One of the most common problems faced by owners of plastic windows is the accumulation of condensation and the formation of mold. Even if you do not think about the aesthetic component of the problem, anyway, the possibility of negative consequences for human health cannot be ignored. In the article, we will consider how mold forms on the window and how to remove it.
Why is she dangerous
Mold and fungus produce powerful poisons of plant origin. Propagating, they can cause various diseases. The most common ones are:
- respiratory illnesses;
- allergic diseases;
- headache;
- chronic fatigue;
- irritation of the skin and eyes;
- reduced concentration of attention;
- pathology of the liver and kidneys;
- bone disease.
As a rule, the symptoms do not appear immediately, so the diagnosis of pathologies is difficult. The fungus on the windows has the ability to multiply, at the moment of weakening of the immune system exacerbates the human condition. If the problem is not resolved in time, then the disease can become chronic. The treatment will require more money and time than the timely elimination of the fungus.
Causes of mold
In fact, mold always surrounds a person. These are groups of microorganisms that quietly live next to living things. However, if you do not create an enabling environment for them, then in the vast majority of cases they do not pose a danger.
There is an opinion that it is impossible to completely get rid of mold. In this case, you can create conditions in which the fungus is not able to multiply and live. One of the main factors affecting its formation is excessive humidity in the room, insufficient ventilation. Why does mold appear on the windows? Most likely, the humidity in the room exceeds 60%.
Another no less important condition for the development of the fungus is temperature. As a rule, it varies between 15-38 degrees Celsius. The most favorable for reproduction is considered to be the range +22 ... + 27 ° . Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the fungus is a constant cohabitant of a person, since for people these conditions are optimal.
Why does mold appear in winter
Most often, it is formed on plastic window structures. The thing is that it is here that the conditions for its growth are almost ideal. In the summertime, its localization is significantly reduced, since the air becomes dry and the room is ventilated. Weather conditions improve and the mold on the window disappears. With the onset of cold weather, the situation repeats again, while sometimes the fungus conquers all large territories.
Surely many have heard such a term as "dew point." It is she who determines the appearance of the fungus. Due to the difference in air temperature outside and inside the room, condensation collects on the window and opening structures, the glass surface, slopes and under the windowsill. It is converted into water, and moisture is the optimal environment for the development of mold.
Another common cause of fungus formation on windows is leaky interpanel seams. The problem does not appear immediately after the installation of the structure, but after a while, when the insulation in the panel draws water. This happens due to poor-quality sealing of joints and seams. Some types of insulation can absorb up to 200 liters of water. It, in turn, begins to evaporate and settles on the glass, thereby creating favorable conditions for the development of mold.
If the design is not installed correctly
Often, mold on plastic windows is formed as a result of poor-quality installation of products. Despite all the preventive measures and ways to get rid of the fungus, the problem will return again, be regular. Reasons may include the following:
- After dismantling the old design, the entire window opening was not well cleaned from contamination. In addition, no fungicide treatment has been performed.
- The windows were changed in the cold season, icing and further thawing or ingress of moisture became the impetus for the development of the fungus.
- Slots are not thoroughly filled with foam, joints are poorly treated with sealant.
- When choosing a window design, the temperature regime inherent in the region was not taken into account.
Even the smallest oversight when choosing and installing a window construction can turn into big problems. It is for this reason that it is important to contact trusted specialists and install double-glazed windows by well-known manufacturers.
How to remove mold around a plastic window
Most often, people neglect prevention issues and think about solving a problem only when faced with it. When mold is found on the slopes of the windows, proceed to the following actions:
- The windowsill and window trim are removed.
- All are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- The treatment is carried out with chlorine-containing agents.
- All holes and slots are filled with foam or sealing compounds.
- The surface is primed with a special agent, for example, “Ceresit ST 99”.
- The window sill and lining are installed in place.
If the above measures do not correct the situation, you need to make ventilation holes in the upper part of the plastic structure. You can also take advantage of such affordable household tools:
- copper sulfate;
- chlorine;
- vinegar essence;
- fungicides;
- hydrogen peroxide solution;
- disinfectant or antifungal agents.
