Saw this local news segment yesterday about a family who discovered their persistent allergies were actually due to mold buildup around their window frames. Apparently, it's pretty common and can sneak up on you without noticing. Got me thinking about my own windows...checked today and yep, found some suspicious spots myself. Kinda grossed out now, lol. Has anyone else dealt with this? Curious if you've tried any DIY methods that actually worked or if it's better just to call in professionals.
"Got me thinking about my own windows...checked today and yep, found some suspicious spots myself. Kinda grossed out now, lol."
Yeah, mold around windows is sneaky stuff. Had a similar issue last year—noticed some dark spots around the frames after a particularly rainy season. Honestly, I was skeptical about DIY methods at first, figured it was just another internet rabbit hole. But I gave vinegar and baking soda a shot (just sprayed vinegar, let it sit, then scrubbed with baking soda paste). Surprisingly, it cleared up pretty well and hasn't come back yet.
That said, if your mold seems extensive or keeps returning, might be worth getting a pro to check it out. Mold can get into places you can't easily reach or even see. Better safe than sorry, especially if allergies are involved. Good luck with it... mold is definitely one of those homeowner headaches nobody warns you about when you buy a place.
Had the same issue a couple years back—tried vinegar too, but it didn't fully solve it for me. Ended up realizing the window seals were shot, letting moisture in. Replaced the seals, cleaned everything thoroughly, and haven't seen mold since. Might wanna check your seals or caulking...could be moisture sneaking in that's causing the mold to keep popping up.
Yeah, good point about the seals. Had a similar mold issue last winter—it was driving me nuts... Tried all the usual sprays, but nothing stuck until I redid the caulking around my frames. Definitely worth checking out before it gets worse.
Redoing the caulking is a solid suggestion. Mold around windows usually means moisture is getting trapped, so sealing properly is key. Before you recaulk, make sure to clean the area thoroughly with a mold remover or a simple vinegar-water mix (works surprisingly well). Let it dry completely, then apply a good-quality silicone caulk around the frames. Also, double-check your window drainage holes—sometimes they're clogged, causing water buildup. Had a client recently who overlooked that, and clearing them out made a noticeable difference.
Redoing caulking can help, but honestly, if mold keeps coming back, it might be worth checking humidity levels inside your home. Had a similar issue myself—kept cleaning and sealing, but mold returned every winter. Turned out the indoor humidity was way too high. Got a decent dehumidifier and problem solved. Not saying drainage holes and caulking aren't important, just that sometimes the root cause is deeper than surface fixes...
Humidity's definitely a big factor, but you might also wanna check your window insulation. Had mold issues myself until I realized cold spots were causing condensation buildup. Added some weatherstripping and insulated curtains—made a huge difference. Worth a shot before investing in a dehumidifier...
"Added some weatherstripping and insulated curtains—made a huge difference."
Good call on the curtains and weatherstripping, those cold spots are sneaky. Reminds me of a client I had whose mold kept coming back no matter what we tried. Turns out, the window frame itself was improperly installed, leaving tiny gaps that were basically invisible but causing constant condensation. Once we fixed the installation, problem solved. Ever checked if your frames are properly sealed and level? Could be another hidden culprit...
Had the same issue—thought curtains were enough until I found out my window frames were practically swiss cheese. A little caulk and sealant later, mold stopped visiting. Those tiny gaps sure know how to hide...
Same here, curtains are mostly cosmetic anyway—they won't keep moisture out. Had mold pop up around my windows last winter, and it turned out to be more than just gaps in the frames. If you haven't checked yet, also look at your window sills and tracks. Mine had tiny cracks letting in moisture that I totally overlooked at first.
Here's what worked for me:
1. Pulled off the old caulk (it was cracked and useless anyway).
2. Cleaned everything thoroughly with vinegar solution to kill existing mold spores.
3. Let it dry completely—important step, don't rush this or you'll trap moisture.
4. Applied new silicone-based sealant (the waterproof stuff) carefully along every seam.
5. Waited overnight to let it fully cure.
Since doing that, zero mold issues so far—even through a rainy spring season. And yeah, those tiny gaps are sneaky...you think you're good until suddenly there's a weird musty smell again.
It's also worth checking outside your windows too. Sometimes the real issue is water pooling on the outside sill or poor drainage around the frame. I had one window where the exterior paint was peeling, allowing water in behind the wood—fixed that and sealed it up tight.
Mold's stubborn, but usually it's just about finding the hidden moisture source and sealing it off properly.