Mushrooms growing on inside window frame
I have vinyl exterior/painted wood interior bedroom windows. They aren't very old but tend to get a lot of condensation in the winter, especially in the morning when we lift the roller shades. Now there is a large brown mushroom growing in one corner of one of the windows! I know that mushrooms are just the fruiting body of the fungus, or the tip of the iceberg. Once I scrape off the mushroom, what kind of product is available to kill the mycelium growing inside the window frame? How can I then seal the spot before re-painting? Is our house humidifier set too high?
They probably didn't spray foam around the window when they installed it. I would remove the trim and check it out. You will not get condensation on a surface unless it is colder than the air surrounding it. " Is our house humidifier set too high?" What is the humidity in the house? Should be between 30% and 60%.
Thanks, Larry. Our humidity is on the high side. I'll have to check out behind the trim in the spring. In the meantime, what can be done about the mushroom? I've read that bleach is not the most effective. Is there something available at a home center that will kill the fungus?
"Is there something available at a home center that will kill the fungus?" They should have something.
If you are using some industrial strength cleaners or bleach to kill the mushrooms, please remember to open the doors in the home to let some air in. some fumes can be quite hazardous to human and pet health.
I think Vinegar and tea tree oil also can be used to get rid from any kind of fungus or mushrooms. It really works for this problem.
Herculite glass doors
Herculite glass doors
Humidity will cause condensation and mold growth, as will having window coverings such as blinds, shades or curtains closed the majority of the time.
Below are recommended humidity levels, and may not be applicable for every household. Differences in glass types (LoE vs. clear) will allow for variances in humidity levels. Window condensation is a good indicator as to the maximum allowable humidity level. If your windows begin to sweat, the humidity in your home is too high.
Outdoor Temperature Indoor Humidity at 70° F
-20 degrees F or below not over 15%
-20 degrees F to -10 degrees F not over 20%
-10 degrees F to 0 degrees F not over 25%
0 degrees F to +10 degrees F not over 30%
+10 degrees F to +35 degrees F not over 35%
Below are recommended humidity levels, and may not be applicable for every household. Differences in glass types (LoE vs. clear) will allow for variances in humidity levels. Window condensation is a good indicator as to the maximum allowable humidity level. If your windows begin to sweat, the humidity in your home is too high.
Outdoor Temperature Indoor Humidity at 70° F
-20 degrees F or below not over 15%
-20 degrees F to -10 degrees F not over 20%
-10 degrees F to 0 degrees F not over 25%
0 degrees F to +10 degrees F not over 30%
+10 degrees F to +35 degrees F not over 35%