How to get rid of mold on plastic windows and slopes: reasons, how and what to eliminate

Plastic windows are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, but their main drawback is their inability to let air through. Because of this, condensation forms on surfaces and black mold develops. The spots will quickly grow in breadth and depth. Then it will be very difficult to remove. You don't need to call in a professional to deal with mold. There are effective ways to deal with this issue.

Causes of mold

The battle against mold will be unsuccessful if the cause of its occurrence is not found and eliminated. Typically, black spots on plastic windows are formed due to significant humidity and lack of access to fresh air.

There were many cracks in the old wooden windows, thanks to which the air moved. Because of the cracks, it was colder and drafty, but there was no significant humidity. After replacing wooden frames with PVC double-glazed windows, the situation changes dramatically. There are no longer any drafts, the heat remains completely in the room, but due to the lack of fresh air flow, humidity increases and positive conditions are created for fungal infection.

The surface of the plastic is completely sealed. It does not absorb condensation and does not evaporate moisture like wood. Therefore, all conditions are created for the rapid reproduction and spread of spores. Inept window installers often violate technology. This leads to the accumulation of moisture on the plastic structure and the formation of a breeding ground for colonies when the windows become moldy.

Important! It is not enough to just wash off the mold that has formed on plastic windows. When the cause is not eliminated, the problem will appear again very soon.

If the structure is installed incorrectly

Often, mold on plastic windows is formed as a result of poor-quality installation of products. Despite all the preventive measures and methods of getting rid of the fungus, the problem will return again and be regular. Reasons may include:

After dismantling the old structure, the entire window opening was not sufficiently cleaned of dirt. In addition, no fungicide treatment was carried out. The windows were replaced during the cold season; icing and further thawing or moisture ingress became an impetus for the development of fungus. The cracks were not filled with foam thoroughly enough, and the joints were poorly treated with sealant. When choosing a window design, the temperature conditions inherent in the region were not taken into account.

Even the slightest mistake when choosing and installing a window structure can result in big problems. It is for this reason that it is important to contact trusted specialists and install double-glazed windows from well-known manufacturers.

Tools and preparations for work

To get rid of mold on slopes, you will need special preparations that are used to treat the surface. For this purpose use:

solutions with antifungal action;
detergents containing chlorine.

To protect the skin on your hands and respiratory organs from exposure to aggressive components, wear rubber gloves and a mask. If the fungus has eaten deeply, you have to dismantle the slope. This cannot be done without special tools. Therefore, additionally prepare:

spatula, drill and chisel;
heat-insulating material;
screwdriver, tape measure or ruler;
means for sealing seams and joints;
new plastic panel;
special glue for plastic, sharp knife.

How to remove fungus and mold on windows: a review of the best chemicals

You can buy a product to remove mold and mildew from windows at any hardware store. Moreover, they are suitable for working on any surface - concrete, brick, plasterboard, plaster or paint, ceramics, stone or wood. We offer a list of the best anti-mold drugs:

Olympus stop mold
Metas- BIO
Tex
NANO-FIX
Abedis 06
Fongifluid Alpa
SCHIMMEL-ENTFERNER
Dali
Dufa
Vincents Polyline

Review
You should be careful with plastic windows - against strong agents, and with prolonged exposure, the plastic may turn yellow. Therefore, it is better to choose the following means, since they are less aggressive:

NEOMID Bio
Biotsid-S
Mellrud
Tilex
HG

Important : Take precautions, cover your eyes, head and hands! And always follow the instructions! Before purchasing, find out the degree of toxicity of the drug, whether it can be used indoors or on a certain surface, and how it affects animals.
Typically, chemicals are sprayed and removed along with the mold. If necessary, the procedure should be repeated to remove mold to the base. Then an antifungal primer is applied.

Treat every area

Surface cleaning

The material of the slopes where moldy spots have formed is of great importance. If plastic is used, the plank is disassembled and the wall underneath is completely disinfected. Plasterboard panels are replaced with others. The fungus has already managed to penetrate the pores of such material, so it will not be possible to completely remove the colony.

Use a stiff brush to get rid of mold and completely clean it from surfaces, frames and walls. Then you need to treat the wall and the double-glazed window with a chlorine-containing substance, first protecting your hands with gloves.

