a white window with a flower on the sill
Home - Garden
How To Remove Window Sill Mold And Prevent It From Growing Back
By SANDY BAKER
Mold forms on a window sill due to the condensation and warm air found in this area and can affect your health. If you spot it, early cleanup can help
to minimize it spreading.
Be thorough in removing all the mold spores without letting them enter the air, as they can move from one place to another and flourish and grow in a warm, moist area.
Spores can enter your respiratory system, so it's wise to wear protective gear, including gloves and a face mask, to prevent breathing it in.
Most detergents can clean the mold, especially those marked as mold removers, but for worse cases, use a solution of ½ cup of bleach to ½ gallon of water.
Apply the solution onto the mold's surface and let it sit and dry thoroughly. If using a detergent, follow the usage instructions on that product.
Spray the mold with the solution or use a towel dampened with the cleaning mixture to wipe the mold away. Dry the surface completely with a towel once all mold is removed.
Instead of bleach or chemical-based cleaners, you can also use undiluted white vinegar or a half-and-half solution of water and ammonia. Just don't mix ammonia and bleach products.
Once you remove the mold, prevent its return by stopping condensation buildup along the window. Repair broken windows and re-caulk them to block out moisture buildup.
You can also use a dehumidifier during very cold or hot months to reduce condensation caused by extreme temperature differences on either side of the window.
Additionally, use mold-resistant paints that prevent mold from developing on the surface and regularly remove dust and dirt, which are important food sources for mold.