Friday, May 27, 2011

Dealing with Window Seat Mildew

Uh-oh, you were gazing at your shiny new bay windows and window seat when you spotted it: mildew! If the underside of the cushions on your bay window is sporting a layer of mildew, despite the layer of foam insulating the underside of the seat, read our tips for an easy fix.

First, figure out where the moisture is coming from, because mildew needs moisture to flourish. The culprit could be warm, humid indoor air. The air condenses on the cold window seat and keeps the underside of the cushions damp, resulting in mildew. To fix it, add additional foam insulation under the seat or reduce indoor humidity. Do both to maximize the effectiveness. Another reason for mildew could be that condensation on the glass is dropping down and trickling under the pillow. In this case, reduce humidity and install storm windows.

If you have determined that condensation isn’t the problem, there could be a tiny air or water leak. The next time it rains, check around the windows and caulk the gap. If necessary, insulate it.

Another idea to combat mold is to elevate the cushions to create an air gap that will help them stay dry, and mildew-free.

No comments:

Post a Comment