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Having mold grow on your window sills is not just ugly – it’s also dangerous for your health. When you spot mold, it’s important to take care of it promptly so that it does not keep spreading or release allergenic spores into the air.
To that end, here are some tips for dealing with moldy window sills in your Michigan home.
Conventional window cleaner is not always effective at removing mold, so you’re best off starting with bleach. It will effectively kill most any species of mold along with any bacteria that may also be lingering on a damp window sill.
Prepare a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts warm water, and use a scrub brush to apply it to the window sill. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes, and then wipe away the excess. Let the window sill air dry.
If you have wooden window sills and the condensation and mold left behind black streaks, reach for the sandpaper. Sand down until you no longer see mold stains. Then, wipe up the dust and give the sill a new coat of primer followed by a coat of paint to restore its usual appearance.
Mold won’t typically grow on a window sill unless moisture is accumulating there. Moisture often seeps in once a window ages and starts pulling away from the sash. So, take a close look at the place where the sash meets the glass. If you spot any areas where the glass is loose or the caulk is missing, apply a new layer of caulk. If you’re not comfortable using a caulk gun, you can use rope caulk; just press it into the gap using your fingers.
When you don’t have your windows open for ventilation, be sure to close them completely and lock them in place. This way, when it rains outside, the moisture won’t seep into your Michigan home and wet the window sill.
Mold needs moisture and organic matter to thrive, so one of the keys to dealing with moldy window sills is to keep them clean. At least once a week, use the wand attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly remove any dust and debris from the window sill. You can also dip a cotton swab in an all-purpose cleaning solution and run it along the edges of the sill to attract dust.
If you have the windows open, give the window sill a quick wipe-down after closing them. This removes any mold spores that may have blown in through the open window.
If you’re seeing a lot of mold not only on your window sills, but also around the edge of your window sashes, then it may be time to replace your windows. As windows age, they grow leaky, and moisture can seep in, perpetuating mold growth. Replacing your current windows with Fibrex® composite windows will make life a lot easier. Not only will the new windows seal more tightly, blocking out moisture, but Fibrex is made to resist mold growth and rot, so you can count on it staying mold-free.
To learn more about Fibrex windows from Renewal by Andersen, contact our friendly associates or give them a call at (866) 609-5033. We offer free, in-home consultations to help you find the perfect replacement windows for your Michigan home.