The Best Ways For Tackling Mold On Window Sills
Are you fed up with mold on window sills? Or do you have unsightly mold around your windows that you want to go? If you want to know how to get rid of mold on your window sills? Let me show you what to use to make this mold disappear and what to look out for in the future.
These mold removal tips are great, but be vigilant because mold is a living thing, and they’re always looking for places to set up a new home.
But how do you remove mold from your window sills? What should you use to kill the mold?
The trouble with mold is that it spreads easily. So, getting rid of black mold around windows isn’t tough the problem is keeping it that way.
Did you know mold releases spores into the air intending to set up a new home?
Affiliate links are included for your convenience. (This means if you purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which won’t cost you a penny more!) Click here to read my full disclosure and privacy policy.
Daily Cleaning Checklist?
What Products Will Kill Mold On Window Sills
Often people ask: Will bleach kill black mold?
- Bleach will not kill most molds. It’s not an effective way to treat mold on any surface. If the surface is porous, bleach is not an effective method to kill mold because it can’t penetrate the surface to kill the roots. Using bleach is great at removing the mold color but you need to reapply as it regrows. It bleaches the color of the mold but doesn’t penetrate and kill the roots. It’s allowing the mold to re-establish and re-grow.
- Borax is supposed to be great for cleaning mold but you do need to scrub the surface, and this will release the spores into the atmosphere and can spread the mold. You need to leave the borax on until dry should eliminate the mold. However, Borax isn’t widely available and I’ve never personally used it.
- White Vinegar is a popular cleaning product for those people who are trying to avoid chemicals in the home, unfortunately, it doesn’t kill all forms of mold. This means it isn’t an effective cleaner if you want to remove all mold growth.
- Ammonia can’t penetrate porous surfaces so mold can survive and continue to grow. It’s good for surface cleaning but not going to solve the problem. Don’t mix ammonia with bleach as this creates a poisonous gas.
- Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-fungal product, which will kill the bacteria that it meets and is a safer product to use than bleach. Being anti-fungal it will kill the mold. This is good news as this product is relatively cheap to buy.
- Hot soapy water is the most ineffective way to kill mold, it can remove some of the mold, but it won’t kill the mold. The mold will spread to new surfaces as spores are released into the atmosphere.
- Baking soda is a great cleaning product. It can kill mold by absorbing the moisture. This makes it a great treatment for mold as mold needs moisture to grow. However, it’s a very mild disinfectant, and might not be strong enough to remove all the mold.
- Tea tree oil is the best treatment for killing and tackling mold on window sills, unfortunately, it is the most expensive option too. However, it can penetrate the roots of the mold and can kill and remove all traces of mold. Use 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water.
How Do You Get Rid Of Black Mold Around Windows?
You might be surprised when I say not to use bleach on mold as it doesn’t always kill it.
You can read more about not using bleach to kill mold: Cleaning Mold With Bleach
It isn’t as simple as you might think, some products don’t always kill mold, and bleach is one of these examples.
It removes the color and the surface appearance of mold but it doesn’t kill all mold so the chances are it will come back.
Tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide are the two products I recommend using to kill mold in your home, including on the window sills.
How To Clean And Remove The Mold Off Your Window Sills
Whatever product you are using I would wear protective gloves as a minimum. The first thing I do is spray the cleaning product onto the cloth. I don’t spray onto the area as this could help the spores to fly away.
Then slowly and carefully remove the surface mold by dabbing. I swap the cleaning cloth before going over the area a second time because I don’t want to re-infect the area with the mold that is on the first cloth.
Wash all your cleaning cloths in hot water and I would add a drop of tea tree oil to kill any spores that might still be lurking on the cloths.
But, you will still need to address the reason behind the mold setting up their home on your window sill.
How To Clean Mold Off Window Sills Without Bleach
When it comes to mold we must protect ourselves from inhaling mold spores or spreading them to new places.
The simplest way is to put the tea tree oil on a cloth and dab it on the mold, this way the mold won’t be able to release the mold spores into the air.
Let the tea tree oil sit there before wiping it away.
Related article: Does Bleach Kill Mold Spores?
Why Mold Grows On Windows
Mold develops around windows because of the difference in temperature from the inside to the outside, which can cause condensation.
Mold loves damp, warm places to breed and grow, making your windows an ideal spot.
We’ve created this problem for ourselves, we seal up our homes to reduce the potential of any energy loss, but this increases the amount of moisture in the air.
This is why mold on the window sill comes from condensation, the more condensation the higher the chance of mold.
There’s a lack of ventilation to prevent the mold from setting up their home on your window sills.
