Today it is difficult to find an apartment that does not have plastic windows. This is not because such windows are a luxury item, but because former Soviet wooden windows have fallen into disrepair. No one will install new ones, but wooden ones, since everyone knows what problems can arise. They do not retain noise, dry out over time and begin, as they say, to “breathe to the fullest.” This leads to the fact that heat is not retained in the apartment, which is now worth its weight in gold. It's different - plastic windows! They block noise, and their durability is estimated at tens of years. In addition, they are practical, as they require virtually no maintenance.
Unfortunately, there are times when mold appears on the frame of a plastic window and on the slope. The conditions for mold growth are high humidity and a temperature of about +15 degrees. Although mold is not capable of damaging the structure of plastic windows, it is considered harmful to human health, especially for people with weak immunity. Therefore, the appearance of mold should serve as a serious warning to apartment residents.
Why is it dangerous?
Mold and mildew produce powerful plant poisons. As they multiply, they can cause various diseases. The most common of them:
respiratory diseases; allergic diseases; headache; chronic fatigue; irritation of the skin and eyes; decreased concentration; pathologies of liver and kidney function; diseases of bone tissue.
As a rule, symptoms do not appear immediately, so diagnosing pathologies is difficult. Fungus on windows tends to multiply, and when the immune system is weakened, it aggravates a person’s condition. If the problem is not corrected in time, the disease can become chronic. Treatment will require more money and time than timely elimination of the fungus.
Conditions for the growth of mold and mildew
Since mold and household fungi have very low nutritional requirements and enormous opportunities for adaptation, they can develop on almost any surface: plaster, plastic, wood, paper, textiles, concrete. For their reproduction, a humidity level above 60%, a temperature of 20-35 degrees and a pH below 7 (acidic environment) are required. In short, the ideal conditions for fungal growth are high humidity and warmth.
Causes of mold
In fact, mold always surrounds a person. These are groups of microorganisms that live unnoticed next to living things. However, if you do not create a favorable 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, it is possible to create conditions in which the fungus is not able to reproduce and live. One of the main factors influencing its formation is excessive humidity in the room and insufficient ventilation. Why does mold appear on windows? Most likely, the humidity in the room exceeds 60%.
Another equally important condition for the development of fungus is temperature. As a rule, it varies between 15-38 degrees Celsius. The most favorable range for reproduction is considered to be +22…+27 °C. Based on the above, it is clear that the fungus is a constant cohabitant of humans, since these conditions are optimal for humans as well.
Preventive actions
If you follow the rules of prevention, this will destroy favorable conditions for mold and will save you a lot of trouble. The main thing you need to pay attention to is the relative humidity. A small percentage is created when exhaling, from a heated body. Some part comes from the evaporation of water in the house. A huge percentage is obtained by boiling the liquid and drying the damp fabric. The last two reasons need to be controlled.
The second thing you need to pay attention to is mold breeding grounds. She loves cotton fabric. Ideal conditions are created in the ground where plants grow, since many of them love warmth and moisture. Even dirt can cause it. If you get rid of these factors, you can reduce the likelihood of fungus. Or use the technical method:
Of course, mold can be a source of unnecessary worries and pose a health hazard. However, knowing weaknesses, you can successfully combat them, and most importantly, prevent conditions for their occurrence.
For those who are planning to reinstall a window, this video may be useful:
Why does mold appear in winter?
Most often it forms on plastic window structures. The thing is that here the conditions for its growth are almost ideal. In the summer, its localization decreases significantly as 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 itself again, and sometimes the fungus conquers increasingly larger areas.
Surely many have heard the term “dew point”. This is what causes the appearance of the fungus. Due to the difference in air temperatures outside and inside the room, condensation collects on the structure of the window and opening, the surface of the glass unit, slopes and under the window sill. It turns into water, and moisture is the optimal environment for mold to grow.
Another common reason for the formation of fungus on windows is leaking interpanel seams. The problem does not appear immediately after installation of the structure, but after a while, when the insulation in the panel takes up 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 is deposited on the glass, thereby creating favorable conditions for the development of mold.
Remaking plastic slopes
If black mold appears on the windows and covers a large area of the panel, it cannot be removed using conventional means. In this case, a complete rework of the slope is required, since the main mass of fungus is usually hidden under it. To do this, remove the outer decorative corner with a chisel, pick up the side part with a spatula and, loosening it a little, remove it. If it is attached to polyurethane foam, use a sharp knife to cut it and remove the part. The remaining parts of the slopes are removed in the same way.
