How do I remove mold from window sashes and frames?

Question

My renters just moved out and a walk-thru revealed mold on the window sills/sashes/frames.  They had heavy, rubber lined, curtains on all the bedroom and living room windows.  I don't believe these curtains were ever opened and resulted in condensation that they never wiped off.  Any ideas on how to fix this short of refinishing/replacing the windows?  I'm just sick about it.  These windows were in excellent condition when they moved in.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would try a bleach mixture with water and a heavy scrub brush to kill the mold then follow up with a heavy duty cleaner like simple green.

Treasuredchaos.com · Answer

we had a water leak under our kitchen and as a result had mold literally climbing the walls...the people at ServePro said you have to starve it of water and my bleach/water combo was bad...they said to use straight Dawn brand dish soap (other soaps are water based) and rub it directly on. It will harden and starve the mold of moisture...killing it. Never spray anything on mold cause it will scatter the spore. After a week or so go back and wipe it. That's all I know.

SG · Answer

Bleach is the answer. Some say to scrub with soap first but I go straight to the bleach. I used a scrub brush and/or a nail brush. It can be hard to get in the cracks. Watch (or have your tenants watch) the affected areas. The winter may bring condensation if the humidity is too high. It is easier to remove a little than a lot. Good luck.

Z · Answer

I decided to look further into @Treasuredchaos.com Dawn Dish Detergent idea. Here's what I found at the link below. You can bet I'll be changing how to tackle mold and mildew from now on. http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/14680/what-is-the-recommended-way-to-destroy-mold

Francisco37388 · Answer

Hello Franne in Mequon, WI!

This is Franne in Estill Springs, TN!

I don't have much to add to what's already been shared. I know that straight regular white vinegar will sanitize as well as bleach and will also kill the mold. But the bleach will kill it and lighten the stain as well. There may always be some 'hint' of the stain left. Brushing the mixture in with a small brush would help as well.

Good luck!
franne

Arlis · Answer

dampen a rag, sprinkle with salt and scrub away mold...then wash down the area with strong salt water (not soak) to discourage mold from growing again. Baking soda kills mold also--I use it to kill toad stools in my yard...those are the same as mold

Jud1016678 · Answer

Use bleach and a tad of Dawn! Be sure and wear gloves! Sometimes vinegar works also!

Jean DeSavage · Answer

Be sure to wear a mask as well as gloves! You definitely don't want to breathe in the mold spores,it could cause lung problems! No matter how you work to clean it up, when wet the spores will be spread as you scrub, especially if you use a brush.

Jeanette S · Answer

Wear a mask and gloves and use rags and a small brush you can throw away (Even an old toothbrush will work here)! Dip the small brush in mixture of half water and half bleach mixture and scrub it off...then wipe dry.

Sadly, mold can leave a dark stain even though you have cleaned it. Let this dry and repeat if desired. You may have to repaint. Clean rags and brush with bleach and discard!

Look to see if you can find mold retardant paint...I haven't painted in so long I don't know if there is such a product, but it would be worth it to investigate. I have heard you can put a small amount of bleach in your paint to impede mold, but I would consult a professional on that!

Wvl2825680 · Answer

Use hydrogen peroxide full strength.

ELLISANDRA · Answer

I LIKE TO USE RUBBING ALCOHOL AND A LITTLE DISH DETERGENT AND MIX RIGHT IN THE PLASTIC BOTTLE. I USE TOOTHBRUSH AND THEN WIPE DOWN WITH WET RAG.I LIKE THE SPEARMINT ALCOHOL FOR THE NICE SMELL.

Nana moving on · Answer

Pick up some 'Awsome' at the dollar store. I've found it removes mold, mildew, cigarette smoke and film, everything! And is 1.00 a spray bottle. Refill is larger bottle without the sprayer also for 1.00.

Pat Nugent · Answer

Hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray area and let sit til peroxide no longer bubbles. Scrub with toothbrush or any type brush with similar bristles. You can whiten up with Mr. Clean scrubbing pads. I've done this method myself with much success.

Patty · Answer

I just cleaned my with bleach in a spray bottle and an old toothbrush then sprayed with Lysol to prevent more mold

DORLIS · Answer

I assume that this will work on walls also.

