Mould can appear in many places around the home and it is particularly evident when it pops up around your windows.
Unfortunately, it is almost inevitable during the colder months like December, thanks to the predictably damp British weather.
The primary cause of mould around windows is condensation. If you can prevent the build-up of condensation, you should be able to stop mould from growing.
Many people choose to use bleach to clean mould on windows. However, applying bleach may cause the mould to spread to previously unaffected areas.
Jade Oliver, showroom stylist at Express Bi-Folding Doors, warned: “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, typically found with five percent acidity, works best undiluted, so there’s no need to mix it with water first.
However, as it is a mild acid, avoid using vinegar on aluminium, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone, as it could damage or etch the finish.
For safety reasons, wear non-porous gloves, goggles or safety glasses, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
Pour enough undiluted white vinegar into an empty spray bottle to cover the area of mould growth.
Spray the mould directly, ensuring it’s fully saturated with the vinegar, and allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour.
Resist the urge to scrub or rinse as the mould needs time to fully absorb the vinegar.
Next, grab a brush or scouring pad to scrub the problem area thoroughly. Once you’ve given it a good scrub, rinse off the space with clean and warm water.
Following the initial scrub and rinse routine, shower the area once more with a spritz of vinegar, a final flourish to kill off any persistent mould spores and stop them from making an unwelcome comeback.
There’s no need to fret over the pungent scent of the vinegar as it naturally vanishes within a few hours.
For grimy windows invaded by layers of dirt, hold off on reaching for that bucket of soapy water as it only causes dust to cling stubbornly to the glass.
Luckily Jade has a better strategy, insisting: “Use a duster to loosen any dust particles first and then try gently vacuuming with the bristle attachment to avoid scratching the surface.”
Jade adds a pro-tip for those tricky spots, advising: “Finally, to get into any tougher nooks and crannies such as the corners and rims, work in a feather duster to manipulate the grime.”
