If you wake up with condensation covering your windows, there may be too much humidity or moisture in your home. That puts you at a high risk for mold, especially in the colder seasons when it’s cold outside and heated inside. So if you notice a strange white fuzz around your windows, you may need to call a professional to remove mold.
What is white mold?
There are different types of white mold depending on the type of fungus, what its growing on, and the environment it’s in. In general, it can look white, greenish, or pale gray with a fuzzy, cobweb-like texture, and be often found in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, attics, and windows.
Windows are fuzz mold hotspots because they can gather dirt and dust, plus moisture from leakage and condensation. Together, this can grow spores. People may be quick to notice black mold spots around the windowsill but white mold can be harder to notice, especially if the sill is the same color.
The potential dangers of white mold
Like with other types of mold, continued exposure to white mold can cause respiratory infections, allergies, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Health aside, white mold is indicative of potential structural issues. White mold can eat away at support beams and other vital elements of a home. That’s another reason to eliminate it quickly, and to have the building examined afterward.
White mold or efflorescence
It’s easy to confuse white mold for efflorescence. They both can appear like white fuzz around damp areas like windows, bathrooms, etc. However, mold is a type of fungus that grows from moisture while efflorescence is caused by water vapor leaching salts out of concrete or bricks. Meanwhile, mold typically grows on wood. Another way to tell the difference is by sprinkling water on the area; if the white fuzz dissolves, it’s probably efflorescence.
Efflorescence won’t cause sickness in humans the way mold can, but it’s capable of damaging masonry surfaces. Plus, if left untreated, it can lead to the growth of mildew and mold. In any event, efflorescence is unsightly. Fortunately, it tends to be easy to clean with a power washer or wire brush or specialized chemical cleaner, followed by repairs to cracks admitting the moisture.
How to clean fuzzy window mold
First of all, put on protective gear to avoid unnecessary contact with the spores. So wear rubber gloves, protective goggles, and a face mask over the nose and mouth. Next, ventilate the area by opening a window or turning on a dehumidifier.
Next, dry off the window sill with a microfiber towel or cotton cloth. The next step is to eliminate the mold. Spray undiluted white vinegar on the area, let it sit for an hour, then scrub it off. Let the window dry, and reassess. The mold must be fully removed or it will quickly regrow.
If there are still pores left, spray the area again with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of cool water. Vigorously scrub the sill with a nylon brush before fully washing off the bleach.
If you desire a more intense solution, make a mixture of 20 parts water, 10 parts bleach, 1 part detergent, and scrub the affected surface with it. (Do not mix bleach and vinegar together because this produces an invisible but toxic gas.)
Sometimes it’s necessary to sand down the wood to completely clear the mold, as well as to refinish the wood afterward. If the process seems daunting or there is too much mold to handle yourself, call a professional for help. Additionally, if you experience rainwater leaks or plumbing issues, have a professional come examine your home for any resulting mold.
How to prevent fuzzy mold on windows
- Keep the sill clean of dust and dirt that can cultivate mold.
- Apply mold-resistant paint or a high gloss paint that protects wood.
- Prevent window condensation by using a dehumidifier and keeping good airflow in the room.
- Keep the glass window panes dry and free of dust.
- Vacuum the dirt and dust from the aluminium window tracks and clear the drainage holes.
- If you’re unable to clean between window panes, consider getting new windows installed.