Silicone sealant is the white waterproof lining around showers or sinks and tends to be the trickiest place in the bathroom to keep clean due to its constant exposure to water.
Black mould will thrive on silicone seal as it can only grow in damp conditions and will have lots of organic materials to feed off if soap, shampoo or other oily products are not cleaned away regularly.
Many people try to use bleach to kill mould but it is unlikely to work as it cannot penetrate deep enough into the silicone seal material to get rid of all of it and is much more likely to damage the silicone due to how harsh it is.
Instead, Georgia Nunn, an expert from Silicone Direct, has shared there is a simple solution to completely remove mould from silicone and stop it from growing back with one kitchen staple.
Georgia said: “Vinegar is a natural mould killer that unlike other substances does not contain any harmful chemicals.”
The white vinegar you use on food is fantastic at getting rid of mould as it contains acetic acid, which dissolves the spores completely.
White vinegar will create an acidic environment and also break down any soap residue on the silicone seal which makes it difficult for the mould to grow any further.
Not only can vinegar kill mould but it can penetrate deeply into silicone sealant so it will be able to get rid of every little bit of it without having to use a harsher chemical product.
How to use vinegar to clean silicone sealant mould
To begin, make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing to clean mould. Wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, gloves and a mask if you can.
Georgia said: “You will need to wear a mask, gloves, and goggles in order to protect your skin, eyes and lungs from any airborne particles. It is important to avoid any direct contact with the mould and its spores, as they can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.”
Once you are properly dressed, pour the white vinegar into an empty spray bottle and spray a generous amount of vinegar onto the mouldy surface.
Wait at least 15 minutes to give the white vinegar time to break down the mould spores.
When the time is up, mix together baking soda and water until it forms a thick paste and apply it on top of the vinegar.
Baking soda is fantastic at breaking down grease which makes it very effective in removing soap residue but is also mildly abrasive which helps the vinegar lift mould off the silicone.
Then use an old toothbrush or bristled brush to scrub the silicone sealant in curricular motions and the mould should instantly wipe away.
Rinse the silicone sealant with clean warm water and wipe it thoroughly to dry it.
Your silicone seal should not be completely clean so you can have a beautiful bathroom without worrying about black mould.
In the future, wipe down silicone sealant after a shower to prevent moisture build-up and also open a window to air out your bathroom as a humid environment will also encourage mould growth.
