A layer of black mould around windows and on windowsills can become a serious problem if left untreated. Not only does it look unpleasant, and reduce the aesthetic appeal of a window area, it can damage windows, surrounding areas and most importantly your physical health.
Over time and as it spreads, mould begins to have a negative effect on air quality and, when breathed in, poses the potential for a number of respiratory health complications.
In this article property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk provides advice on how to manage, remove and prevent mould on windowsills and their surroundings, before it becomes a major issue.
What Causes Black Mould?
Black mould forms when there are unusually high levels of moisture in the air, and requires constant moisture to thrive and spread. Therefore kitchen and bathroom windowsills tend to be the most at risk of mould developing, as they are the most moisture heavy areas of our home.
Other possible causes that we need to be on the lookout for include, but are not limited to, leaking pipes, rainwater leaking in through window frames, condensation, rising damp and inadequate heating causing the air in a property to become too cold.
How Do You Prevent Mould?
To avoid the formation of mould, we need to keep our homes as moisture-free as possible, and one of the main things we need to manage and keep on top of is condensation.
Condensation is created when warm air hits the cold glass on a window, so most commonly occurs during the winter months when there are freezing temperatures outside, and cosy, warm rooms on the other side of the glass.
Wiping the condensation away from windows with a cloth is a temporary solution, but one that will need repeating regularly, and does not address the root cause of the issue.
Fortunately, there are a number of preventative measures we can take to reduce the amount of condensation forming on windows, and other causes of excess moisture within the home. Here are some top tips to prevent a build-up of moisture, and the spread of mould:
- Insulation – Ensuring that our properties are well insulated will help to maintain a more consistent temperature inside the home. This in turn will reduce the risk of condensation forming. If you have not done so already, you may wish to consider upgrading your windows with double or triple glazing to keep the cold air out.
- Dehumidifiers – A dehumidifier works to remove moisture from the air by passing it over a cold, absorbent surface. Although this won’t get rid of any existing mould, it will help to stop more from growing and spreading by contributing to a low-moisture environment.
- Ventilation – Adequate ventilation in a home will promote airflow and therefore reduce humidity and moisture levels. Exhaust fans can be used in bathrooms and kitchens to remove excess moisture caused from actions such as steaming and showering, or, for a more natural approach, try opening your windows for at least 30 minutes a day if outside temperatures allow for this.
- Mould-resistant paint – This won’t contribute to the prevention of moisture build up but can be excellent in stopping the growth of mould. By using this paint on your window frames and windowsills, particularly in those high-moisture areas that we discussed, such as kitchens and bathrooms, you will effectively be creating a barrier to stop mould from growing.
- Address Leaks Quickly – Any leak within the home, be it from pipes, taps, or outside rainwater seeping in, will significantly increase moisture levels within the home. Therefore any such issue must be addressed and fixed promptly if we want to stop the growth and spread of black mould.
- Keep Windows and Surfaces Clean – Windows and windowsills are areas which easily attract and form a build-up of dust and dirt. These in turn can harbour moisture and over time develop mould spores. Regularly wiping down your windows and surrounding areas with a clean cloth will go a long way towards the prevention of mould.
How Do You Get Rid of Mould on Windowsills?
Despite taking all of these measures, sometimes mould can still creep up on our windowsills, so it is important to know what to do if you find it. If the affected area is small in size and necessary precautions, such as wearing safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask, are taken, you can safely clean the mould yourself.
This can be done by using a mixture of bleach and water (but be cautious using bleach on painted surfaces), or white vinegar carefully applied with a cloth or rag. As soon as the area is clean, immediately dispose of the cleaning item you used to prevent the mould from spreading to other parts of your home. For any larger outbreaks, you may wish to call in a professional to eliminate the problem safely and efficiently.
THOMAS GOODMAN
Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
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