Mould needs moisture to grow which is why it is often seen lurking in the corner of showers, but it is frustrating to find on silicone sealant as it is tough to remove without the right product.
Silicone sealant is the white lining around showers, baths and sinks which has been designed as a waterproof barrier to seal up any gaps in the bathroom.
Over time the silicone surface can wear away to create tiny crevices where mould spores can embed themselves which can be difficult to reach and remove.
If left unchecked the mould will eventually completely rot the sealant so you will need to replace it, which is not only expensive but can be time consuming.
However Adriana Aziz, an expert from Maid For You, has shared that most mouldy sealant can be cleaned using simple white vinegar you likely already have in your kitchen.
Adriana said: “Spray the full-strength vinegar over the entire line of sealant regardless of whether there is visible mould or not. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before you try to wipe the mould off with a clean cloth.”
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which acts as a natural disinfectant that kills any pesky mould spores that may be growing.
Vinegar can also deeply penetrate the silicone to remove hidden mould spores – plus, white vinegar is a gentle product that is much less likely to cause any damage compared to stronger cleaning agents.
Adriana added: “It is advisable to begin with a natural approach to removing mould from your silicone sealant. Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive and eco-friendly.”
How to remove mould from silicone sealant naturally
All you need to do is fill a bottle with white vinegar and spray a generous amount on the silicone sealant.
Let the white vinegar solution sit for at least 10 minutes to give it time to break down and kill the mould spores.
Then simply use a clean cloth to wipe the mould, and it should come away easily.
If you have any mould in a corner of your bathroom, then use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the corner after spraying it with vinegar to get rid of the mould.
Rinse the silicone sealant with clean water and blot with a cloth to dry it, and your silicone seal should be completely clean.
For particularly stubborn mould, you may need to let the vinegar solution sit for longer for it to work properly.
Adriana said: “Tear off some toilet paper and spray it with vinegar until it is soaked. Place the paper over the mould that’s left behind, and let it sit for a few hours.”
