Mould loves to fester in bathrooms due to the humid environment, however, when they target silicone sealants it can be tough to eradicate.
Silicone sealants are what you find between tiles and around the edges of baths and showers in bathrooms as well as around windows and doors.
It’s usually white or pale in colour, so over time, it is susceptible to discolouration from general dirt and mould.
To remove dirt and mould build-up, cleaning expert Catherine Green at Smol has shared how households can “quickly and easily” create their own “effective cleaning solution” using ingredients they probably already have in their kitchen.
She noted that one “great choice” is clear white vinegar as “it’s actually more effective at killing mould than bleach”.
Catherine explained: “Bleach only kills mould spores on the surface of affected materials whereas vinegar can penetrate porous materials, killing mould at its root without the harshness of bleach.”
Although the smell of vinegar might be quite strong, it’s a much safer alternative and you won’t end up accidentally bleaching your clothes.
Before tackling black mould, ensure you are wearing gloves, a face mask and protective eyewear to avoid inhaling black mould spores.
Simply mix a solution of two parts vinegar to one part water and pour into a clean spray bottle for “easy application”.
If you spray the affected area and leave the solution to sit for 30 minutes, you can then wipe it down with a clean damp cloth.
For extremely stubborn mould that has taken ahold of silicone sealants, Catherine has recommended a “useful hack” that involves pairing toilet paper with white vinegar.
She said: “Roll toilet paper into a sausage shape, pour vinegar onto the paper, and place it onto the affected sealant, allowing it to soak in.
“After 12 hours, remove it and scrub the area. Depending on the severity, you may need to repeat this process.”
After mould has been removed from the sealant, ensuring proper ventilation in your bathroom is “crucial to preventing mould from returning”.
Catherine explained: “Mould and mildew thrive in warm, damp environments, so maintaining good airflow is essential.
“Using an extractor fan during or after showers or baths is important to remove any steam build-up that’s just going to turn into condensation and damp.
“Also remember to keep the bathroom door open when not in use and keep the window open when you can.”
