Is the pleasant weather around the corner, and you have thought of opening the windows of your living room that have been closed for a long time, and you have no idea mold has made their house on the tracks?
You decided to open the windows to breathe in some fresh air but wait, the moldy windows not only look disgusting but also the mold can affect your house environment and can make you and your kids sick. So what should be done? This guide will explain to you how to come out of this problem by mentioning step-by-step solutions, including how to clean window tracks.
Reasons for mold on window tracks
Before finding out the solution, it is important to know how this problem comes so that you can avoid it in the future. Mold normally occurs in damp or humid areas, so if you are living in a place full of dampness, you will meet such problems, and it grows when avoided for a long time. Normally you will find them on windows where they usually occur.
The two most common reasons for window molds are condensation and leaks. If there is any water leakage and you haven’t paid attention to it, the tracks of your windows will likely mold. Seasonal maintenance will keep this under control. As far as condensation is concerned, you have to decrease the level of air moisture. But how? Let’s dig into the details.
- It is better to install double or triple-pane windows in your house because they are mold-resistant. The single-pane window won’t deal with the mold, and the situation will become worse.
- Ventilation is the ultimate solution. Keeping the air moving in the room will keep your windows free from condensation.
- Whenever you cook or wash, do not forget to turn on ventilation fans because they also help you out in this matter.
- A dehumidifier is also good for keeping moisture levels down, especially in humid climates. They are widely available in a variety of sizes, and some can be added to your HVAC system.
- If the temperature allows, open the windows!
How to clean mold from window tracks?
These items are usually in your home and will let you follow these steps without any extra trips to the store.
- Bleach
- Water
- Gloves
- Mask
- White Vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Spray Bottle
- Tea Tree Oil
- Mold Remover
Now let’s check out the solutions.
Use Bleach
People have been using bleach to remove mold for ages. Applying bleach incorrectly or using too much can also damage to the wood, so be cautious.
While applying bleach, ensure you have gloves, and a mask and the room is fully ventilated. Take 1 cup of bleach and add it to a gallon of water. It is better to pour this solution into a spray bottle so that it is easy to put in. Only 1 or 2 hours are enough to let this mixture sit on the mold. If you are not willing to use bleach, move to the next part.
White Vinegar is Helpful
Vinegar adds taste to the food, but do you know white vinegar is great for dealing with mold? It is used for numerous cleaning purposes. How much vinegar you will keep depends on the amount of mold the window track has. Normally, 1 cup of vinegar diluted in 1 cup of water is enough. Put the solution in the spray bottle for quick cleaning.
Let the solution be there for two or three hours and once it is dry, wipe the moisture, and you will witness the magic. If the tracks are not thoroughly cleaned, repeat the process until you are satisfied.
Go for Hydrogen Peroxide
The best thing about hydrogen peroxide is that not only is it cost-effective, but also less harmful than bleach and other unfavorable products. Three or four percent of the solution is enough to remove the mold. Get this mixture in a bottle and wait for at least half an hour. If bubbles start appearing on the tracks, it is a sign of it working, so do not be alarmed.
Now take a damp cloth to remove the excessive moisture of the solution. You can also make a soapy water solution to clean the surface. Do not forget to repeat the process if the results are not up to the mark.
Use Tea Tree Oil
This oil has some anti-bacterial attributes, so you can never find anything better than this mold solution. It has a lovely herbal scent that is refreshing. Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of this oil and mix it in water and then add the solution to a spray bottle so that you can directly spray on the window tracks.
Now, wait for a few hours for results. Once done, clear out the excess moisture from the surface with any damp cloth. If there is still the need for any mold removal, continue the process. It is indeed one of the most feasible solutions that you can adopt.
Buy a Mold Removal
This is an easy, ready made solution for you. Various professional mold removers are available in stores, so you can purchase them as needed. Even if you call someone for mold removal, they likely use identical products.
For recommendation, you can go for CLR Mold and mildew removal. Make sure not a single particle of mold is left untreated and make the surface thoroughly clean. Another great alternative is HG Mold spray which removes all light and dark molds in less time. Follow all label directions for best results.
Steam Cleaner is a great Alternative
Some people hesitate to use any kind of product or solution, so if you are also one of those, here is the answer. You never know which cleaning solution has harmful chemicals that could damage your windows hence steam cleaner would be the best alternative in this regard. Yes, it is expensive, but it is only a one-time investment after which you can enjoy maximum benefits throughout your home.
A good steam cleaner contains numerous accessories, so it will be a bonus. It will also help you to clean other things as well. Follow the instructions in the manual. In a few cleaners, all you need to do is turn on the steamer and once everything is cleaned, switch it off. After the cleaning is done, remove the moisture from the windows using a cloth.
Before buying these cleaners, keep some factors in mind and do proper research so that you get the right product. Moreover, never take the warranty feature for granted.
If you want extra protection, you can select the Atrium Dome window well cover that fully protects the windows from the outside of your home and keeps grime and moisture away from your windows.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home mold and mildew free will not only benefit your family’s health, but will also prevent expensive damage to your property. Following the precautions listed will aid you in avoiding this problem.
If you do not have enough time to use a homemade solution or can’t wait for many hours to get the results, simply buy the solution from the stores that will save your time. Moreover, investing in the steam cleaner will also show great results and have multiple cleaning uses in your home.
