Mould build-up on wooden window frames

user67340348

I moved into a modern studio flat around just over 2 months ago (renting off a letting agent)

I've just noticed that there is a build-up of black mould at the bottom of the window frames. It is more like balcony doors, where the window frame is the full height of the room, and is split into two (with half of it being the door).

It isn't the door side of it that has the mould, it is the other side (which can't be opened).

I've been looking at ways to remove it but I'll be surprised if I can shift it.

Should this be my responsibility? I really wouldn't have expected to get mould here, I imagine moisture from outside must somehow be seeping into the window frame

Am I best just contacting the agency and getting them to fix it?

Martin_the_Unjust

It’s probably caused by lack of ventilation.

user67340348

Martin_the_Unjust said:

It’s probably caused by lack of ventilation.

Thanks, I think there probably is a lack of ventilation as there are no windows apart from the balcony door... I often can't have this open though due to the wind.

Would this mean it's more my landlord's problem?

csgohan4

no air vents above the windows?

user67340348

csgohan4 said:

no air vents above the windows?

Oh I think there is one on the ceiling actually, one of those small circular ones

Martin_the_Unjust

https://www.windowsguide.co.uk/black-mould-windows-guide-removal-prevention

clean it off and then dry the frames at least once a day.

But you really do need to provide ventilation.

In my opinion it is your problem to deal with, others may see it differently. 

user1977

Producing too much water vapour / not enough ventilation are generally for the residents to sort out (even if there are arguably things which could have been done better in the building design).

user67340348

Martin_the_Unjust said:

https://www.windowsguide.co.uk/black-mould-windows-guide-removal-prevention

clean it off and then dry the frames at least once a day.

But you really do need to provide ventilation.

In my opinion it is your problem to deal with, others may see it differently. 

Thanks for the link, unfortunately it only talks about preventing mould on wood rather than removing it... I read somewhere else that white vinegar should work, but will have to see if it does.

How would I provide better ventilation though? All I can think of is keeping the door open, but as mentioned in my OP I can't have it open often because the wind blows it wide open.

It could really do with some kind of latch on it so that it can only open so far.

user1977

Can you reduce the amount of water vapour you're producing? Steam from bathroom/cooking, drying clothes etc? How is bathroom ventilated?

Martin_the_Unjust

user19860331 said:

Martin_the_Unjust said:

https://www.windowsguide.co.uk/black-mould-windows-guide-removal-prevention

clean it off and then dry the frames at least once a day.

But you really do need to provide ventilation.

In my opinion it is your problem to deal with, others may see it differently. 

Thanks for the link, unfortunately it only talks about preventing mould on wood rather than removing it... I read somewhere else that white vinegar should work, but will have to see if it does.

How would I provide better ventilation though? All I can think of is keeping the door open, but as mentioned in my OP I can't have it open often because the wind blows it wide open.

It could really do with some kind of latch on it so that it can only open so far.

You need to read further down

’

How to remove window mould with vinegar

When aiming to get rid of mould around your windows using vinegar, you should always wear gloves to avoid irritation. 

Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Alternatively, wet a cloth with the vinegar and wipe.
Step 2: Thoroughly spray the vinegar over the mould.
Step 3: The vinegar needs time to break up the mould so leave if for 1 hour.
Step 5: Use a scrubbing brush and warm water to scrub away the mould.
Step 6: Wipe the surface down using warm water and leave the area to dry out. 

If the mould reappears, try the whole process again. You might also want to combine vinegar with other products such as baking soda or salt to increase your chances of successful black mould removal.’

user67340348

user1977 said:

Can you reduce the amount of water vapour you're producing? Steam from bathroom/cooking, drying clothes etc? How is bathroom ventilated?

I don't do an awful lot of cooking but maybe I should leave the extractor fan on for longer after I've finished?

Perhaps it's due to my laundry but I also have a dehumidifier which picks up quite a lot of moisture.

The bathroom just has an air vent on the ceiling (no extractor fan), this is at the other end of the studio