humidity or moisture in your home is an important factor in stopping mold growth.
Keep The Window Area Clean
Cleaning your windows and rooms after removing mold is important. This is because mold spores grow in unclean or wet surfaces. Wash your windows regularly with baking soda and vinegar solution.
Vacuum your room often to remove all leftover mold spores and prevent a re-infestation.
These steps are necessary during colder weather when condensation is likely going to occur. If you clean all your windows in spring, mold growth won’t occur until winter. Regular maintenance is required during winter.
If mold growth is not properly cleaned during summer, the mold spores will dry. It will become difficult to clean later.
Modern Window Installations
Sometimes, you may experience health problems or notice a moldy smell. This indicates that there is an underlying mold problem in your window and home generally.
Regularly check the caulking around your windows. This prevents condensation from entering walls and areas where it will take a longer time to dry.
Modern windows are now designed to have a drain and drainage holes outside the window frame. These drainage holes should be inspected regularly to prevent them from been clogged by debris. Choose a window installation that suits your window design.
Ensure they are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to prevent mold growth and water damage.
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Conclusion
The key to preventing mold reappearance is to reduce condensation as much as possible. So, make sure that your rooms are always well ventilated.
If it just rained, consider wiping down your windows and the window sills and open said windows to allow them dry.
You could also add cleaning your windows and window sills to your regular cleaning routine. This way, you’ll be able to quickly spot any attempt at a mold growth.
How to Clean Mold From Windows – Related FAQs
Is Bleach Or Vinegar Better To Kill Mold?
Vinegar is more effective when killing mold, especially from porous materials. It penetrates porous materials, killing all mold spores at the roots. It also ensures there is no regrowth.
On the other hand, bleach only kills mold on the surface without removing the membrane underneath. This is because it cannot penetrate porous surfaces. So, there is a high chance of mold regrowth.
Also, bleach multiplies mold. Mold can feed on the components of bleach which causes them to grow back rapidly.
What Causes Mold On Windows?
The following can cause mold on windows:
- Dirt. Accumulation of grime and dirt on glass panes can cause mold growth on windows.
- Temperature. Mold can grow on windows if they are exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Weatherizing. A faulty or absent weatherization method can expose your home to mold as water and moisture can seep through.
- Plant life. Vases and pots of flowers beautify your home. However, they can damage your window sill due to proximity.
- Condensation. It occurs due to the temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the glass.
- Ventilation. Inadequate ventilation can increase temperature and cause the growth of mold on your windows. This is because mold spores and moisture cannot escape from the room.
Is Black Mold On Window Sills Dangerous?
Black mold on window sills is dangerous. The presence of black mold on windows means that it is wet. Black mold is airborne; it can enter your lungs thereby compromising your health.
Black mold also makes the wood holding the windows to rot. This can lead to leakage. Also, if the black mold is not removed completely, its spores can spread to other parts of the room.
To adequately clean mold on your windows, get a professional to correctly identify the type of mold growing on your windows. Then they can apply the best method to get rid of them. Avoid inhaling mold spores as much as possible and wear protective gear if you are doing the cleaning yourself.
Is It Safe To Mix Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide?
It is not safe to mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide because it will lose some of its efficacy. It is safer to use them separately. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are both eco-friendly and biodegradable.
To clean with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, spray vinegar on the surface you want to disinfect. Leave it to sit for sometime, then spray the surface with hydrogen peroxide.
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are both powerful disinfecting solutions. They are more effective in disinfection than bleach.
How Do You Remove Mold From Caulking Around Windows?
Follow these steps to remove mold from caulking around windows:
- Mix ½ cup of detergent, ½ cup of bleach, and ½ gallon of lukewarm water in a bucket.
- Use cloth or a sponge to apply this cleaning solution to the caulk. Saturate it completely and leave it to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Dip a soft brush into the cleaning mixture and scrub the caulk.
- Rinse the caulk with warm water thoroughly.
- Use a towel to dry the caulk.
- Keep the window dry and well ventilated to stop future mildew and mold growth.
- Open the window, then use a dehumidifier or a fan to reduce moisture in your home.
Is It Safe To Clean Black Mold yourself?
It is not safe to clean black mold yourself because:
- exposure to black molds can compromise your health and those in your home. Common symptoms include respiratory irritation, sneezing, coughing, skin disorders, headache, and fatigue. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the nose and lungs.
- you may use the wrong equipment. Professionals use specialized equipment that is high-tech to remove black mold. They also have heavy-duty products, containment systems, protection gear, and air filters.
- you may worsen the situation. Spores released by black molds can spread especially when they are not contained properly during removal. So, you may find them in other parts of your home. This makes total eradication of black mold difficult.