Antiseptic treatment

Products for antiseptic treatment are purchased ready-made at a hardware or hardware store. Typically, they use copper sulfate or chlorine as the active ingredient. There are several options for making your own disinfectant composition.

First option:

200 ml acetic acid concentration 70%;
200 ml boric acid;
1 liter of water.

Second option:

100 ml copper sulfate;
100 ml sodium fluoride;
1 liter of water.

Third option:

1 part bleach;
1 part copper sulfate;
5 parts water.

Important! Before processing, gloves are put on your hands. Then the prepared wall is treated with an antiseptic using a brush. After finishing work, be sure to ventilate the room.

Consolidate the result

To prevent reoccurrence of mold, waterproof the surface. The slope is covered with construction mastic, creating a moisture-proof barrier on the wall. It will last for several years.

Gentle chemistry

You can use less aggressive substances for cleaning:

You can remove fungus from glass and plastic frames using a vinegar solution. To do this, add 200 ml of essence and boric acid to one liter of water. A natural and effective remedy in the fight against fungus is a solution prepared from one teaspoon of tea tree oil and a glass of water. Mold can be removed with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Conventional detergents, for example, Cillit Bang, help remove mold from the surface. Disinfectants such as Biocin and Neomid 600 have proven themselves well in the fight against mold.

In some pharmacies you can find medicinal antifungal compositions with a wide spectrum of action - “Clotrimazole” and “Candide”.

Removing mold without removing slopes

If mold has just begun to spread over the surface of the windows and its foci have not completely captured the slope, the fight against the fungus is carried out without removing the slope. In this case, you need to wash off the black spots and dry the surface well. It is then important to keep the humidity level under control and not allow it to exceed a critical value.

Mold washing

To clean ceramic tiles or plastic panels, industrial household chemicals with an antiseptic effect are used. Suitable products for cleaning and disinfecting plumbing fixtures, bleaches and stain removers with chlorine are suitable for this purpose: Vanish, Domestos, Belizna, Sanitol and others.

You can also get rid of black spots using folk remedies. The following compositions help well:

Table vinegar with a concentration of 9%, undiluted, is sprayed directly onto the stain and left for 1 hour. Then wash off the contamination with clean water.
Baking soda is mixed with water to form a thick paste. It is applied to the mold areas and hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on top. After the end of the chemical reaction, the remaining mass is removed with a damp cloth.
Dissolve 4 tbsp. l. baking soda in 1 liter of water and wash the areas with fungus with this solution. After treatment, the composition is not washed off.
Tea tree oil ether in the amount of 1 tsp. combine with the same amount of salt and dissolve in 1 glass of water. Use this product to wash moldy stains on the window. It is not necessary to wash off the composition.
100 ml of bleach and the same amount of copper sulfate are dissolved in 1 liter of water. Use this product to wash the window surfaces. To protect the respiratory system, wear a respirator while working, and protect your hands with rubber gloves.

Important! Aggressive compositions with chlorine and other components are used only after other means have been tried. They provide an excellent disinfectant effect, but can damage the top layer of the plastic coating.

To remove mold from slopes painted with water-based paint, it is not advisable to wash them. In this case, using a stiff brush, drying with hot air, and disinfecting with a quartz lamp will help get rid of mold on the windows.

Drying

Plastic windows, washed from mold on the slopes, are thoroughly dried using any available methods. To do this, wipe them dry and open the window wide. This will help any remaining moisture evaporate. The slopes painted with water-based emulsion and the plastic parts of the window are dried with hot air from a hairdryer.

Important! When using a hair dryer, do not direct the jet at the glass. If the temperature outside is low, sudden heating will cause the glass surface to burst.

Ventilation

To maintain the required level of humidity and ensure ventilation, arrange regular ventilation. According to doctors, it is useful to open windows every hour for a few minutes. But if this is not possible, ventilation is done in the morning and evening hours. It is advisable not to close the doors to the room so that air circulates in the room.

It is useful to prevent the formation of mold around plastic windows by constantly monitoring the optimal humidity level. In this case, a household hygrometer will help. This device should show a humidity value of 45-60%.

High-quality ventilation is especially important during cooking, so as not to think about what to do if there is mold on the slopes of plastic windows. Therefore, when cooking, use a hood. If there is no such device in the kitchen, open a window.