Most popular remedies
To remove mold on the window, the following substances are usually used:
- Chlorine is one of the easiest and most affordable means. In addition to mold, eliminates bacteria and has a disinfecting property. The powder is diluted with water in a ratio of one to five. During operation, wear rubber gloves and a respirator. Chlorine instantly kills the fungus, so there is no need to apply it for a long time. It may not have the best effect on the decorative finish of the window, so its use is not recommended for the treatment of slopes, window sills and front parts of the structure.
- Copper sulfate. This substance is an excellent tool for the destruction of various microorganisms. When working with it, it is important to protect the skin and respiratory system with protective gloves and a mask. Sulphate is treated with plastic frames, slopes and windowsill. However, it must not be applied to metal parts, as this can lead to corrosion.
Household fungicides are often formulations based on one of these funds, but in a finished form. One of these is Whiteness, Well Done 2 or more caustic composition from the domestic manufacturer Tex.
Gentle chemistry
Less aggressive substances can be used for cleaning:
- You can remove the fungus from the glasses and plastic frames using an acetic solution. For this, 200 ml of essence and boric acid are added to one liter of water.
- A natural and effective tool in the fight against fungus is a solution prepared from one tea tree tea oil and a glass of water.
- Mold can be removed with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Conventional detergents such as Cillit Bang help clean mold from the surface.
- In the fight against mold, disinfectants such as Biocin and Neomid 600 have worked well.
- In some pharmacies there are medicinal antifungal compounds with a wide spectrum of action - Clotrimazole and Candide.
How to remove mold from a plastic window
This can be done with affordable home remedies. Their production takes a minimum of time and financial costs, and in terms of efficiency they surpass expensive means of directional action. Such compounds will help get rid of mold on the windows:
- A glass of vinegar essence is mixed with the same amount of boric acid and a liter of warm water, and the entire window structure is treated.
- 100 g of bleach and copper sulfate are added to a liter of water, the resulting product effectively fights against fungus.
- 100 g of copper sulfate and sodium fluoride are dissolved in a liter of water, and problem areas are treated.
Surface treatment is best done with synthetic fabric. Vitriol and sodium fluoride can be purchased at the household or horticultural departments. It is necessary to protect the skin of the hands and face with gloves and a mask. After cleaning the surfaces affected by mold, the room is well ventilated.
Sorbent and ionizer
In the fight against fungus, household appliances can also help. An ionizer is a device that cleans the air of germs, bacteria, pathogens, etc. Small models are very convenient to use. The device is placed on the windowsill and turned on at high power, and after a while they set the minimum mode. The appliance is left on for about half an hour.
Sorbent is an absorber of aromas. It is produced on an industrial scale to eliminate unpleasant odors in rooms. In the fight against mold, he will not be able to radically change the situation, but there will be a small effect from use.
Chemical substances
In addition to home remedies, specially designed chemical compounds help in the fight against mold on the window:
- Atlas Mykos. It is a concentrate designed to remove mold, algae, fungi, moss and lichens. It is used for processing indoors and outdoors. The product is diluted with water according to the instructions, it all depends on the surface being treated.
- Astonish One of the best remedies against black mold. Stains are easy to clean without much effort. If it is necessary to remove the fungus from window structures, shower cabins, tile, this product will be the best choice among analogues.
- SZAVO. A popular remedy for mold in residential, technical and basement. Completely destroys mold, algae and yeast. It is easy to apply, does not need to be washed off, does not leave stains and stains on the surface.
- Antialga B25. It is a water-based formulation containing fungicide and algicin. Effectively eliminates various types of mold and fungi. The product is odorless, non-toxic, often included in wood paints as an additional protection.
- Well Done 2 is a new generation antifungal agent with antibacterial effect. The result is noticeable almost immediately. As a rule, it is used to treat affected areas of painted walls, wood, windows, bathrooms and even ventilation systems.
Prevention
To avoid mold around the window, it is important to take preventative measures. First of all, you need to prevent increased humidity in the room and provide good ventilation.
The following recommendations will help:
- Remove moisture sources.
- Care should be taken about additional ventilation systems.
- Need to install the hood.
- It is required to abandon dense curtains.
- It is necessary to provide heating of the glass.
- Need to install micro-ventilation on plastic windows.
- Condensation must be prevented.
- It will be necessary to solve the problem of leakage of interpanel seams.
In addition, you need to monitor the condition of the window opening and the structure itself, timely carry out scheduled maintenance.