How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Windows
Mold just don't wait, a minute of dampness on your window and there they are. In fact, if you have never experienced mold before, you might just think it's a stain on your wall or window panes. Black molds are not only unsightly and unwelcoming but also bad for weakened immune or asthmatic people. When you notice mold, it is important you take care of it because in most cases the amount of mold that's perceptible is nothing compared to what's really there. They multiply fast and can cause discomfort in activating allergies that you didn't even know existed.
You should know however, because the mold is black doesn't mean it is necessarily toxic. Regardless, whenever you see it between your windows frames: get rid of the mold. After which, you should solve the cause to prevent being a victim again. Before you begin, ensure you wear protective gear to prevent it from coming into contact with sensitive parts of your skin. Definitely look for a pair of rubber gloves, goggles, and a respiratory mask. Additionally, as you work on your windows, open them for ventilation to protect you further. After safety measures are adhere to, you can learn ways of getting rid and preventing black mold from reoccurring.
What is the cause of black mold on your window?
It's probably a no-brainer but couldn't go without mentioning. Windows are one of the house components that are vulnerable to black mold invasion. This is because they love damp conditions as a result of condensation. And clearly, the opening attached to the roof and wall doesn't pose much of a challenge. Moreover, windows separate the outside from the inside, which have different temperatures, therefore causing condensation. Also, if you cover up your windows with heavy drapes, especially in winter, the shade favors the growth of black mold. Fungus will also grow on your window when it has something to feed on. Dirty windows, that condense frequently, will hugely contribute to development and colonization of the fungus. Any dirt containing organic material is a good source of full nutrients for mold. While flower and plant pots add plenty of detail to your home décor, they can be the source of mold growth. The plant can easily transfer mold spores to your window sill. Additionally, when plants excrete water, it only adds to the humidity in the place.
Here are ways you can remove black mold from your window:
Examine the area
After you have noticed a black mold stain around your window, it is important for you to check the surrounding area. Examine if there are spread around the walls or every other point it may exist. It is important to examine the area so that you may not leave behind some of it, which by the way, quickly multiply and you will be dealing with black mold again quicker than you blink. This also helps in having an easier time when bleaching since the discoloration might not be there.
Vacuum or dry-clean
Dry cleaning is not very much necessary, but if the mold is too much, simply vacuum the area. Assuming of course, you are wearing a respiratory mask and the windows are opened as you are doing it. Steadily work the nozzle of the hose over the affected area. After which, clean your vacuum with a damp cloth and vinegar. You will have a less disgusting area to work on but if you don't want it hanging around the air, most especially if you don't have a vacuum cleaner don't do it. You are allowed to skip this part.
Damp the area
You can now go ahead and damp the area to remove excess mold. Use a disposable cloth and warm water and wipe around the pane and frames of the window. Only do not use so much energy while wiping (which is very tempting considering home disgusting black molds are), to prevent the spores from getting into the wood frames of your windows. You should also rinse the cloth in clean water after every wipe. You can also just use a spray bottle and spray only the affected area with water since that's all that's needed.
Remove the mold with detergent
After you have reduced the number of mould to be worked on, you can now introduce a detergent. In a bucket of warm water, add a few drops of detergent. Use a clean disposable cloth to wipe off where the mold was. If the mold is too tough, you can use a scraper to loosen it then wipe the surface.
Bleach
After your window is clean, and well rinsed, it is vital you spray it with bleach to take care of the fungus that's invisible to the eye. Mix ¼ to ½ cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Scrub the window casing using a clean cloth with the mixture. Let the bleach sit on the window for 20 minutes to disinfect and kill the black mold spores that have remained. You can then rinse the window with clean water and dry it thoroughly. You can use your hair dryer for a quick dry.
Prevent Mold From Reoccurring
You can start by taking care of any repairs that might be needed to prevent leakage. For instance, if your window glass is broken get it fixed. During winter, if you have a problem with condensation and you run a humidifier, try putting less moisture in the air. You should also wholly reduce the number of plants in your home, at least for the winter period. Or still keep them but away from your window sills since they increase the humidity and the soil is perfect food for molds. In rooms with high humidity like kitchen and bathroom, increase the ventilation by instilling exhaust fans. You can also habitually open up windows and draw back curtains to facilitate the flow of air.
Any reusable item like your bucket or towels used should be disinfected to prevent spreading the fungus.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Windows
Source: https://planetmaids.com/how-to-remove-and-prevent-black-mold-on-windows/#:~:text=Mix%20%C2%BC%20to%20%C2%BD%20cup,water%20and%20dry%20it%20thoroughly.