diff --git a/st.c b/st.c
index 968df45..7e493bd 100644
--- a/st.c
+++ b/st.c
@@ -2021,10 +2021,8 @@ strhandle(void)
 				fprintf(stderr, "erresc: invalid color j=%d, p=%s\n",
 				        j, p ? p : "(null)");
 			} else {
-				/*
-				 * TODO if defaultbg color is changed, borders
-				 * are dirty
-				 */
+				if (j == defaultbg)
+					xclearwin();
 				redraw();
 			}
 			return;
diff --git a/win.h b/win.h
index 3c17fb2..0272cbe 100644
--- a/win.h
+++ b/win.h
@@ -40,3 +40,4 @@ void xsetpointermotion(int);
 void xsetsel(char *);
 int xstartdraw(void);
 void xximspot(int, int);
+void xclearwin(void);
\ No newline at end of file