Winter is here: cold outside, fires inside. The only way to keep one’s sanity in such conditions is to boil water. Low temperatures prevent you from opening your window, leading to mold growth. That’s not something anyone wants to breathe. Black mold can be removed with these household items.
Vinegar
Vinegar is found in most houses. The acids in it are effective in killing over 80% of mold spores. Simply apply the vinegar to the windowsill with a spray bottle or a cloth. Leave on for about an hour. Then scrub with warm water. After drying the window, it is encouraged to leave the window open to further dry [1]. This works well on sunny days.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has many cleaning attributes. One benefit is cleaning moldy windowsills. Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of baking soda into a paste. Spread this paste over the mold and allow to harden. When dried, scrub off with warm water and allow to dry.
Bleach/ Ammonia
Bleach and ammonia are powerful chemicals. Using this indoors, one should take precautions like wearing a respiratory mask and gloves. And like vinegar, you will want the bleach or ammonia to set on the mold for about an hour before washing off.
Detergent/ Hot Soapy Water
Some laundry detergents and dish soaps are competent in removing mold. Simply mix with water and apply to surface. It stings the nose less than bleach [2].
Hydrogen Peroxide
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray the surface with containing mold. Wait 20-30 minutes and wipe clean.
Mold is a nasty spore that likes to appear in the wintertime. Fortunately, we do not have to live with it. Getting rid of it does not have to cost a lot of money. In the meantime, simple household items can help kick back the spores and make breathing easier as we await spring and the opening of windows.
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Notes:
- ^https://www.ecofmr.com/articles/best-way-to-get-rid-of-black-mold-around-window-sills/ (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.wcmanet.org/mold-on-windows/ (go back ↩)