To prevent mold from forming, you should not hang wet laundry around the apartment to dry. It is also worth giving up a large number of indoor plants on windowsills. They increase the level of humidity in the air.

Curtains

The microclimate in the room and the level of humidity are greatly influenced by the material of the curtains on the windows. Curtains made of synthetics do not allow air to pass through well, so dampness stagnates in the space between the window glass and the tulle. For optimal circulation of air masses, it is recommended to hang curtains made of natural lightweight fabrics on the windows. If necessary, such material will absorb excess moisture. If it is not possible to change the curtains, frequent ventilation will help.

Odor absorbers

Such devices are a plastic box or ball filled with sorbent. They are usually used to remove unpleasant odors from inside the refrigerator or for shoes. The odor absorber will help reduce dampness to some extent if you place it on the windowsill. You can make something similar to an industrial device yourself. To do this, pour cat litter into a bag made of natural fabric and tie it tightly. It is better to use wood filler. Such a homemade sorbent absorber is regularly dried on a battery.

Using an ionizer or ozonizer

There is no need to buy these devices specifically, but if they are already in the house, they can be used to remove mold from plastic windows. Ozonizers clean the air in the room from mold spores, germs, dust mites and other harmful microorganisms. For convenience, it is recommended to use small models designed for refrigerators. They are placed on window sills and turned on at the highest power. After a few minutes the value is reduced.

Application of quartz lamp

This is another way to combat mold. Any quartz lamp is installed on the windowsill and turned on, directing the rays at the blackened spot. Irradiation lasts 30 minutes. During this time, animals, children, aquariums, and indoor flowers are removed from the room. The door to the room is tightly closed.

After half an hour, turn off the lamp and ventilate the room. The rays of a quartz lamp destroy mold. Therefore, all that remains is to clean the black marks from the wall with a stiff brush and thoroughly dry the area with a hairdryer.

Fungus and mold on windows: control methods

You need to remove fungus and mold on windows according to the following scheme:

Carry out a thorough cleaning of mold spores by washing
If the fungus is very ingrained, you should use a brush, sandpaper, spatula or any sharp object. It is important to remove all deep stains, loose putty or damaged wallpaper.
Dry the surface
Use antifungal drugs or fungicides (list below)
Some chemical solutions require that they be washed off with clean water. Therefore, read the instructions
Dry the entire window area well with a building/household hairdryer, selecting a warm mode or another heating device
If the mold is very “ingrained”, then the procedure can be repeated 2-3 times
Waterproof the window frame - seal all seams and joints. Wooden windows can be covered with paper or cloth. But now you can use window sealant (acrylic, silicone, semi-sulfide, polyurethane) or special tape for both plastic and wooden frames.

Tip: Finally, you can diffuse a water solution of antiseptic essential oils, such as tea tree, clove, lavender or orange, grapefruit. But keep in mind - oils do not dissolve in water! First, 5-6 drops must be dissolved in 1 tbsp. l. alcohol and then mix with 100 ml of water. The proportions can be adjusted depending on the surface to be treated and the desired intensity of the solution.

Wipe off the mold thoroughly

Mold Prevention

So that you don’t have to wonder how to deal with mold on the slopes of plastic windows, you need to follow simple rules. They will help you avoid trouble:

The ventilation hole in the kitchen is left free. This room most often experiences high temperature and humidity, and closed ventilation prevents free air circulation.
The condition of plastic windows is checked twice a year. If malfunctions or breakdowns are detected, they are eliminated independently or with the help of a specialist.
To prevent the air humidity in the room from increasing, do not plant indoor plants in large quantities.
To improve air circulation in the apartment space, interior doors are opened.
The apartment is ventilated every day. It's good if the house has air conditioning.
It is better to dry clothes on the balcony. If it is not possible to hang it outside, open the windows while drying.
Regularly treat slopes and window sills with products containing chlorine.

Important! Do not allow condensation to settle on the windows. Its appearance causes the formation of mold. Therefore, when condensation appears, immediately inspect the windows and destroy mold if it is found.

Technology to help

An ultraviolet lamp also helps fight mold that appears on window frames, window sills and walls. Studies have shown that its rays effectively destroy almost all types of pathogenic microorganisms, which include fungal spores. Therefore, such a household appliance can be used regularly for preventive purposes. The main thing is to follow the precautions prescribed in the instructions. In particular, do not stay in the room while the device is operating and ventilate the room after treatment is completed.

