Mould is a frequent irritant in many homes, particularly on bathroom silicone sealants, which are used to prevent water from seeping behind sinks, bathtubs, and shower trays. If mould is left unchecked, it can lead to the need for replacing the sealant, a task that can be quite laborious.
Helen Reader, uncertain about how to clean the mould on her bath’s silicone sealant, sought advice on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips, Tricks and Hacks Facebook group. While some members of the group suggested using bleach, the consensus was to avoid it. Sandra Hill commented: “Bleach is the worst thing for mould. It masks it but releases more spores.”
Sharon Flemming warned: “You never use bleach for mould! It only makes it spread faster.”
Even experts at UniBond caution against the use of bleach and white vinegar, noting that while they may seem effective, they don’t kill spores and could harm the sealant bead.
They said: “You might see vinegar or bleach recommended as cleaning solutions for silicone sealant elsewhere.
“However, although these products may work to some degree, they do not kill the spores and have the potential to damage the sealant bead.”
The group instead recommended creating a paste out of baking soda and water to remove the mould.
Kieth Donnelly said: “Bleach won’t work, well it didn’t on mine. I used baking soda and water, and it worked well.”
Bernie Fields also endorsed the natural remedy, stating: “I use baking soda when I clean clients’ houses and my own. It works like magic.”
Jenni Waite shared: “I apply baking soda paste to the edges first before giving it a light scrub. The longer you leave it, the better it works.”
So, how does this work? Well, baking soda alters the pH of the surface, creating an alkaline environment.
It is also a mild abrasive that can help to remove mould spores, and it absorbs moisture – this is particularly important as mould needs moisture to grow.
For this mould removal method, mix baking soda and a little water to form a paste, then apply it to the silicone. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the sealant gently, paying close attention to the seams and corners. Rinse with water to remove the paste.