Black mold grows in areas where there is a lot of moisture, such as near the bottom corners of windows. Mold needs a surface to grow on and the window frame provides it. The black color of the mold is caused by spores and is not always an indication that it is toxic.
In this guide, we will teach you how to get rid of black mold around windows using simple and easy-to-follow steps. Keep reading to learn more.
What causes black mold around windows?
There are two main causes of black mold around windows: interior condensation and leaky window sills.
- Interior condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. This can happen if your windows are not properly insulated or if they are located in a humid room such as the kitchen or bathroom.
- Leaky window sills can also cause black mold to form. If you have gaps or cracks in your window sill, water can seep through and cause mold to grow.
How to get rid of black mold around windows
Determine the cause of the mold
The first step in getting rid of black mold is to determine whether there are leaky windows or any other source of condensation. If there is, take steps to eliminate that source, which will prevent new mold from forming.
Fixing leaky windows can be as simple as replacing or repairing a gasket seal or weather stripping, but you should also check for signs of rot on the window frame and sill. A rotten spot will require reglazing the window and replacing any damaged parts, which usually involves removing the window from its frame and disassembling it.
If you’re not sure how to fix your windows, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Clean the mold
Once you’ve stopped the source of moisture, it’s time to clean the mold. You’ll need a few supplies for this: gloves, goggles, a dust mask, and a cleaning solution made of one part bleach and four parts water.
Start by removing any loose mold with a dry rag or brush. Then, put on your gloves, goggles, and dust mask before wetting the area with your cleaning solution. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing away at the mold with a brush.
Rinse the area with clean water and let it dry completely before replacing any window treatments or furniture.
Stepwise removal of black mold around windows
Cleaning up black mold should be done with caution. The best way to remove black mold is by using a solution of bleach and water. Bleach breaks down the cell walls of the mold and kills them.
Follow these steps to remove black mold from around your windows.
Step 1 – Prepare the Solution
Pour some bleach into a spray bottle and fill it up with warm water. If you’re cleaning a large area, mix 1/2 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle or bucket.
Step 2 – Spray the Bleach Solution
Spray the solution onto the black mold until completely covered and wet.
Step 3 – Let the Solution Sit on the Mold
Let the solution sit on the mold for at least 10 minutes so that it can kill off all of it. The longer you let it sit, the better chance you have of killing off all of it.
Step 4 – Use a Sponge to Remove Black Mold
Use a sponge and wipe away as much of the black mold as possible. Be sure to rinse out your sponge often so that you don’t spread remaining spores around and contaminate other areas.
Step 5 – Repeat
Repeat steps two through four until all of the mold is gone. You may need to do this a few times to get rid of all of it.
Once the mold is gone, you should take steps to prevent it from coming back.
Take preventive measures
The best way to prevent black mold from returning is to take some preventive measures. These include:
- Fix any leaks or condensation problems in your home
- Ventilating humid rooms like the kitchen and bathroom
- Keep your windows clean and free of dirt and debris
- Inspect your window sills regularly for signs of water damage
Conclusion
If you have black mold around your windows, don’t despair. With a little elbow grease and the right products, you can get rid of it for good. Be sure to follow the safety precautions listed above, and always consult with a professional if the mold is widespread or you’re not comfortable tackling the job yourself. With some time and effort, your windows will be mold-free in no time.