How to Prevent Mould Growth on Windows

Mould problems are serious and can affect not only the aesthetic value of your home but your health as well – prolonged exposure to mould can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions and asthma attacks, so it’s especially dangerous for people whose immune system is weakened. It’s clear then that when you notice mould on your window or in its vicinity, you need to address this problem quickly to stop it from spreading throughout the house. In this article, we’ll explain how to clean a mouldy window and how to prevent mould on windows effectively.

how to prevent mould growth on windows

What causes mould?

As mould requires humid conditions to grow, leaks and condensation are among the most common causes of its growth. You should be aware that just because mould isn’t clearly visible doesn’t mean it’s not there – it can often develop in difficult-to-see places, e.g. at the joints of the window frame or even between the glass panes if the seal isn’t airtight and the moisture gets inside. This means that when the difference in temperature causes water droplets to gather on the glass surface or when you notice signs that your window isn’t sealed properly, it’s worth taking a closer look at it to check its condition. If it’s a model that can be opened, e.g. a top-hung window or an access window, open it to get a good look at the frame from both sides, but in the case of fixed roof windows, you will need to access the roof to carry out this task, so make sure to take the necessary precautions or consult a specialist.

While many people associate mould with materials like wood, fabrics or cardboard, it’s important to keep in mind that glass isn’t immune to it. When there’s a layer of dust accumulated on the glass pane or the frame, and it gets damp due to moisture, mould can start to grow. That’s why proper maintenance and regular cleaning and inspecting of windows is essential to ensure their good condition and notice possible issues early on before they develop any further.

How to prevent mould around windows

If you want to avoid the issue of mould on windows, there are a few steps you can take. While there are situations you cannot predict, like accidents and damages that can lead to leaks and cause problems, in most cases, these steps will help you stop mould from appearing around the windows and spreading further around your house.

  • If you notice any leaks or condensation, look for what may be causing such problems. There’s a chance that the issue isn’t serious, and it’s possible to fix it. But if it keeps happening, you may want to consider replacing your old windows with new, more energy-efficient and better-insulated ones.
  • Make sure your home is properly ventilated. It’s especially important in rooms that are typically prone to increased humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms – you can use exhaust fans, a dehumidifier, or try opening a window after showering and cooking.
  • Reduce condensation by controlling the temperature, removing moisture and keeping your windows and windowsills dry by wiping off any condensation as soon as you notice it.
  • Regularly clean your windows both on the outside and on the inside. Keeping them clean is one of the easiest and most effective mould prevention methods because dust can be one of the factors that lead to mould growth, so you don’t want to let it gather on the glass or frame.

The steps listed above can help you keep mould out of your home, but they are also worth keeping in mind if you’ve already had to deal with this problem in the past. The reality is that simply removing mould once may not be enough, and unless you make sure that the conditions that led to its development in the first place are changed, it will keep on reappearing. That’s why maintaining proper humidity and moisture levels in your home and keeping your windows clean is the best way to get rid of this issue for good.

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Sunlux PVC 78cm x 98cm Top Hung Roof Window

Other products in category: Sunlux top hung

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How to remove mould from windows

Cleaning mould from windows isn’t necessarily that much more complicated than your typical window cleaning. But due to the effect mould can have on your health, keeping yourself safe with protective equipment, including a face mask, goggles and gloves, is essential, especially if you’re cleaning a thick layer of mould or you’re allergic or asthmatic.

Before you start cleaning, make sure to prepare the area by ensuring good ventilation in the room and, if possible, blocking doors and any openings that lead to other rooms in order to stop the air filled with mould spores from spreading. And now that everything is ready, you can get to work.

  • Prepare a window cleaning solution (you can use a store-bought detergent or mix warm water with dish soap or vinegar) and start cleaning to remove the mould.
  • Once it’s removed, use a mixture of bleach and water or a store-bought mould cleaning product (make sure to follow the instructions given on the package) to clean the window again.
  • Rinse the window and let it dry.
  • Clean any equipment used to remove the mould before using it again in order to stop the mould spores from growing and spreading.

Remember that precision is important when dealing with mould and simply cleaning the parts of your window that are the most visible is not a good solution. Unless you remove all of it thoroughly, you not only risk having to repeat the entire process again but actually making the problem worse by allowing it to grow and spread to other parts of the house.

In conclusion, keep your home well-ventilated and free of excess moisture, regularly clean and inspect your windows to ensure their quality, and if you notice the first signs of mould, act quickly and remove it as soon as possible. These few steps should help you keep any mould-related issues under control. And if you decide to replace your old roof windows, we can offer you a wide range of high-quality options.