After spending a lot of money getting replacement windows for your Elkhart, IN home, the last thing you want is to see it growing mold.
Mold spores can cause a host of health issues like allergies, infections, asthma, and other breathing problems.
And since there is usually more mold in an area that is visible, prevention is the best way to avoid serious problems.
How to tell if your windows are growing mold
Before prevention, you should know how to detect mold in your home.
In most homes, mold starts growing at the bottom of the windows, specifically at the joint between the glass and window sash frame.
Black mold is the most common form and what many homeowners are likely to find first. But other types of mold exist in different colors and can be in the same house.
We have red mold, yellow, brown, pink, green, and dark gray mold. Meaning sometimes, the mold might be the same color as your window frame.
Speaking of frames, mold is more likely to grow on window sills made of wood or aluminum because it requires organic matter and humidity.
They can’t grow on glass panes but could still grow inside the windowpane.
So, how do you prevent them?
How to prevent mold on windows
Condensation and leaking windows are the leading cause of mold on a window sill. Thus, the easier way to prevent mold is to replace old windows with tightly sealed windows.
Something capable of preventing air infiltration and water penetration.
For newly installed windows, you can paint the wooden sills with high gloss paint. Also, dust the window sills regularly, especially when it’s been damp.
The same approach works for window frames, aluminum window tracks, and glass panes.
Scheduled regular cleaning keeps dust and moisture from accumulating and prevents mold growth. Weekly cleaning with a brush and a vacuum will do.
Another way to prevent mold is to reduce the amount of condensation on your windows. You can do this by keeping the ceiling vents open at all times.
If you can’t keep them open that long, run the vent fans for 10-15 minutes after humidity generating activities like cooking and showering.
Also, consider covering your pots while cooking and fixing leaky faucets and pipes.
Finally, maintain proper airflow in your home. You could do this by installing a house-wide ventilation system.
How do you get rid of mold?
If it turns out prevention is too late, and you’re already discovering mold on your windows, here is how to remove them:
- First, protect yourself by wearing safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. You mustn’t ingest mold spores that you will inevitably release into the air.
- Cover the floor with plastic to catch falling mold.
- Open a window or door to provide adequate ventilation in the room. This will allow the spores to escape.
- Now, mix one-part bleach with three-parts warm water. Then use a non-abrasive brush to scrub the mold off the window sill or frame. Regularly dip the brush in the bleach mixture during this process and use a clean rag to wipe the loosened mold away.
- When you finish, leave the window open to air dry.
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why Elkhart, IN replacement windows providers encourage you to buy quality windows. Schedule your free, in-home, or virtual consultation with us today, or visit our office to speak with a professional today.
