Rub THIS on Your Window Seals in OCTOBER. Your Heating Bill Could PLUMMET, by Clever Hacks on YouTube. 8 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Open each window and check the rubber seal for cracks, hardness or gaps. Run a finger along the seal to feel for cold air coming in.
Wipe the sills and frames with warm soapy water, then spray distilled white vinegar on the rubber seals and wipe them clean with a sponge.
Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly into the rubber seals so they stay soft and press tight against the frame when closed.
Scrub any black mold spots on the frame with a paste of baking soda and water, then dry the area fully.
Fill visible gaps around the frame with duct tape pressed firmly along the seam, or push a rolled towel into the gap at the bottom of the door or window.
Roll a towel or place a draft stopper along the inside bottom edge of each drafty window to block air from the floor.
Bleed trapped air from your radiators and set the valves to a moderate level so rooms heat evenly instead of running full blast.
Cut radiator reflector foil to size and place it on the wall behind the radiator, shiny side facing the room, to bounce heat back inside.
Spray the window glass with water and press bubble wrap against it, bubbles facing the glass, to add a cheap insulating layer.
Check the frame edges for cold spots and add a strip of foil or tape where the frame meets the wall.
Tips and common mistakes
Use only technical grade petroleum jelly on seals, since some skin products can degrade rubber over time.
Never cover a radiator completely with foil or furniture, as trapped heat can be a fire risk.
Test seals by holding a lit candle near the frame on a windy day and watching for flicker.
Vinegar and baking soda handle surface mold only. Call a professional if mold covers a large area or keeps coming back.
Questions
Will petroleum jelly damage my window seals?
A thin coat of technical grade petroleum jelly keeps rubber soft and helps it seal. Avoid thick layers and don't use it on silicone seals.
Does bubble wrap on glass really keep heat in?
It adds a small insulating layer and cuts drafts, which helps most on single pane windows. It will not replace proper double glazing.
How often should I redo the seals?
Check and clean the seals once before winter and again in spring. Reapply petroleum jelly whenever the rubber feels dry or stiff.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
