Mould often appears in various spots around the home, and it’s particularly noticeable when it emerges around your windows. With December bringing colder weather, the ever-present dampness in Britain makes mould a common issue, mainly due to condensation.
Reducing the build-up of condensation is crucial to preventing mould growth. While some opt for bleach to clean window mould, this method might spread the infestation to clean areas.
Jade Oliver, showroom stylist at Express Bi-Folding Doors, cautioned: “Bleach doesn’t work and won’t make mould go away, however, white vinegar left for around an hour with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water will clear it.”
White vinegar, usually at 5% acidity, should be used without dilution for maximum effectiveness. Avoid applying vinegar on materials like aluminium, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone as it can cause damage. For safety, wear impermeable gloves, eye protection, and a mask. Loading undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle, concentrate on the mould-patched area, reports the Express.
Saturate the mould thoroughly with vinegar and let it sit for at least one hour without scrubbing or rinsing to allow the mould to fully absorb the vinegar.
Next, take a brush or scouring pad and give the affected area a thorough scrub. After you’ve scrubbed it well, rinse the area with clean, warm water.
Following the initial cleaning, spray the area again with vinegar to ensure any lingering mould spores are killed off, preventing their return. Don’t worry about the strong smell of vinegar; it naturally dissipates after a few hours.
For windows caked in grime, resist the urge to use soapy water as it can cause dust to stick more stubbornly to the glass. Instead, Jade recommends: “Use a duster to loosen any dust particles first and then try gently vacuuming with the bristle attachment to avoid scratching the surface.”
For those hard-to-reach spots, Jade said: “Finally, to get into any tougher nooks and crannies such as the corners and rims, work in a feather duster to manipulate the grime.”