How To Remove Mould From uPVC Window Frames

• What causes mould on uPVC window frames?
  • What causes mould on silicone sealant?
  • Why is there black mould on your silicone sealant?
• Why you must remove mould from your home as soon as possible
• Why you should not attempt mould remediation yourself
• How to prevent mould growing on your uPVC window frames
• Book your mould removal service today

Since the 1980s, uPVC windows have been a popular alternative to wooden frames as they are affordable, require little upkeep, and insulate homes well. However, you must regularly check them for mould or you could have an unsightly, dangerous problem on your hands.  

If you require mould remediation, we can help. Our mould removal services are carried out by trained mould specialists that can eliminate all traces of the mould from the hard surfaces and air in your home. They will significantly improve the air quality and prevent it from returning in the future.

Keep reading to find out why mould is growing on your uPVC window frames and how to get rid of it.

What causes mould on uPVC window frames?

Mould is a type of fungus that is always present in the environment. When it encounters its ideal conditions for growth, the mould spores start to grow.

Mould grows in environments where there is excess moisture and dead organic matter for it to feed off. It is usually caused by humidity, condensation, damp, leaks, and poor ventilation. You can find out more about what causes mould here.

One of the most common places to find it growing in the home is on window sills due to the presence of condensation which makes it damp. Leaky window frames also let in rainwater that can make the area damp.

Window frames that are made of wood provide the mould with plenty of organic material to grow on, too. Those made of uPVC might not have this problem, but any dust, dirt, or dead bugs can give it a food source.

If you keep houseplants on your window sills, they can produce humidity which helps provide the area with optimal conditions for mould growth, as well.

What causes mould on silicone sealant?

Although sealant is waterproof, any gaps can allow water to seep it behind it. This could lead to mould growing on it which will slowly spread across all the silicone. You can find out more about why mould grows in sealant and how to remove it in this blog.

Why is there black mould on your silicone sealant?

Black mould is caused by humidity and dampness, making the window sill the perfect place for it to start growing. There are lots of different types of black mould that could grow in your home including Aspergillus niger, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys chartarum.

Although black mould is rumoured to be toxic, according to research it is no more harmful than other types of mould. You can learn more about black mould in this blog.

Why you must remove mould from your home as soon as possible

Mould is very dangerous to be exposed to as it releases allergens and irritants, and some kinds release toxic substances. Inhaling, ingesting, and touching the spores can lead to an allergic reaction including a skin rash, coughing, and sneezing.

Some people are particularly vulnerable to mould exposure including:

• Infants
• Elderly people
• People with skin problems, like eczema
• People with respiratory problems, like asthma
• People with a weakened immune system

Mould growing on your window is particularly hazardous as you will come in close contact with the mould regularly, whether you are opening or closing it, or opening and closing blinds or curtains.

You must have mould removed as soon as you spot it as a small amount can quickly become a big problem because window frames provide the optimal conditions for it to grow.

To keep yourself and other residents safe and prevent the mould spreading throughout your home, bring in mould removal professionals. They can diagnose what is causing the mould in your home, get rid of it, and advise on how to prevent it in the future.

Why you should not attempt mould remediation yourself

No matter how tempting it is to treat mould with a mould cleaning hack online, like spraying the area with vinegar or applying bleach, cleaning mould off window frames must be left to professionals.

Not only can removing mould without training and personal protective equipment (PPE) put your health at risk, you might damage your uPVC windows. Bleach, for example, could discolour it, and some chemicals may strip its surface and leave it looking dull or tinted permanently.

Mould cleaners will have the specialist products and PPE to safely and thoroughly remove the mould without affecting your property. They also know how to remove mould from silicone around windows.

How to prevent mould growing on your uPVC window frames

• Regularly clean your uPVC window frames with warm water and soap to get rid of any dust and dirt that could give mould a food source
• Open windows regularly to ensure the property is ventilated and stop condensation building up
• Keep windows open when cooking and washing to eliminate humid air and prevent condensation on windows
• Fix leaks as soon as possible so the mould does not have any dampness to grow in
• Consider removing houseplants from window sills so they don’t produce too much humidity

Book your mould removal service today

Our technicians are accredited by Dewpoint Professional and available across the UK, round the clock, 365 days a year. Every service comes with a lifetime guarantee* so if the mould returns, we will remove it free of charge.

Get in touch with our team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk for a free site survey and no obligation quote for our mould remediation services.

*subject to advisories