The white rubbery material surrounding sinks, showers, and bathtubs, known as silicone sealant, serves as a protective barrier against water, but mould often starts to fester in this area. Although mould cannot directly grow on the waterproof sealant, moisture accumulation in gaps or cracks can lead to mould spores spreading from the back of the fitting onto the surface. This makes removing bathroom mould a challenge, as a cleaner that can deeply penetrate the silicone sealant’s surface without causing damage is required.
Fortunately, experts at Mold Solutions have revealed a natural yet highly effective method for removing mould stains from sealant in just 10 minutes. They recommend using hydrogen peroxide, stating: “We have hydrogen peroxide, which is an environmentally friendly powerful way to get rid of mould.”
Hydrogen peroxide, a liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen, is commonly used as a disinfectant and is particularly effective at removing mould due to its antibacterial properties.
Harsh chemical cleaners like bleach cannot penetrate the sealant and may discolour the silicone, causing it to turn yellow rather than cleaning it properly.
However, hydrogen peroxide can seep into the tiny pores of the silicone sealant to remove mould and prevent it from growing beneath the surface layer.
To use hydrogen peroxide to remove silicone mould, you need hydrogen peroxide with a 3% concentration, which is readily available in supermarkets.
Simply decant the solution into an empty spray bottle and secure the lid. Generously spray the hydrogen peroxide onto the mouldy silicone seal, then leave it for 10 minutes for the mould spores to “vanish like magic”.
After the time is up, wipe down the silicone sealant, and the mould should easily be removed.
Once cleaned, ensure that the silicone is thoroughly dry with a clean cloth and that your silicone sealant is completely clean.
To prevent silicone sealant from becoming mouldy in the future, open a window to let steam out and wipe down the area after showering.
Since mould thrives in moist areas, taking a few minutes to ensure the silicone is dry will prevent dampness or mould from becoming a problem in your bathroom in the future.