OS solution to mouldy windowframes?

Eels100

Being a moneysaver I'm happy to survive in sub-zero temperatures, rubbing my hands to keep warm and gleefully thinking of the nice low heating bill. The side effect of this is the terrible condensation on the windows in my new home - the house isn't old so I don't want to land myself having to replace double glazing.

At the moment in the morning I have a panel-heater on for an hour in my bedroom and leave the windows open to air it out, but the dampness is causing black mould on the wooden frames and some suspicious looking fluffy grey stuff is also making an appearance.

Any suggestions for cleaning it off/keeping it at bay/reducing condensation? I'm open to suggestions that I'm simply too tight and should put some heating on ...

Anne_Marie_2

I'm also for money saving myself.........but mould appearing in the house is certainly not good for the house, and more than that, it's not good for your health, especially if asthmatic.

I would suggest possibly putting on the heating for a bit longer at a lower setting, would probably be better than a quick blast at a higher temperature.
Ventilation definitely too.

Are the window frames affected all over the house, or just in the bedrooms? If just the latter, it could be an idea to leave the window a crack overnight, which should help with condensation issues. Dry windows off thoroughly every morning, and open windows to let the room air. It's a bit difficult though if you are rushing out to work and no one at home all day! :rolleyes:

You can also get these bead things which you place on your windowsills, which are supposed to help eliminate condensation, but never used them, so cannot say if they are efficient or not.

Murtle

My mum used to take a cloth to the windows in the morning to mop up the condensation, we had one each by the windows and when old enough did it ourselves! Oh and we had to keep the curtains open to let the air circulate.

I always forget now, but need to get into the habit too as we have shocking condensation here, although it increases when the heating goes on...

Eels100

Thanks folks.

It's an ongoing battle in our house - I love a cosy bed in a cold room, whereas OH likes a cool bed in a warm room. So I'd happily have no heating AND open windows, whereas he takes issue and follows me closing them ... :rolleyes:

I think I need to get some old towels (hmmm, freecycle? :money: ) and make a habit of wiping them - after all, I can manage to dash round and open blinds, curtains and windows, so no excuse. I know some people swear by dehumidifiers but it's just more expense as far as I can see ... :A

Anyone reckon I'll be safe enough using a mild bleach solution to wash the frames? They're varnished wood. Haven't found Stardrops ANYWHERE round here , before you all rush to post ... :rotfl:

dniester007

Tea tree essential oil is a great mould killer, so maybe you could stick some of that in some water and wipe down the problem areas.

Borax is also good for getting rid of mould, and is a natural "bleach" and disinfectant.

mikeywills

You could get some old towels or you could just trade in the OH for one that likes a cosy bed in a cold room.......:rotfl:

Anne_Marie_2

Can't see any harm in using mild bleach solution, if you already have some bleach in the house. I am just concerned that it may lighten the colour of the wood....not very helpful, but perhaps someone with more knowledge will post something more informative!
Personally, I agree with dniester using tea tree essential oil, it's what I would go for, but then I use that all the time - and it has loads of other uses too.

Eels100

mikeywills wrote:

You could get some old towels or you could just trade in the OH for one that likes a cosy bed in a cold room.......:rotfl:

Sometimes I'm SO dim - I should have thought of that AGES ago!

Off to make up the spare bed for a start ...

Quasar

A bit of bleach kills all mould, but then you may not want the smell of bleach all over the place.

Vinegar of any kind being highly acid will also kill all mould and deodorise the air.

dannahaz

This might be a bit extravagant, but what about one of these WaterEaters from Lakeland? http://www.lakelandlimited.co.uk/product.aspx/!9011

Eels100

Just to update you all, I was away this weekend and discovered the wonder of Wilkinsons - we don't have them round these parts, and I shuddered to realise what I've been missing!

Anyway, I bought myself a bottle of Stardrops so I'll have a bash with that this week ... I just knew you'd all be so proud!