How to clean back bits around windows?

choccie3

Hi
Sorry the title to this thread prob doesn't make much sense!!
We have windows with lots of small panes of glass in them (sorry I don't know the proper name) and around the edges of the glass gets really black and gunky - any ideas?

whatatwit

Are the little panes of glass held together by lead strips, or bits of wood?

I would use either a toothbrush with a bowl of water and a cloth to dry off afterwards, or a cotton bud.

choccie3

Large bits of wood (more than 1 inch wide).
I think it may take more than water to get rid of it!

fizzel81

if you have a steamer try using that, failing that its surprising what i microfibre cloth can shift or even a toothbrush

whatatwit

Have you tried our trusted friend stardrops.
It's amazing what that stuff shifts.
I asked about the lead, as that has a putty stuff holding the lead in place and that can be rubbed away.
But, for the wood, if the marks are on the glass, try a kitchen knife. Nothing sharp as that may damage the wood, give it a good scrape.

angelavdavis

Old toothbrush, bleach and scrub away. Use a rinsed cloth to clean muck away.

benood

The black stuff is probably aspergillus fungus, growing where you have small amounts of condensation. I'd go with the toothbrush & cleaner but to stop the build up try to tackle the cause of condesation - improve ventilation, dehumidify perhaps.

MJMum

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