Asked on May 13, 2012

How do you get rid of mold around windows?

Tricia
by Tricia
I have mold growing around my windows and have tried bleach sprays but it doesn't get rid of it completely. Any ideas/suggestions? I prefer a nonchemical path but will do anything.
  6 answers
  • All the windows...or just some....on the interior or exterior? Bleach doesn't kill mold...just knocks it down some. You may have the mold trapped under the caulk around the windows....which is why we hand wash exteriors before we paint. If it is under the caulk, you will have to remove the caulk and redo it. If you can give me a better idea of where it is....that would help and pics are always great!
  • The mold that collects along the edges of your windows has stained the wood or surface edges. Using any glass cleaner will remove the surface build up, but not the root structure that has penetrated the surface of the window. Bleach will help take the color out of the dark stain, but it does not always work well. The really only way to do this is to clean, sand and repaint the window sills and the effected areas. Simply to cover over the stain deep in the surface area. The most important thing however is to prevent this from happening again. This is caused by condensation that forms on the edges of the glass and then creates a damp environment ripe for mold to develop. Control the humidity within the home. If you have single pane glass, either remove and install high performance glazing, or install a good quality storm glass. The latter will help but not prevent it entirely. Dusting and cleaning the windows weekly will also help to prevent mold development as well. Mold spores feed on damp dust.
  • Barbara Barbara on May 15, 2012
    I use a bleach and water solution with a few drops of dishwashing liquid, the follow it with a vinegar spray.
  • Mary D Mary D on May 17, 2012
    Try using a vinegar water solution. Vinegar is a very useful thing.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 19, 2012
    White vinegar gets rid of mold. But you have to keep in mind that mold stains and even when it is gone, the black stain will remain. Remove mold by washing down a couple of times. If stained, you may have to repaint.. As your paint store if there are any addatives for paint to keep down mold. When I regrouted my bathroom 20 years ago, I washed down the area with bleach several times and let it dry before I regrouted. No mold yet!
  • Darice Langaas Kessler Darice Langaas Kessler on Apr 15, 2016
    There is a product called Odoban sold at Home Depot, Ace hardware etc. It's a gallon concentrate & kills mold spores & more