After removing the thermal insulation, inspect the seams. In this case, you can see that moisture penetrates the slope from the outside. Then you need to thoroughly seal the external interpanel joints. For residents living on the top floor, they cannot do without the help of climbers.
If the structure is installed incorrectly
Often, mold on plastic windows is formed as a result of poor-quality installation of products. Despite all the preventive measures and methods of getting rid of the fungus, the problem will return again and be regular. Reasons may include:
- After dismantling the old structure, the entire window opening was not sufficiently cleaned of dirt. In addition, no fungicide treatment was carried out. The windows were replaced during the cold season; icing and further thawing or moisture ingress became an impetus for the development of fungus. The cracks were not filled with foam thoroughly enough, and the joints were poorly treated with sealant. When choosing a window design, the temperature conditions inherent in the region were not taken into account.
Even the slightest mistake when choosing and installing a window structure can result in big problems. It is for this reason that it is important to contact trusted specialists and install double-glazed windows from 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 window slopes, proceed to the following steps:
- The window sill and window trim are removed. Everything is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Treatment is carried out with chlorine-containing products. All holes and cracks are filled with foam or sealing compounds. The surface is primed with a special product, for example, Ceresit ST 99. The window sill and trim 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 use the following household tools:
copper sulfate; chlorine; vinegar essence; fungicides; hydrogen peroxide solution; disinfectants or antifungals.
The most popular means
To remove mold on a window, the following substances are usually used:
- Bleach is one of the simplest and most affordable remedies. In addition to mold, it eliminates bacteria and has disinfectant properties. The powder is diluted with water in a ratio of one to five. While working, you must wear rubber gloves and a respirator. Bleach kills fungus instantly, 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 treating slopes, window sills and the front parts of the structure. Copper sulfate. This substance is an excellent tool for destroying all kinds of microorganisms. When working with it, it is important to protect the skin and respiratory system with protective gloves and a mask. Plastic frames, slopes and window sills are treated with vitriol. However, it should not be applied to metal parts as this may lead to corrosion.
Household fungicides are often formulations based on one of these products, but in finished form. One of these is “Whiteness”, Well Done 2 or a more caustic composition from the domestic one.
Ventilation and plumbing
To completely remove mold, it is important that the ventilation works well and there are no problems with the plumbing. To check the operation of the ventilation, bring a flame from a lighter or candle to its grille. If the tongue does not move, it means the ventilation is closed. In this case, they call a technician to clean the channels. If this is not the reason, then the installation of a special fan is required, which will promote air circulation in the room.
Special supply valves are installed on window units to improve ventilation. They provide a flow of fresh air, prevent windows from “sweating” and prevent the development of mold. To reduce humidity during cooking, install a hood above the stove.
Faulty plumbing is also a common cause of high humidity. Then all leaking taps and pipes are repaired. It is also worth considering the material from which the pipes are made. Condensation often settles on a metal surface, so it is better to replace such pipes with plastic.
Gentle chemistry
You can use less aggressive substances for cleaning:
You can remove fungus from glass and plastic frames using a vinegar solution. To do this, add 200 ml of essence and boric acid to one liter of water. A natural and effective remedy in the fight against fungus is a solution prepared from one teaspoon of tea tree oil and a glass of water. Mold can be removed with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Conventional detergents, for example, Cillit Bang, help remove mold from the surface. Disinfectants such as Biocin and Neomid 600 have proven themselves well in the fight against mold.
In some pharmacies you can find medicinal antifungal compositions with a wide spectrum of action - “Clotrimazole” and “Candide”.
Home methods for cleaning plastic windows
The best way to clean windows in a house is something every person should know, since this problem sooner or later affects all owners of their homes.
The following recommendations suggest how to clean plastic windows from contaminants such as mold, foam, soot, primer, cement, glass stickers and others:
- Alcohol removes stubborn stains that make new and old windows look much worse.
- A solution with washing powder and soda will be useful if the windows have turned yellow and the window slopes have also been damaged.
- Laundry soap is good at removing cement and plaster that remain after repairs.
- Toothpaste is ideal in the fight against such a nuisance as mold.
A person who knows how to remove film from plastic windows and other contaminants will be able to perfectly clean the problem area in the house.
How to remove mold from a plastic window
This can be done with affordable home remedies. Their production requires a minimum of time and financial costs, and in terms of efficiency they are superior to expensive targeted means. The following formulations will help get rid of mold on 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. Add 100 g of bleach and copper sulfate to a liter of water; the resulting product effectively fights fungus. Dissolve 100 g of copper sulfate and sodium fluoride in a liter of water and treat problem areas.
