New silicone looks bright, white and gleaming when it’s put in. However, it’s one of those things that can get full of mould and mildew, especially in damp areas like around the sink in the kitchen and bathroom, around the bathtub, and in the shower.
Mould is natural and it’s pretty normal to have some form of it growing in your bathroom and kitchen. It looks unsightly though, so it’s best to tackle it before it grows out of control. But, what’s the best way on to remove black mould from silicone sealant, we hear you asking? We’ve put together a quick guide on all things silicone mould related – what it is, why it grows, how to get rid of it and how to keep it from coming back.
What is Mould and Why Should You Remove it from Silicone Sealant?
Mould is a natural fungus that grows in just about any and every place in the world. In nature, mould works to decompose matter like wood, food, and soil and is a necessary part of the natural decomposition process. When you find mould indoors, like on your surfaces, flooring, cupboards, or ceilings, it’s not great. Mould, as it does in nature, when left to multiply can and will decompose whatever it is on and can lead to serious health problems in the home.
Mould likes damp, dark areas, and when these conditions occur it can multiply very quickly. In areas like the bathroom and kitchen areas, water is common and so mould can often be found there, especially on silicone sealant.
Why Does Mould Grow on Silicone?
Silicone is a sealant, meaning it is used to prevent moisture from getting into an area or between areas – like in between the bathtub and tiles, or between the sink and the countertop. Because silicone acts as a water barrier, it means that it often has water droplets lying on top of it. Also, over time, silicone sealant can pull away from a surface, leaving tiny, dark, damp crevices for mould to grow under and into. Mould lives, thrives and multiplies on water, so that’s why it can often be found on or under silicone.
How to Get Rid of Mould on Silicone?
When it comes to how to clean mould off bathroom sealant like silicone, it’s a simple enough process to get the job done. We’ve put together two ways for you to choose from – the natural way and using a commercial cleaner.
For a natural mould cleaner, mix together a paste made of white wine vinegar and baking soda. Mix 1:2 parts until you get a thick paste formed. Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste directly to the mouldy area and rub it in thoroughly with the brush. Rinse the area with a damp, clean cloth.
Use Domestos Thick Bleach and mix a solution of one tablespoon of Domestos with 1L of water. Spray the solution on and rub gently with an old toothbrush. For stubborn mould, you can pour a teaspoon or two of Domestos directly onto the mould and leave it to soak in for 5 – 10 minutes before wiping off and rinsing.
Prevention Tips to Keep Mould from Growing on Silicone Sealant
Keep the area well ventilated as much as possible, especially at night. Try to leave a window open in your bathroom overnight to prevent dampness from setting in.
Choose a high-quality silicone product for your damp areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Better quality products will repel water immediately, not allowing it to linger.
Clean mould as soon as you see it, don’t let it multiply for too long before getting rid of it.
If you are worried about mould spores travelling, wear gloves and a face mask when you clean it.
Are you struggling with mould in between your tiles? Read our blog on How To Clean Grout for more info on how to get rid of this pesky mould too. We’ve also got tips on getting mould off the bathroom ceiling, read our blog on How To Remove Mould From Bathroom Ceilings.
For more bathroom cleaning tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.