- (ERV): Supplies fresh, clean air and helps balance air pressure in a home
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
So, when the conditions are right mold will settle and start to grow, it doesn’t matter whose home it is mold spores will grow.
Mold spores are in the air and can easily enter your home, you can get air purifiers that can kill mold spores.
Preventing mold spores from growing in your home is key to keeping mold at bay.
Related article: Mold Removal Tips
The Best Ways For Tackling Mold On Window Sills
If you want to get rid of mold on window sills then consider how the mold grows. Are you providing it with the perfect environment in which to live?
As we’ve just discussed we need to make airflow, this stops the mold from forming. You need to supply some ventilation to the room with the mold problem.
It can be in more than one room of your home so consider what you need for your whole home before making any purchases.
Some windows come with built-in ventilation, they are air flow devices that reduce the chances of condensation.
This is something that we had to ask for when replacing our windows, it’s something that’s offered but not something they ask when they are designing your windows. It will cause a draft and make the room less energy efficient.
Choosing The Right Mold Cleaning Product For You
You need to choose a product that will remove the mold. If you opt for a product doesn’t destroy the mold, remember it’s going to come back. So, be prepared to tackle the mold again in the future.
Whatever product you are using protecting your health is key.
So, if the product recommends wearing gloves then follow these instructions.
A face mask might also be required to prevent mold spores from entering your body.
I still recommend that you use tea tree oil to tackle your mold problem, but if this is out of your budget a cheap mold-cleaning bleach-based product will make the room more aesthetically pleasing. But you will still have a mold problem to deal with.
Protecting The Area Around Your Window
Before you start cleaning the mold around the window sill protect the area around the window. You don’t want the product damaging anything else and you want to kill as many spores as possible.
Something that can be rinsed or thrown away is an option to consider. Depending on the product you are using you will want to let the product do its work before wiping and cleaning the area down.
It’s important to read the instructions for the mold-removing product so you know what you need to do.
- REMOVES TOUGH STAINS: Freshen and renew tub and tile surfaces and quickly remove stubborn stains; Our professional-strength spray is specifically formulated to eliminate discoloration caused by mold and mildew
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If using tea tree oil, dab it onto the area, and let it work for about ten minutes before wiping it away.
This should be all you need to do to get rid of black mold around your windows.
Preventing Mold Growth
Mold is a living organism and is looking for the most ideal place to live and grow. Prevention is so much better than dealing with the problem.
Ventilation is the most important thing that you can do, air flow prevents the perfect conditions from forming. If you still have a damp environment, then you need to think of other ways to dry out the area.
Air purifiers are great because they remove mold spores and other germs from the air you breathe.
A dehumidifier is a good option, it allows the moisture to be removed from the air and this dries up the potential for having a damp room and can slow down the regrowth of mold.
Resources For Helping You With Mold In Your Home
When it comes to our homes, keeping them safe for our family is so important.
- How To Get Rid Of Mold And Damp
- When Did You Last Clean Your Windows
- Simple Tips And Tricks On How To Get Mold Off Walls
- What Is The Best Mold Killer
- How To Get Rid Of Mold In A House
- Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Black Mold
Oh, we have SO had a problem with this. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Stopped by from Fellowship Friday
Thank you for visiting 🙂
We have this problem in a huge way during the winter. We have standing puddles of water in the window sills on cold winter mornings, and lots of mold to follow. I thought it was a problem with our windows (it’s a new house).
Bleach diluted in a heavy duty spray bottle works perfectly and easily to kill the mold, though I wish it never formed in the first place. I spray it on and leave it for a while, then wipe it all off. No more mold…at least not for a while.
Thank you for visiting, I think a lot of time the mould happens because we seal our homes up too well, we forget the airflow that prevents the mould growth. I think it is something that many of us have to deal with on a regular basis unfortunately. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Was going to read the article, but something kept bothering me…. Oh, yes, it is MOLD not mould.
Hi Mary, Mould is the English spelling of the word and is therefore correct 🙂 But thanks for pointing this out I am only too happy to clarify any point in an article 🙂
Thanks for the tips, very useful at this time of year, especially!
You are welcome! Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment! 🙂
It’s “too” happy, not “to” in your sentence above. Spelling counts when writing for others. 🙂
Thank you for noticing! I have corrected it! Spelling is very important but sometimes an odd error slips through! 🙂
i moved in to a newly built home 2 years ago in the month of november and had awful mold by christmas. been fighting it until i discovered dehumidifiers are a marvel!!!! the one in my living room at my french doors i empty every 6 days of over a pint of water! and the master bedroom one next to the french doors there i empty it every 7 days of over a pint of water too! no more mold! gee wiz no wonder we had a mould problem all that water. dehumidifiers are the way to go.
