Regardless of where you find mold in your home, it’s a headache. And it can quite literally give you one. But you might be surprised to find out that mold is actually common within many homes, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
During heavy rainfall or with the presence of excess moisture, mold can easily grow within walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and almost any porous surface you can think of.
When it grows on your windowsills, it is because you most likely have a draft coming in. Water from heavy rain can easily seep through the small cracks on the windowsill and contribute to mold.
As soon as you find mold, it’ll take a series of steps to remove, but you won’t have to remove your whole window; simply follow these steps and you shouldn’t have to worry about it coming back:
How to Remove Mold from Windowsills
Before getting started, you will want to wait to tackle this job on a dry, cool day so you won’t have to worry about any moisture seeping in while you’re working. The same goes for snow; try to wait until it’s settled before tackling the mold.
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Gather and Put on Safety Equipment
Before tackling this dangerous DIY project, you’ll need a dust mask and gloves first. If the mold covers a large area, switch out the dust mask for an OSHA-related respirator to keep away all the airborne mold spores.
Keep in mind that no matter where it has settled, mold can make you sick, triggering a number of allergies and health issues. Those with compromised immune systems like the elderly and young children are especially at risk.
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Inspect the Full window
Before taking a stab at the mold cleanup, inspect the entire casing inside and out. Identify any mold on the window seals, under hardware and on sashes. You’ll definitely have to do the job all over again if you miss anything.
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Protect the Floor and Furniture
Use plastic to cover the window and nearby areas as this will prevent debris and spores from escaping and settling into the carpet or flooring. You should probably also drape some plastic over the furniture in the room as well.
Bonus Tip: Keeping the HVAC system off during the mold cleanup job will also prevent mold spores from spreading.
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Open the Window
To keep the room properly ventilated and prevent mold spores from accumulating, keep the window open. You’ll also be able to access the entire casing and windowsill. But again, this is where it’s important to tackle this job on a cool, dry day. If conditions are rainy or even windy, you’ll want to put off the work.
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Start with a Hand Vacuum
Before trying to remove the mold, first use a hand vac with HEPA filters. This pre-cleaning process will pick up the excess, loose spores while making it easier to scrub the remaining surfaces. But skip this step if parts of the window are damp.
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Starting from the Top, Scrub the Window and Move Down
It’s often the case that sashes are also affected by mold growth, so it’s best to start at the top and work your way down. Combine a mixture of bleach and warm water, scouring mold window frames and sills with a stiff nylon brush. Follow up with old rags to mop up the debris then scrub away the mold.
Bonus tip: It helps to keep an extra bucket of bleach water ready and to clean your brush in it while working.
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Wipe Down and Dry
After you finish scrubbing, the clean surfaces can be wiped down with a clean, damp cloth. Then allow the window to dry for a few hours, preferably in the sun. Keep in mind, it’s crucial that everything dries completely, otherwise, the mold can easily grow right back in its place.
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Sand Away Stains
The remaining mold stains can be removed from unpainted sills using sandpaper. But if the wood is already painted, you’ll need to prime and repaint the windows (don’t worry, it’s still worth it).
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Finish with Another Hand Vac Job
Finish the job by hand vacuuming the dry surfaces, both interior and exterior. Don’t forget to get around the panes, inside the track and jambs as well as along the upper and lower sashes.
Don’t forget to disinfect the nozzle of the hand vacuum by wiping it down with vinegar to prevent any mold spores from spreading.
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Roll Up, Fold and Throw Away the Plastic
After the windowsill mold removal, carefully remove all the plastic covers, starting with the furniture. Be sure to roll them inward as you work. Keep everything secured tightly in quality garbage bags, keeping them outside for safe disposal.
Professional Mold Remediation
If you’re still having issues with mold on the windowsill or have even found it in another area of your home, it’s best to allow a professional to handle the job. Some cases of mold are simply too complex or stubborn to be removed with home remedies.
A professional mold removal company, like ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors in Fort Wayne, IN, will use products specifically designed to remove mold at the source. Wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) and creating a barricade around the affected area to prevent it from spreading, our professionals will conduct all appropriate steps throughout our mold removal process to eliminate your problem once and for all.
Our professionals are licensed, trained, and experienced, following all OSHA regulations to ensure you won’t have mold coming back again.
Contact Us
For more information on our mold removal services, contact ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors at (260) 420-1502. We proudly serve the homes and businesses of Fort Wayne, IN and the surrounding areas.
