How to Remove Mold on Weather Stripping

Certain types of mold can be very dangerous in your home or automobile, but it can often be seen on the weather stripping of doors and windows. Mold spores can cause respiratory symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, sore throats and other asthma-like symptoms up to and including death. This is especially true of young children or elderly people. It is important to properly remove mold when it is found.

• Prepare yourself to deal with the mold, as it is a toxic substance.  You will need long neoprene gloves to cover your hands and arms, an N-95 respirator, which is available at your local hardware store, and goggles, which preferably do not have the holes in them.


• Clean the infected area with a mild household cleaner, you may have to let the cleaner sit for a few minutes prior to wiping it off.  If it is a very minor mold infestation you may be able to clean it with simple soap and water. 


• If the mild household cleaner does not work, you will then want to clean it with a bleach solution which is created by mixing one cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Wipe down the infected area and leave the bleach solution on for approximately 15 minutes prior to rinsing it off. You may need to scrub the area with a small brush. A used toothbrush works well in an area this size.  Once it has been rinsed, repeat if needed.  No mold should be visible once the area is clean. 


• Another successful cleaner that people have used when removing mold from weather stripping is an enzyme cleaner for organic stains. These are on the market under name brands such as Nature's Miracle, Odorban and others.  When using an enzyme cleaner you may have to apply repeated application to keep the area wet and give the cleaner time to work. 


• If mold continues to be visible after your cleaning attempts, you will want to consider replacing the weather stripping.  After using any type of cleaner, always rinse and dry the area well.