Carrol Aizenman · Answer

I clean mine with clorox (or any bleach) wipe. It's quick & easy, but I also do it often. Also, wiping it with white vinegar can help delay its reappearance.

Toni Allinder · Answer

I use bleach and water and a brush. As I was looking at the windows I was wondering where the chalking was. They also make a mold resistant paint that you can use after cleaning up the windows.

Carol Potts · Answer

Jomax or Simple Green sold at Lowe's works on taking mold/mildew off anything.

Patricia Peterson · Answer

Ableach will work. But the mold is caused by moisture.  The mold will come back unles you fix whatever is causing moisture on the inside

Patricia Peterson · Answer

Bleach will work. But the mold is caused by moisture being trapped there. The mold will come back, unless you fix the moisture problem

Bjarne Frost · Answer

What you have in your window, is mold. You need pure Rodalon, take it on the windowsill, let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. It will kill the roots of mold, wipe with a sponge, and you will not get mold anymore.

Pis2225486 · Answer

I live in the woods in NC where the mold creeps in any place it can so we have a lot of experience getting rid of it. Bleach will not kill all the mold & spores, only some and the rest masked. Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's is the best). You may need several treatments. I'm so sorry to hear that. As renter's it makes me so mad when people disrespect the spaces they live in. They give the rest of us such a bad name!

HouseLogic.com · Answer

Bleach will get the job done. Afterward you may want to seal the wood so it doesn't happen again: http://goo.gl/nZxVEM

Marci N · Answer

I just read something on line about mold.bleach works but it can harm. The hack was to use dish soap, hydrogen  peroxide, and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on let it set and wipe it off. Hydrogen  peroxide  has many uses. I will see if I can find it for you.

Marci N · Answer

http://www.maids.com/blog/3-non-toxic-ways-to-clean-mold/ I found this, I do know that you don't mix vinegar and baking soda in a bottle. It foams and can burst the bottle. Other than that these work good. Though if the mold is in between two panes of glass you can't reach it and the window will probably need replacing as the seal is broken.

Martha · Answer

Currently researching the topic myself. Bleach will NOT kill the deep root of the mold and will create moisture deep in the wood which in turn creates perfect conditions for mold to return. A cheap solution is white vinegar. Spray generously and let dry. You can mop up over saturation. White vinegar will penetrate and get to the root of the mold. You can also purchase a product at Lowe's or Home Depot called Concrobium Mold Control. Nothing have used so far actually removes the staining. But maybe after wiping down you can repaint

Lisa Perez · Answer

Hi. I bought a house that had mold. Bleach does kill the surface mold. However, it is harmful and toxic. I used tea tree oil. It's natural and non toxic. It truly works on surface areas. Tea tree oil also prevents mold.  Now the problem you may be facing is how long has the mold been there and how far it has spread. Did it get into the wall surrounding the Windows? Only one way to find out. You have to take out a piece of wall big enough (baseball size) to see inside. Mold inside the wall will be black and webbish looking. In my opinion and previous experience going through a horrible mold situation, you really must replace the wood and check to see if the mold had grown in the dark damp space between the walls. Anything that the mold has settled and grown on will have to be replaced. Once you are done getting rid of the mold, before putting your walls, wood, framing, etc., spray a mix of tea tree oil and water solution all over the inside of the area. Let this dry thoroughly and then replace whatever has been damaged. This will help in the future to stop mold damage. I'm no professional. Speaking purely from my own experience in ehich I researched countless hours before taking on the very costly repairs from mold damage. Good luck to you!! Hope this helps.

Shannon · Answer

I work for a window company we tell our customers to wash their windows down with a bleach & water mixture and then sand down, refinish and seal them with a coat of poly.

Liliana Wells · Answer

I have removed surface mold with the hydrogen peroxide method. I sprayed it and let it rest for a few minutes; then wiped it off. It removed it. If the mold has turned to black mold as described by Lisa Perez, that's another story altogether and much more involved. Also, if you have a dehumidifier, it will help in the future to prevent mold from growing again. We use one in our basement; even though we have no leaks, we still have a lot of moisture.

Eileen Graybill · Answer

I used hydrogen peroxide

How do I remove mold from window sashes and frames?

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How do I remove mold from window sashes and frames?

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