Silicone sealant is the rubbery lining around showers that stops water leaking onto the floor, but unfortunately, the material is prone to becoming mouldy. Mould thrives in damp areas like bathrooms, and spores can embed themselves deeply into silicone since it is a porous material that needs to be cleaned regularly.
Bleach is effective at killing mould, but it is not ideal for shower seals as it only cleans the surface and cannot reach the spores buried deep inside the silicone. Instead, Terry Alexander, a handyman and founder of The Plumbero, has shared that there is an easier way to kill mould spores: use white vinegar.
Terry said: “White vinegar is a natural and effective mould remover due to its acidic properties.”
White vinegar is one of the most popular natural cleaners as it contains acetic acid, which can break down mould spores without needing to use harsh chemicals.
It is a gentle substance that can be used on silicone sealant without causing tearing or discolouration, while also still being able to penetrate the silicone to remove all the spores.
How to naturally remove mould from shower silicone sealant
All you need to do is pour normal white vinegar into a spray bottle. You can buy empty spray bottles in the gardening section of most supermarkets, but you can also find them in pound shops, hardware stores or online retailers like Amazon.
Spray a generous amount of white vinegar onto the affected, mouldy brown areas of the silicone sealant.
Then, leave the white vinegar alone to sit for at least one hour to give it time to kill all the spores.
Natural cleaning solutions often require a little more time to work than chemical products, so for the best results, try leaving it overnight if you can.
It should also be noted that white vinegar has a very strong smell, which can be overpowering in a bathroom, so make sure to open a window while using it.
Once the time is up, simply use a bristled brush or old toothbrush to remove the now-loosened mould; it should come away easily.
Rinse the silicone seal with warm water and thoroughly dry it with a clean cloth to help keep it mould-free.
Regularly cleaning your shower with white vinegar will prevent mould build-up, but mixing it with baking soda and tea tree oil creates a stronger solution for longer-lasting cleanliness.