Mandy PhillipsThe sad reality is that black mold thrives in showers, and it especially loves caulking lines or the nooks and crannies of your shower silicone.
If you don’t resolve this issue in a timely manner, black mold can make you sick, leaving you to deal with health issues that may take a while to recover from.
Learn how you can get rid of black mold in your shower silicone with this effective 4-step action plan.
Why Black Mold Is a Threat to Your Bathroom and Your Life
We all hate seeing those unsightly black stains on the walls and silicone where mold thrives. Black mold not only threatens your peace of mind but also threatens your health.
When you are dealing with a black mold infestation:
- There will be spores, which float around in the air
- Spores can be inhaled, leading to respiratory problems and even blood clots and heart issues
- If you have sensitive skin and you shower in a bathroom with mold, allergic reactions result
- It can also disintegrate the surfaces on which it grows
An Effective 4-Step Action Plan for Cleaning Black Mold In Shower Silicone
Before you dive into the steps, it’s a good idea to clean your shower silicone lines daily, before any black mold can form.
This will ensure you have less work later, and you can definitely use a daily shower spray, made with water and white vinegar, to help you clean caulking lines and prevent mold forming. However, if you had done that, you wouldn’t be here now, so let’s fix this black mold problem in your shower silicone together.
You will need the following tools and products:
- An old toothbrush
- A paintbrush
- A plastic container
- Clingfilm
- Natural cleaning supplies
- And some elbow grease
Step 1. Apply a Natural Cleaning Solution to Your Shower Silicone
When you notice the tell-tale lines of black mold on your shower silicone, it’s time to apply some cleaning power. In the plastic container, mix about half a cup of white distilled vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of water. Paint the mix onto the silicone lines with a paintbrush.
Allow to work for a couple of minutes, then proceed to step two, scrubbing.
Step 2. Scrub Your Shower Silicone
Use your bathroom scrubbing brush to give your silicone lines a good scrub. If they come clean, great; if not, then you need to step things up a little.
Use the same mix as above, but without the water. You should have a thick paste, like runny toothpaste, which you can apply generously to the silicone lines. Cover the paste with clingfilm, and if necessary, you can add some builder’s tape to keep it in place.
As long as the mix is wet, it will keep acting on the mold, so if you see the paste dries out, then you can apply some vinegar and water solution by spraying it above the silicone so it runs down into the paste. Leave for a couple of minutes, then remove the clingfilm and scrub lightly with a scrubbing brush or toothbrush in the hard-to-reach areas before rinsing.
Step 3. Chemical Alternatives for Cleaning Your Shower Silicone
Hopefully, you don’t have a serious mold problem, but if you do, then you need to step up and go the chemical route.
There is a range of chemicals that are known for busting mold. These solutions include ammonia, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and commercial heavy-duty cleaners, which remove mold from any bathroom surface.
When taking the chemical route, you need to take precautions like wearing rubber gloves, ventilating the room well, and even wearing a respirator or N95 mask to help protect your lungs. Vigorous scrubbing can also loosen mold spores, which are detrimental to your health, so keeping your lungs protected is vital.
Step 4. Prevent Mold Recurring In Your Shower Silicone
The best step you can take to remove mold in your shower silicone is to never let it root in the first place. Don’t wait for the spores of mold to take root. Spray your shower, the silicone lines, and glass doors with mold-resistant sprays such as this homemade recipe.
Mix the following in a spray bottle:
- One cup of water
- Half a cup of vinegar
- A few drops of fresh-smelling essential oils such as mint or eucalyptus
- A few drops of dishwashing liquid (optional)
The final clue for mold deterrent is to never provide an environment that mold thrives in. So, check your bathroom and shower to make sure it isn’t mold-friendly.
How to Keep Your Bathroom and Shower Silicone Mold-Free
- Keep It Dry
Dry off your bathroom surfaces and especially your shower silicone lines to prevent mold from forming. Using a sponge or squeegee wipe down the surfaces, then be sure to dry off the lines and corners of the shower to ensure there is no moisture.
It’s a simple motto really: without moisture, mold won’t take hold.
- Remove Deposits
Hard water leaves calcium and mineral deposits on your bathroom surfaces that are an ideal substrate for mold to grow in, so remove these. Luckily, the above vinegar and water spray is great at removing these too, so double whammy!
Additionally, you can install a water filter to help remove the chemicals from your bathroom water, helping you keep things hygienic and fresh, which is better for your skin too.
- Dehumidify and Ventilate
Be sure to use a bathroom dehumidifier or exhaust fan to help freshen air quality and prevent surfaces from being moist. Airflow helps dry things out, and this helps with keeping your shower sparkly clean too.
After you have showered, get into the habit of opening a window, switching on a fan, or leaving the bathroom door open if you don’t have a dehumidifier. Fix leaking taps as these can also keep introducing water to your shower, no matter how slight the drip is. Even a fine water spray will soon see black mold spreading up your shower walls and silicone.
