How to Remove Mildew from a Wooden Window Frame

Taking the time to remove mildew from wooden window frames is a crucial step if you want your window frames to last long. If left untreated for a long period of time, mildew  can lead to the deterioration of the wooden frame. Likewise, it may trigger allergic reactions in some of your family members. 

Worse, it may contribute to the occurrence of respiratory problems and other illnesses in children and people in the household who have weaker immune systems. Cleaning the window frame from the presence of mildew, therefore, should be undertaken once in a while not only for housekeeping purposes but to ensure the good health of your love ones as well. Removing mildew is fairly easy. You can finish the task within just a few minutes.  

Step 1 -  Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Pour a capful of laundry detergent, ¼ cup bleach and warm water into a large bucket. Mix them thoroughly. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Step 2 - Get Close to the Window Frame

Get yourself as close to the window frames as possible. If the windows are situated on a high, hard to reach area, use a stepladder. Be careful not to fall while in the process of cleaning. If the window frames are detachable, take them down and clean them on a leveled floor. 

Step 3 -Apply the Solution to the Affected Areas

Fill the spray bottle with the cleaning solution and spray the mildewed areas thoroughly. Allow the solution to soak the wood for at least a few minutes. This will help soften the mildew and allow for easier cleaning. Scrub with a sponge, working from the edges towards the inside portion. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.  Leave to dry for a few minutes.

Step  4 – Disinfect the Mildewed Area

Get a spray bottle again and fill it with strong bleach. By strong, we mean that it should not be mixed with any amount of water. Spray the bleach into the dried infected areas. The strong bleach will kill all the remaining mildew in the wood. Rinse with soap and water. If there are still signs of mildew, scrub gently with a steel wool or sandpaper. Be extra careful not to scratch or incur any damage to the surface of the wooden frame.

Step 5 – Let the Wooden Window Frames Dry Completely   

Wipe the frames with a clean dry cloth or dry sponge to absorb any remaining liquid or moisture on the surface. Air-dry completely. It is important that no amount of moisture is left on the surface.

Step 6 – Apply Antifungal Paint

Coat the cleaned wooden window frames with matching stains or paint that has antifungal properties. The paint will help keep mildew from re-growing. You may also apply varnish. You will notice that your wooden frames are not only clean but looking new as well after you coat with paint or varnish.

Check your windows every now and then for new mildew growth. If you notice signs of new  patches of mildew developing on the wooden surface, treat immediately. Don’t wait for the number of mildew patches to increase. Treating mildew on its early stage of development helps make removal easier. It can be hard to remove mildew once it has accumulated so much on the wooden frame.