Since most of us are usually concerned with window glass and making it perfectly shiny, we often overlook window tracks. That is a mistake because this part of the window is almost always the one where our issue with mold starts. Therefore, tracks require our attention, and they are just as important as other parts of our window. Luckily, there is an easy way to clean your window tracks like a pro and get rid of mold in no time! If you want to know how to do that, you should keep reading this article.
Using a Steam Cleaner to Clean Window Tracks
If you are not a fan of cleaning solutions full of harsh chemicals, you’ll be happy to know that there is a way to avoid them. By investing in a good steam cleaner, you will be able to clean your window tracks like a pro without any additional products!
A steam cleaner will effectively remove any dirt, oils, and grease from your windows. It will also act as a disinfectant, and eliminate germs and bacteria. What’s more, a steam cleaner is safe for pets, kids, and those with sensitive skin.
Before you start using the device, you should carefully read the instructions that it came with. In most cases, you’ll just need to plug the steam cleaner in and wait until the water turns into steam vapor.
After the steam vapor is formed, you should activate the device by pushing the right button or pulling a trigger. Then, you’ll need to go over the tracks of your windows thoroughly.
When you are sure that everything is clean and grime-free, you can turn off the steam cleaner. You can use a cloth, preferably a microfiber one, to wipe down the moisture from windows. It’s important that you make sure that the windows are completely dry, in order to avoid streaks. Thus, you’ll probably need more than one dry cloth.
What Causes Mold in Window Tracks?
Mold grows in damp environments. That is why a high level of humidity is the number one factor you should look into. If you want to learn more about potential causes of dampness in your home, you can check out this article.
Windows are the most common place where we can find mold. That’s because the difference in the temperature on the inside of the house and on the outside creates condensation. In addition, rain can collect on the windowpane, and the moisture can drip down to the window tracks. Tracks then trap moisture, which creates a perfect condition for mold.
6 Easy Ways to Clean Mold From Window Tracks
1. Sprinkle a Bit of Baking Soda
Besides being a great cleaning solution, baking soda can also be used for getting rid of mold. It will effectively absorb the moisture which is your number one enemy when fighting mold.
You’ll just need to sprinkle the baking soda over your window tracks and leave it to sit overnight. Since soda isn’t the strongest solution, you’ll probably have to repeat the whole process a couple of times before the mold disappears completely.
2. Apply Bleach Onto the Tracks
Bleach is an old school solution for getting rid of mold. It’s one of the most effective ones, but it can damage surfaces such as wood. Thus, you should use bleach only when you need something strong and quick.
Bleach has toxic fumes. So, you should make sure that your windows are open and that you have rubber gloves on when using it.
To make a solution for mold, you’ll need to dilute a cup of bleach in a gallon of water. You can pour that mixture in a spray bottle or a bucket and use a sponge to apply it onto the window tracks. Then, you can wipe it away after letting it sit for an hour or two, or you can leave the bleach on the window without removing it.
3. Use White Vinegar
Just like baking soda, white vinegar is well-known for its great cleaning properties. However, you can also use it to remove mold from your window tracks.
Whether you’ll dilute the white vinegar or not depends on the amount of mold that you have on your windows. If the issue is not that serious, you can make a mixture with a cup of vinegar and a cup of water. On the other hand, in case you have heavy mold spots, you can use white vinegar on its own by pouring it into a spray bottle.
You should spray the solution on the tracks of your windows and let them dry for an hour or two. Then, you’ll need to wipe off the mixture with a cloth. You can repeat this process as many times as you need.
Related post: What Kills Mold Better, Bleach or Vinegar?
4. Buy Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has amazing antibacterial properties. What’s more, it is cheap and not as harmful as most mold-killing solutions.
The most effective way to use this compound for removing mold is to pour the three-percent peroxide into a spray bottle. Then, you should spray your windows and let the solution sit for about half an hour. You’ll know that it started working when you see bubbles on your window tracks.
After letting it sit, you should wipe the surface with a damp cloth. You can repeat the process as many times as you need. The only thing that’s left is to wash the tracks with warm water and soap before wiping them with a towel, and you’re done.
5. Make a Solution Out of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best things you can use to get rid of mold. This oil has amazing anti-bacterial properties, and it will not only eliminate mold but also clean your window tracks thoroughly.
A little goes a long way when it comes to tea tree oil, so one teaspoon will be enough to make an effective solution. You should dilute it with one cup of water and put it in a spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can put the mixture into a bowl and use a towel to apply it onto your window tracks.
You can wait for a couple of hours for the tea tree oil do dry out and wipe it off, or you can skip the wiping completely. The oil is so efficient that it will probably get rid of mold on the first try, but you can repeat the process if it didn’t.
6. Purchase a Professional Mold Remover
Besides trying out home remedies, you can also opt for a product that’s made specifically for removing mold. If you need some help with finding the best one, I’ll present you with a couple of great product that you should definitely check out.
CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is an efficient bleach-free product that will quickly eliminate mold from various surfaces. It comes in a convenient spray bottle that ensures even application, so it’s easy to use.
Another great product is HG Mould Spray. It will quickly remove dark stains that mold caused. Furthermore, it will prevent mold from growing in the future. You should spray it on your window tracks and wait for about ten minutes before removing it with water and a sponge. In case the mold isn’t gone on the first try, you can repeat the process after ten minutes.
If you need a good remover that doesn’t require scrubbing, you should check out Tilex Daily Cleaner. You can spray this product on the window every now and then to prevent the mold from growing. In addition, this product is good for various materials, so you can use it on different surfaces in your house.
The last one on my list is Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover. This remover is biodegradable, and it doesn’t contain bleach. A great thing about this product is that you only need to dilute it with water and apply it on your windows. It doesn’t require any scrubbing or rinsing, so it’s so easy to use.
More Tips for Preventing Mold Growth
Getting rid of mold will not be your only task. Another important step in solving this issue is eliminating everything that can lead to its growth.
No matter the cause, the first thing you should do is make sure that you ventilate the house by opening your windows. What’s more, dehumidifiers will provide you with a quick and easy fix for your situation. I have a whole article about the best dehumidifiers for mold that you should check out.
In addition, there are other easy solutions for eliminating the excess dampness from your home. If you want to learn more about that, I have a perfect article for you.
Keep Your Windows Tracks Clean
If you want to keep your windows clean and free of mold, you shouldn’t overlook the tracks of your windows. Thankfully, there is an easy way to make tracks squeaky clean in no time — steam cleaning. In addition, if you are too late, and mold is already there, you can get rid of it in just a couple of simple steps.
I hope that this article helps you keep your windows in great shape. Stay tuned for more!
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