5 Tips for Cleaning Window Trim

Keeping window trim clean can be quite a challenge. In addition to the ordinary dirt, dust, and grease that most places around the house are vulnerable to, window trim can pick up a lot of nasty problems due to the increased moisture it may be exposed to, such as mold and mildew.

Removing the sort of problems that can pop up on window trim can be difficult, and keeping them away for good can be even harder. However, with the proper strategies, it is possible to keep window trim clean. The following list of techniques to use should prove useful to anyone with window trim that must be maintained properly.

Soap

You can use ordinary dish soap to keep your window trim clean. Mix water and dish soap in a spray bottle, spray and wipe clean. Once you are done, rinse away the remaining soapy water and towel dry. Doing this will be enough to handle most ordinary problems.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a very useful substance that can help you remove many difficult stains from your window trim. Mix vinegar and water and use a sponge to apply the mixture. Be sure to go over areas that are affected by mold or mildew, as vinegar is a great way to kill mildew and mold without using any harsh or toxic chemicals.

Dead mildew turns white and looking for white is a good way to tell if you have used enough vinegar. Using vinegar on your window trim regularly will kill existing mildew and mold, but it will also help prevent new growths from forming. Once you are done, rinse away the dead mold, dead mildew, and remaining vinegar. Then use a towel to dry your window trim to prevent more mildew and mold from forming.

Water Spots

Window trim can develop water spots easily, even if it is cleaned regularly. You can avoid water spots by cleaning with distilled water or bottled water. You can also use a spray bottle full of rubbing alcohol to remove water spots. Spray it on, then rinse and towel dry to prevent new spots from forming.

Prevention

Many problems that can develop on window trim, such as mildew and mold, require excess moisture to grow. You can prevent these problems before they start by reducing the amount of moisture your window trim is exposed to. In your bathroom, after you use the shower, chances are that the room will have very high humidity. When this happens, open your windows and use your towel to remove any moisture that has formed on your window trim.

Additionally, if an area is very damp, you can use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. An air conditioner will cause a similar effect.

Maintenance

When trying to keep your window trim clean, maintaining it properly is even more important than using the right techniques and cleaning materials. While you may know the right way to remove mildew or other stains, you are better off cleaning your window trim regularly, removing potential problems before they become too difficult. Though it may not seem like it at first, keeping on top of your cleaning will save you time in the long run.