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Mold can thrive in any damp environment, and that includes your window. Windows keep most moisture out of your home, but there are instances wherein their sills may have some dampness from condensation. If you don’t clean it, you might find mold on your window casings. Mold can be harmful to the people in your home, especially those who are suffering from allergies or asthma.
Renewal by Andersen® of Long Island understands the danger mold may bring to your household. In this article, we will explain how you can prevent mold growth on your window casings.
Usually, mold begins to grow at the bottom of your window at the joint between the glass and window sash frame. While mold is commonly colored, there are cases wherein mold has the same color as the window frame. As such, many people don’t realize that they have mold in their homes at first.
Another sign that mold is growing on your window is discoloration, which makes your window appear unattractive. Window mold does not feed on the window itself, but it can destroy wood window frames. Not to mention, large amounts of mold can be dangerous to you and your family’s health.
To remove mold from your window casings, you will need to wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask to keep the mold off your skin and out of your airways. You will also have to open your window as you work to provide fresh air and facilitate drying the window casings.
First, you have to dampen the moldy window casings with water. This prevents the mold spores from flying up into the air and spreading as you remove them. Then, mix a few drops of dish detergent with warm water. You can use this mixture to clean mold off the surface of the window casings with paper towels. Be sure to put the discarded paper towels in a plastic bag. When you finish, seal the bag tightly and throw it in the trash. If you are unable to wipe off the mold from the window casings, you can use a plastic scraper to loosen and remove it.
Next, mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach in a gallon of water. Use this mixture to scrub the window casings with a clean rag. Leave the mixture to sit on the casings for 15 minutes to disinfect and kill any mold spores that remain. After, rinse the window casings with clean water, then dry them immediately. You can also use a window fan or hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
The leading causes for mold accumulation on your window are moisture and condensation. If you think that your window is experiencing leaking problems, you might want to schedule a window replacement as soon as possible to prevent mold from growing in the first place.
You can also reduce the amount of condensation on your window by setting your air conditioning thermostat above 70 degrees. Be sure to keep your ceiling vents open at all times to maintain proper indoor air quality. You should also regularly clean your home’s interior, especially your bedroom and bathroom. These areas build up more dust than any other room, which may increase the possibility of mold growth indoors.
Window mold can be extremely dangerous, so make sure to clean your window casings regularly. For more window inquiries, look no further than Renewal by Andersen of Long Island. We offer quality specialty windows and more. Call us today at (866) 609-5033 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We also proudly serve residents in Huntington.