Black mould on silicone sealant is unsightly, and it can also cause your silicone to work improperly or render it useless, but there’s a simple DIY method that may help remove it.
Silicone sealant serves as an adhesive designed to form a watertight and airtight barrier where two surfaces meet, commonly found surrounding showers, baths and windows. When silicone becomes wet or damp alongside soap residue, it creates ideal conditions for mould to flourish, resulting in the silicone turning black.
Mould can compromise the effectiveness of your silicone or render it completely ineffective. This unsightly growth is notoriously stubborn, making it appear nearly impossible to clean.
While numerous mould-killing sprays are readily available in supermarkets that can tackle these stains swiftly, they frequently contain bleach and may not always represent the safest choice.
UK sealant firm GT Sealants has revealed how removing black mould from silicone can be made “quite easy” using baking soda.
The initial step involves creating a paste with baking soda. Baking soda is an “excellent, cheap, and convenient” solution to employ. According to the company, when combined with water, it proves “perfect for removing black mould”, reports the Mirror.
Combine two or three teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water and blend until a paste forms. Using a cloth, take a small amount of paste and apply it to the blackened mould-affected area.
While it’s tempting to rub the paste on expecting immediate results, the specialists clarified this isn’t how it functions. They explained: “The baking soda mixture needs some time to settle on the black mould and do its work.”
Apply the mixture and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wrapping the silicone in cling film is also recommended to retain the moisture.
Following five to 10 minutes, remove the plastic covering and use a brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away the black mould.
The subsequent step involves using cool water with a sponge to rinse the sealant, eliminating any remaining traces of the black mould.
The process may need repeating several times if the marks persist. Black mould on silicone can prove stubborn; after all, silicone’s very nature is to be durable and hard-wearing.
When all the mould has been eliminated, ensure you dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth or towel. This crucial final step is frequently missed by those eager to complete the task and head back indoors. Drying the silicone “prevents any more mould from forming”.
