How can I prevent mould from growing on my window frames?

Question

I live in an old Victorian house which has very big old Sash windows.
When I have the heating on the condensation pours down them, I wipe them down as much as I can but they are very big and there is a lot of them.
I am fighting a losing battle because I keep finding black mould and mildew along the bottom of the frames.
I am sure this has contributed to the colds my children seem to be constanly getting, so I would like to get rid of it and prevent it from coming back as soon as possible.

I am not going allow my children to freeze to death by leaving the heating off in the middle of winter, and unfortunatley I am not currently sh!tting money so double glazing is out of the question.

Answer 1

This use to happen to my windows when i moved onto my flat 8 years ago!

It's cause the previous tenant's never opened the window's for example when they were cooking or just to get some fresh air!

Moisture builds up in the brickwork,and with know windows open....it can't escape anywhere.....!

You need to dry out the place by opening the window's and doors more often....even if it's cold!,that's even better!(but most people moan and say...."oh it's too cold to have them open"-when you can just be in another room at the time if it's really cold!)

My flat is now OK,i now don't have to worry about the window's steaming up when i cook something in the kitchen,cause i have it open!

Know wonder why people's house's stink,thank god mine doesn't,and if it does for some reason or other.....i open the window's!....none of the Fabresse crap from the shops!

Answer 2

Double glazing, but that won't help you! Try laying old towels along the window ledges to catch the wet - ad wipe off as often as you think about it. A dehumidifier might help - not sure on this one. To get rid of the yukking looking black stuff, an old toothbrush and neat bleach left for a few minutes will work.

Answer 3

I cannot use chlorine bleach so...
I use white vinegar on a Q-Tip. Or baby wipes.
a dehumidifier is great but you also have to leave a window open a crack at the top somewhere in the house or you will be plagued with static and dry noses.

Answer 4

Invest in a dehumidifier. Trust me they are worth it.
I think Mr Muscle also do a spray that removes mould and mildew.
All the best SF.

Answer 5

i am a fellow sufferer! you can buy condensation strips that you place along the window sill and they absorb all the water,but you need to place them on damp and they are a bit of a fiddle! we got ours from homebase.i know its depressing but not as depressing as a sea of bloody awful pvc that is not in keeping with the house.chin-up it'll soon be spring!

Answer 6

Wash the moldy area with bleach water. 10 parts water + 1 part bleach. I used this to wash moldy windchimes and the ceiling on our porch. The mold has not come back and it has been years.

Answer 7

a weak solution of bleach and water should cure your problem, then get some condensation traps from woolworth or a diy shop and place in windowsills

Answer 8

if you can buy a dehumidifier
also place a bowl of water on each radiator this will help. and if you can let in a bit of fresh air
all these will help

Answer 9

Dont turn on the heating .This is not only environmentally friendly it will also save you a lot of money , which you could use to invest in double glazing

Answer 10

i spray lysol around my windows before it starts getting rainy...it works. just dont wipe it away, let it soak