Mold / Mildew Cleaning on Windows

[Coach Dog]

Does anyone have any advice on how to clean off mold/mildew from my windows? It gets built up around the bottom wooden part of my windows in the winter from the condensation. It is dark green, almost black in color, but is more of a stain than a fungus. My house was built in 2002 and has an air exchange, so I'm not quite sure why it is prevelent, but it is mostly due to shutting our blinds at night. Any advice would be appreciated.

[fishtrap3]

bleach and water

[IFallsRon]

Check the home forum for information about why you're having condensation issues. You need to determine why you're having the problem so that you don't ruin the windows.

[Coach Dog]

Where do I find the home forum?

[Surface Tension]

Your getting moister condensing on the windows because the glass is cold. Cold glass means your windows aren't that great. Besides replacing the window you install storm windows. That should be enough of of a break to stop the condensing. If not then you have some weather strip issues as well. Next thing to do is find out the humidity level in the house. Meters are inexpensive. If its excessive look to where its coming from. Two places that will drive up the humidity are the bath and kitchen. Use your exhaust fans if you have them. If all fails you can use the plastic window wraps over the worst windows, you'll be saving on the heating bill as well.

[Shorelunch]

Do you have an air exchanger? We have a new house and were getting condensation on the windows. Since adding the air exchanger - zero condensation.

[Coach Dog]

Yes, we have an air exchange.

[WIllsdad]

Coach Dog.

You do not have "Bad" Windows. Actually condensation on your windows is telling you that your window is working properly. In the winter time, your humidity level should be around 24%. You will have dry skin but that is part of the deal. I own a glass company and I get these calls all of the time when it is cold. You shoul be able to set your air exchange down to 24%. If you have a brand new house, the first year is always the worst becaue you have a lot mor moisture excaping all of the wood, paint ect.. The lack of air movement (and humidity) around your window will dictate how much moisture is on your windows. The more air movement on your window, the higher humidity you can have without condesation.

To clean up the mold problem, try bleach and water and then re-sand your wood and put a high-quality poly on it to protect it. Once you hae you air exchange set properly, you will be able to keep the highest possible humidity level without the condensation. Let me know if you want me to send you a "guide" to condesation brochure. [email protected]

[Coach Dog]

Thanks WIllsdad and everyone else. My air exchange unit does not have a humidity setting, but only a setting of the outside air temperature and I usually just go by that. Maybe we just have high humidity in our house? Thanks for all the words of wisdom guys!