Ozonizer

An ozonizer is another indispensable assistant in the fight against germs, mold and dust mites. Within an hour of operation, the device is able to completely clean the room of pathogenic organisms. But it should be remembered that ozone in high concentrations has a poisonous effect, so you should not be near a working device, and after finishing the treatment, the room must be thoroughly ventilated.

Remaking plastic slopes

If black mold appears on the windows and covers a large area of the panel, it cannot be removed using conventional means. In this case, a complete rework of the slope is required, since the main mass of fungus is usually hidden under it. To do this, remove the outer decorative corner with a chisel, pick up the side part with a spatula and, loosening it a little, remove it. If it is attached to polyurethane foam, use a sharp knife to cut it and remove the part. The remaining parts of the slopes are removed in the same way.

After removing the thermal insulation, inspect the seams. In this case, you can see that moisture penetrates the slope from the outside. Then you need to thoroughly seal the external interpanel joints. For residents living on the top floor, they cannot do without the help of climbers.

Fungus and mold on windows: additional causes of condensation

Let us repeat that constant moisture on windows leads to the growth of fungal spores. Plastic windows are more susceptible to this due to the tightness of the frame itself. But it is worth highlighting the reasons that many overlook, and they apply to any windows.

Additional reasons why fungus and mold appear on windows:

Incorrect installation or assembly of the structure itself. That is, if there are cracks or emptiness between the frame and the wall, then there will be a constant draft in the house
Insufficient layer of polyurethane foam. Or has it dried out over time?
If the cleaning was initially done poorly and the foam did not stick well
When the window sill is not used and water accumulates under the frame
Distortion of the frame itself due to insufficient use of dowels or too wide a distance to the slopes
If the window was installed directly on the insulation without wedges
Gaps or cracks in the wall
The window sill and slopes are too wide. A large window sill blocks the circulation of warm air from the radiators in order to properly dry the window from condensation
Insufficient radiator/heating radiator
The curtains are too thick, which also blocks the air to the window

A large number of flowers increases humidity and interferes with circulation

Ventilation and plumbing

To completely remove mold, it is important that the ventilation works well and there are no problems with the plumbing. To check the operation of the ventilation, bring a flame from a lighter or candle to its grille. If the tongue does not move, it means the ventilation is closed. In this case, they call a technician to clean the channels. If this is not the reason, then the installation of a special fan is required, which will promote air circulation in the room.

Special supply valves are installed on window units to improve ventilation. They provide a flow of fresh air, prevent windows from “sweating” and prevent the development of mold. To reduce humidity during cooking, install a hood above the stove.

Faulty plumbing is also a common cause of high humidity. Then all leaking taps and pipes are repaired. It is also worth considering the material from which the pipes are made. Condensation often settles on a metal surface, so it is better to replace such pipes with plastic.

Folk remedies

Chemicals are toxic in nature. Their incorrect use leads to poisoning or allergic reactions. Another disadvantage of fungicides is their cost. Safer, cheaper traditional methods can cope with cleaning windows and slopes from microorganisms.

Copper sulfate

Copper sulfate is an inexpensive way to combat parasitic microorganisms. Despite the fact that during evaporation the substance releases harmful elements, it is used in apartments with careful observance of safety measures. Vitriol has the appearance of blue crystals, but to treat fungal colonies it must be diluted in water.

Preparation:

Heat the water to 40 degrees (10 liters).
Wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles and mask).
Add vitriol crystals to the liquid (100 grams).
Stir the solution thoroughly and begin processing.

It is important to follow safety rules when using.

Treatment:

provide air ventilation;
apply the resulting solution to the affected surface using a dish sponge or brush;
remove remaining vitriol with soapy water;
if necessary, repeat the treatment after a few hours;
open windows and doors for ventilation.

If liquid leaks onto your skin or into your eyes, you should immediately rinse the affected area under running water.

Lemon acid

Has properties like vinegar. The substances included in its composition break down spores. The recipe is as follows: dissolve a teaspoon of acid in water, wipe the infected areas with a damp cloth. Leave until completely dry.

Vinegar

Vinegar effectively fights mold and prevents it from reproducing. An acidic environment destroys the pest and its spores.

