Unfortunately, mould is a common occurrence in bathrooms due to their humidity, but one of the worst places for spores to grow is underneath silicone sealant.
Silicone sealant is the waterproof white lining around sinks, baths, and showers that prevents water from dripping down and damaging the bathroom. rtv silicone adhesive
Over time, the seal can begin to degrade, and if not cleaned regularly, then mould can seep into the material and be incredibly difficult to clear away.
However, Vince Sandri, an expert from Restoration Master Finder, has shared that a simple homemade solution is better than bleach at killing mould on silicone.
Vince said: “While a powerful disinfectant, bleach does not kill all mould, especially those growing on porous and semi-porous surfaces.
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“While caulking is not porous at first, over time, it can become permeable. Cleaning the caulk with chlorine bleach will fail to work in the long run, since the bleach cannot penetrate deep into the porous material where the roots of mold spores take hold.”
Instead, the best way to kill silicone sealant mould is distilled white vinegar, as it is powerful enough to get inside the material but is still a mild cleaner that does not contain harsh chemicals.
Vince said: “Cleaning mouldy caulk with this household staple is the most environmentally friendly and healthiest route. White vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, removing all mould.”
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which has natural antifungal properties that will penetrate mould and help remove any spores or stains.
What is fantastic about white vinegar is that it kills mould and can prevent it from coming back, as it makes a surface too acidic for the spores to regrow.
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All you have to do is pour white vinegar into an empty spray bottle and spray a generous amount on the mouldy silicone sealant.
Alternatively, you can mix white vinegar and baking soda together until it forms a paste and spread a thick layer onto the silicone sealant.
You can also soak paper towels in white vinegar, roll them up, and lay them on the mouldy silicone sealant. Then, spray more white vinegar onto the paper towels so they stay put.
No matter what method you use, leave the white vinegar solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. It is better to give it as much time as possible so it can be left overnight.
Once the time is up, remove the white vinegar and wipe the silicone sealant with a sponge, and the mould should easily come away.
The silicone sealant should be cleared and completely mould-free without having to be scrubbed for ages or cleaned with a harsh chemical cleaner.
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