Mould can be a serious issue, and it’s easy to miss the warning signs that signify your home is damp and could be prone to this unwanted guest. Whilst all mould is unpleasant to look at, blighting the appearance of even the most attractive homes, black mould is particularly dangerous.
In this guide, we will talk you through what could cause mould around the windows in your home, and more importantly, how to get rid of it and prevent it from coming back.
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What causes black window mould?
There are many types of mould, and whilst all mould should be removed, any traces of black mould should be eliminated immediately.
Mould will form where excessive moisture hangs in the air and can spread across paint, wallpaper, and plaster very quickly. If you notice a damp smell in your home, it’s very likely that there is some pesky mould hiding somewhere.
Some things that can contribute to mould forming in your home are:
- Window frames that are damaged and allow rain to leak in
- Leaky pipes
- Not allowing taps, baths, and showers to dry properly between uses
- Rising damp
- Heating that is inefficient
Is window mould dangerous?
It’s very important to deal with mould swiftly, especially if it’s black mould, as it can be dangerous to your physical health. This is particularly important to note if you have pre-existing conditions like asthma, eczema, or respiratory disorders.
Mould releases mycotoxins from its spores, which can be very harmful when breathed in – this can seriously damage your lungs, skin, and nervous system. As well as those who are immune-compromised, mould is very dangerous for babies, children, and elderly people.
But don’t fret – there are plenty of ways in which you can prevent mould from occurring, or quickly remove it if it is too late.
How to prevent mould on windows
It can be difficult to prevent mould from forming on windows, but there are 2 main reasons that this can occur: leaks and condensation.
If water is able to leak from the outside onto the inside window sill, the window frame may be damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. Condensation is formed when there is too much moisture in the air in your home, and some ways to combat this are:
- Replacing single-pane windows with double or triple glazing, which are able to fight off mould easily
- Purchase a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
- Keep window vents open to allow the room to be ventilated properly
- Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Avoid putting houseplants near windows, as this causes them to release moisture into the air
You may also want to think about the type of window you have in your home – for example, aluminium and uPVC materials are far more resistant to mould than timber windows.
Wooden window mould
If you have wooden windows in your home, mould not only ruins the appearance of the wood but can cause irreversible damage. Wood is a breeding ground for mould as it holds onto moisture, which can allow black mould to thrive.
In order to prevent this, it’s a good idea to paint or stain your wooden window frame and ensure that you keep the joints free from dust and moisture by giving them an occasional wipe down.
How to remove window mould
Whilst it’s important to remove mould quickly, you should also try to seek out the root cause to prevent it from coming back.
With black mould around windows, it is usually caused by damaged window frames that allow leaks. Whilst minor cases of mould can be removed easily by yourself, you should call in a professional for severe cases to avoid harming yourself or others.
Officially, the NHS recommends only removing areas of mould less than 1 metre yourself, and anything bigger should be left to professionals. You should ensure that you are wearing protective equipment, i.e., gloves, a mask, and goggles, as well as opening a window for ventilation.
Remove mould with soap and water
To remove the mould with soap and water, you will need: a bucket, washing up liquid, 2 rags, a plastic bag, cleaning wipes, a hoover, and protective equipment. The steps are as follows:
- Fill the bucket with water and washing up liquid
- Soak a rag in the soapy water and begin to wipe the mould – be careful not to brush the mould as this will cause it to spread across the wall
- When the mould is fully removed, use a dry rage to wipe the damp area and remove moisture, to prevent further mould from growing
- Dispose of the rags carefully in a plastic bag to avoid contamination
- Wipe or hoover where the mould was
- Ensure that any clothes or soft furnishings near to where the mould was are professionally cleaned and dried to prevent the mould from returning
Remove window mould with vinegar
To remove mould with vinegar, you will need protective equipment, a spray bottle, white vinegar, a rag or cloth, a scrubbing brush, wipes. When working with vinegar, you should be especially careful to protect your hands, so it does not cause irritation.
The steps are as follows:
- Fill the spray bottle with vinegar, or you could wet the cloth with vinegar and wipe if it is easier
- Saturate the mould with the vinegar and leave for an hour to allow the vinegar to break the mould down
- Use the scrubbing brush with warm water to break up the last bits of mould
- Wipe the surface down and leave the area to fully dry
Should the mould reappear, you will need to repeat the process – you can use baking soda or salt to target the mould further if necessary.
If the mould is so severe that you need to call in a professional, they often charge around £100 to £130, although this can vary dramatically depending on the extent of the mould growth in your home.
Alongside this, you might need to consider the cost of repairing your home after mould removal, by replastering and repainting the walls.
Check out our complete guide on the price of new windows, if you want a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay (including installation). You can also read about the various window styles available, as well as double glazing, triple glazing and decorative windows.
Window mould Summary
Any traces of mould should be removed from your home swiftly, as it can have seriously damaging effects on you and your family’s health. With proper prevention, you can make it difficult for mould to grow in your home.
However, if it is too late, there are plenty of ways that you can remove it, with soapy water, vinegar, or, in extreme cases, a professional who will be able to safely remove large amounts of mould without damaging anybody’s health or the rest of the property.