Application method:

You can use a rag or spray to apply. Use undiluted vinegar to treat the affected area by microorganisms.
After an hour, residues from the surface are washed off with water.
The room takes a long time to ventilate.

For prevention, repeat the vinegar treatment after a month.

Bleach

Bleach removes pests on windows without leaving a trace and contains sodium hypochlorite, which dissolves mold spores.

How to use:

make a solution based on the proportions of 1 liter of bleach per 10 liters of water;
put on gloves and wipe the affected area with the solution using a paint brush or spray;
ventilate the room for a long time.

Bleach, due to its composition, will permanently rid windows of plaque.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the best harmless product that can be used to treat windows against mold at a low cost.

Benefits of use:

no toxic fumes are released;
does not harm people or nature.

Before using peroxide, clean the surface to be treated. The solution is applied with a sponge or rag, which well moisturize the seams, corners, and joints. Peroxide leaves no residue when it dries.

Borax

It is also boric acid, and is presented in liquid form in the store. To effectively eliminate brown mold, you need to prepare a solution: 1 cup of the substance and 2 cups of water, mix thoroughly. The solution is applied with a stiff brush to areas where plaque accumulates. After complete drying, wipe the surface with a dry cloth, do not rinse with water.

Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an effective, low-cost plaque remover. Before treating the affected area, the powdery substance is diluted with water. Proportions: one teaspoon of bicarbonate per glass of liquid. An hour after application to the surface, wipe and remove any residue.

Potassium permangantsovka

Potassium permanganate is one of the cheapest and most harmless remedies for mold.

Stages of work:

mix a weak solution at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water;
apply to the plaque using a spray bottle or cloth;
cannot be washed off.

The potassium permanganate solution, having a long-lasting effect on the treated area, protects the windows from the re-formation of a colony of microorganisms.

Ammonia

Will remove fungus from windows, window sills, slopes.

Application:

Mix water and alcohol in a 1:1 ratio.
Clean the affected area from plaque.
Apply the resulting mixture to a clean surface.
Use a sponge or spray bottle.
After two hours, remove the remaining solution.
Ventilate the room.

The substances contained in alcohol can damage the skin, so gloves should be used.

Primer

This product is easy to find in construction stores (Dali, Stop-Mold and others).

Features of application:

use strictly according to the instructions (some types of primer need to be diluted with water);
Clean the surface and apply with a brush;
Do not remove any remaining product.

For prevention, a primer is applied to the wall during construction or repair.

To enhance the effect, the products can be combined with each other.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil effectively fights mold and germs. Its use is safe for humans.

Usage:

Mix a teaspoon of oil with one glass of water (you can add 1 spoon of salt to enhance the effect).
Apply the solution to the covered area.
Does not require rinsing.

In addition to fighting the colony of microorganisms, the oil will help remove unpleasant odors. For prevention, re-treat after a few days.

Grapefruit seed extract

An inexpensive and safe means of defeating mold.

How to use:

prepare a solution: 15 drops per 250 milliliters of water, mix;
spray the liquid on the affected area;
let dry.

The mixture will prevent the fungus from reoccurring for a long time.

Combating an unfavorable environment

To eradicate the problem completely, it is necessary to destroy the environment in which the growth of harmful microorganisms occurs. A thorough analysis of the window, frame, slopes and cornices should be carried out. Seal all cracks and eliminate possible drafts. Treat all seams with sealant to prevent future moisture penetration. Insulate the opening, apply plaster, pre-treating it with special primers and anti-mold compounds.

Rules to prevent mold growth

The appearance of fungus on the slopes of PVC windows is a problem and it is difficult to fight it. Therefore, it is better not to have it at all. To do this, you need to find out why condensation appears. This is usually the main reason for mold development.

The first sign of condensation is fogging of windows

The appearance of fungus can be caused by:

the window sill blocks the heater;
large window depth;
The glass unit is installed too close to the external wall.

To correct the first reason, you need to cut the window sill or remove the battery. You can make ventilation holes in the window sill above the radiator. To combat the second reason, you will have to carry out a reconstruction - install a convector in the window sill. It will heat the glass and additionally blow the entire space.

Installed convector

The last reason requires repair work. Slopes must be made vapor-tight. A primer, film, or mastic may be suitable for this. Afterwards they are insulated with any insulation.