Mold is more than an annoyance – it can be a health hazard. While California residents do not have to worry about mold as much as those who live in more humid climates, it can be an issue here too. Learn how the window experts recommend you prevent mold from growing and what to do if it does.

Preventing Mold from Growing on Your Window Sills

Ventilation is the key to keep mold from growing on window sills. If you want to keep mold from catching on, replace any old ventilation fans that you have installed in your bathroom or kitchen. Newer models are likely to be more effective and more efficient. When possible, keep your windows open so that air can flow freely. In fact, fresh air can help with many air quality issues.

Next, look for ways to reduce condensation and leaks. When you rid your home of condensation, you are lowering moisture levels – which can limit how well mold is able to grow. You can use a dehumidifier or a moisture eliminator to get the moisture from the air. You can also improve the ventilation system throughout your home so that moisture is moved into the attic. Always be sure the AC is set to at least 70 degrees if not higher.

If you are dealing with leaks in your windows, it is often best to have them replaced. Otherwise, you are simply kicking the ball further down the road to deal with later. At Progressive Insulation & Windows we can replace your windows with air-tight options that can make it nearly impossible for mold to grow.

Getting Rid of Mold in Your Window Sills

If it is too late to prevent mold because you already have some on your window sills, consider these steps to get rid of the mold. Remember that by the time mold spores have worked deeply enough into the wood or other material of your windows, it may take more time and effort to get rid of the mold than it would to replace them. You can replace older windows with newer models that are much less likely to mold in the future.

The key to effectively getting rid of mold is to start as soon as possible. This is a problem that can get much worse very quickly. Start with a combination of bleach, dish soap, and water. Grab a plastic scraper or brush as well as a dry cloth. We also recommend that you take steps to keep yourself safe, such as wearing eye goggles or a protective face mask. As mentioned earlier, mold can be dangerous and you want to avoid breathing any of the spores in.

Before you start to clean, mist down the mold to weight it down and prevent the spores from spreading as easily. Then wash the mold with the concentration you have created above. Remember that if you do not take steps to prevent future mold, you should expect it to grow back.