It is better to treat surfaces using synthetic fabric. Sodium vitriol and sodium fluoride can be purchased at hardware or gardening departments. It is imperative to protect the skin of your hands and face with gloves and a mask. After cleaning surfaces affected by mold, the room is well ventilated.
Mold removal cost
| Square | Price |
| 1 M² | RUB 3,300 |
| 2 – 3 M² | 2,000 rub/m |
| 3 – 5 M² | 1,500 rub/m |
| 5 – 10 M² | 1,100 rub/m |
| from 10 M² | negotiable |
Promotions and discounts
- Promotions and discounts
- Payment Methods
50% discount on the provision of the second service 50% discount on the processing of the second apartment 10% discount for holders of a Muscovite social card
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Maps WORLD
For Jur. persons
Sorbent and ionizer
Household appliances can also help in the fight against fungus. An ionizer is a device that purifies the air from germs, bacteria, pathogenic organisms, etc. Small models are very convenient to use. The device is placed on the windowsill and turned on at high power, and after some time the minimum mode is set. The device is left on for about half an hour.
A sorbent is an aroma absorber. It is produced on an industrial scale to eliminate unpleasant odors in rooms. It will not be able to radically change the situation in the fight against mold, but its use will have a small effect.
Chemical substances
In addition to home remedies, specially designed chemical compounds help in the fight against mold on the window:
- Atlas Mykos. This is a concentrate designed to remove mold, algae, fungi, moss and lichen. 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 easily cleaned without much effort. If you need to remove fungus from window structures, shower cabins, tiles, this product will be the best choice among analogues. SZAVO. A popular remedy for mold in residential, technical and basement areas. Completely destroys mold, algae and yeast. It is easy to apply, does not require rinsing, does not leave stains or streaks on the surface. Antialga B25. This is a water-based composition containing fungicide and algicine. Effectively eliminates various types of mold and fungi. The product is odorless, non-toxic, and is often included in wood paints as additional protection. Well Done 2 is a new generation antifungal agent with an 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.
Removing traces of tape
Scotch tape always leaves marks on window sills and glass that are difficult to get rid of. Tape stains that are not removed in time turn into stains of adhering dirt. Several ways to help answer the question of how to clean plastic windows from tape.
- Fight fire with fire. Take a new piece of tape and apply it to the stains from the old tape. Then quickly and sharply tear it off. Repeat the procedure until the tape marks disappear completely.
- You will need any vegetable oil. Apply it with a cotton pad to the tape stains and wait 10-15 minutes. Then wipe with paper towels.
- Remove tape stains with a simple eraser. It is enough to rub the areas with remaining tape well.
Traces of paint
On plastic, traces of paint are a serious problem that requires immediate removal. First, you need to resort to a gentle method, smearing the dried paint with silicate glue. As the glue dries, it will begin to shrink, pulling the bulk of the paint with it.
How to adjust plastic windows with your own hands if the sashes sag or there is draft from the windows.
If this does not help, take a piece of cotton wool, soak it in nail polish remover and wipe the painted area. It is important to pay attention that the liquid does not contain acetone. Otherwise, this substance will corrode the plastic.
Polyurethane foam
Sticking foam in the wrong place is a common occurrence after repairs. Cosmofen is sold specifically for PVC windows. Uncured foam is cleaned off with a plastic scraper, and the remaining stain is wiped off with a rag soaked in this solution.
Dry foam should be cut off as much as possible with a sharp knife, and the remaining stain should be moistened with Dimexide medical solution. After 5 minutes, loose residues are wiped off with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge.
The store sells special foam solvents. Before using them, you must carefully study the instructions, otherwise the aggressive solution will do more harm than good. The most harmless product for plastic and the skin of the hands is SOL OFF Delicat Barton'S.
Soot
On the street side, a lot of soot settles on PVC frames. It is formed during the operation of factories and from vehicle exhaust gases. Inside the room, soot settles from tobacco smoke and food burnt during cooking. A soap solution or baking soda will help get rid of it. They simply wipe the window, then rinse with clean water. You should not use aggressive anti-soot products.
Construction mud
After the renovation is completed, traces of cement, wallpaper paste or plaster remain on the windows. All these residues are easily washed off with soapy water. Very hard fractions can be pre-soaked in vinegar, then washed off.
Having cleared the window sills and frames of dirt, all that remains is to wipe off the glass. For this, there are many store-bought remedies such as “Second” or simply add ammonia to the water. Traditional crumpled newspaper will help add shine to glass.