I do love dehumidifiers but if the home has enough circulation of air then mould shouldn’t be a problem. It is a buy product of insulated homes! We have used and still do use dehumidifiers around the home but I want a more cost effective option! 🙂 Have a great week!
at the cost of 22p a week its a snip. my time is worth so much more. have a nice week:}
It’s by-product, not buy product
Thanks for noticing I will update the post! 🙂
how do you use/apply the baking soda? I also have black mould/mold on my bathroom ceiling.
I just make it into a paste and spread it onto the mould, if you can leave it for a few minutes to work its magic the better results you will get. If you make a thick paste (use less water) and use a cloth to apply to the mould. Hope this helps!
How do you use the tea tree oil?
Hi Susan, I just dilute a few drops in water in a spray bottle, shake well and apply. Nothing technical in my methodsI like to keep things simple! 🙂
Hello, Susan,
The caulking, paint and window casing of some of my windows are stained with mold. During the cold months they definitely produce condensation so I open the blinds & draperies, turn on the heat and the ceiling fans in those rooms to no avail. I’ve applied a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, five different essential oils known to be antifungal: 2 different tea tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia & Melaleuca quinquenervia), rosemary essential oil, clove essential oil and cinnamon essential oil and have allowed it to sit then scrub with a toothbrush. Some of the staining is removed but not all. Would you suggest I use bleach for the staining then apply a light mist of the essential oils diluted in water or hydrogen peroxide to kill it?
Thank you in advance!
-Sarah
Sometimes I really hate caulking it is a nightmare for getting clean! You have certainly tried to tackle the problem and you have opted for some great products! Bleach should work for the staining, but it might damage the caulking! I would use a very mild bleach to remove the staining and rinse well before using a tea tree oil to kill the mold. To keep this from coming back I do fear that it is going to be something you will have to keep a very close eye on!
Sharon, I love the way you deal with people! Set them straight in the nicest way possible. 🙂 And I love all the information on mould/mold killer.
Thanks,
Lindsey
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you liked the information too! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
I never knew that to stop the mold from forming you need to supply some sort of ventilation to the room. I had to get remediation done to my windowsill after mold piled up on it. Thanks for the tips for tackling mold on windows.
It’s such a simple tip but it works! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! ?
Hi I have mold on the back of a vinyl poster. How can I clean it off so the rare poster is not damaged? Yes the wall is what caused the mold. Thank you
With anything that is delicate or rare is to take extreme caution. Because I can’t see the poster I would really be cautious as to how you tackle this problem! I would try to wipe it off with a cloth, if it doesn’t come off I suggest looking into a specialist to see what they say!
I can’t believe how rude people are. This is a page with cleaning tips- not political opinions or slandering or anything even remotely malicious. It’s like a bunch of 13 year olds stumbled onto this page after their mother’s scolded them. Thank you, Sharon, for taking the time to post a page full of great tips and being very gracious and diplomatic when dealing with people. Let’s hope they learn a bit of humility.
Thank you for your kind words! ?
Thank you so much for these wonderful tips! We are currently renting a small farmhouse that was built in 1960 and it still has the original windows that slide sideways to open. All of the windows collect moisture and we have been struggling with mold issues. We have 3 small children (one of whom has asthma) so we have been looking for effective ways to rid our home of the mold.
I’m so glad you found these tips helpful! ?
People do make spelling mistakes so quit complaining about how it’s supposed to be spelled, were interested on how and what to use to get rid of it not the way it is spelled!
I agree people come on these sites just to criticize those that are trying to give helpful information to others. They need to zipper there mouths up and take a class on HOW TO SHOW CONSIDERATION AND RESPECT to others. They must be very unhappy people so get a life and be happy!
I appreciate you helping me learn more about mold. I didn’t know that bleach doesn’t kill mold. I wouldn’t any mold to come back. I might need to rethink what I sometimes use to clean up mold.
The main reason behind the increasing the mold is moisture. Once mold comes in house people try to remove it by itself with bleach and another chemical. But they forget about all this thing contains water and when you remove it by bleach it gives more power to mold. So always avoid the bleach and other chemicals for the mold removal. You should take proper inspection of the house by mold inspector and start following step by step advice by the mold inspector which help to goodbye mold forever. If you take the right step then a mold isn’t a big problem. Cheers!!!
the facts have been discussed is really important. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.
Thanks for sharing the ways to protect window sills from molds. I was not sure what products to use and how to do it effectively.