How to remove black mould from silicone sealant

Silicone sealant is a very useful product when you are sealing in wet or hot environments. A sealant is a strong adhesive that can be effectively placed on a surface, such as a window and will help bond it to the frame.

An important benefit of silicone sealants is their weather resistance, as they can withstand both wet and warm areas. Whilst this is useful outdoors it also has positive inside your home, as it means the sealant can be applied in bathrooms or kitchens and you can be assured the results will be long lasting.

What is black mould?

However, over time sealants can attract black mould. This is especially true in damp spaces such as the bathroom. Black mould is a micro fungus that grows very slowly but can be difficult to remove. Black mould needs moisture and humidity to thrive and therefore in a bathroom, where the water will just roll off the sealant, are the perfect breeding ground. If the bathroom or shower isn’t clean regularly this will cause the black mould to appear and will continue to spread until you take action.

For many people, black mould is merely aesthetically unpleasant however there are cases where people have allergic reactions to the micro fungus and therefore it is vital to remove the black mould especially if you begin to suffer negative side effects physically.

Can you remove black mould from silicone sealant?

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to remove black mould from silicone sealant from your kitchen or bathroom however you may need a few specific products such as white vinegar, baking soda, bleach and water.

Additionally, it is vital that you have a rag (to dampen), a sponge and bristled brush. If you don’t have any of these items, please purchase them before tackling the mould.

What steps should I take to remove black mould?

To remove the mould, you should follow these steps below:

• You will need to create a paste to apply to the black mould. To do this you should combine white vinegar with baking soda and then spread this paste onto the black mouldy area. Use your damp rag to collect the paste from your bowl or container.
• Leave the paste for around five minutes.
• Using your stiff-bristled brush scrub the paste away from the sealant. This should break the mould apart.
• You can then use the wet sponge to clean the sealant. Please make sure to use a clean and ideally new sponge to do this. Also, make sure you use cold or at the very least cool water to clean the sealant. If you do not have a sponge, you can use a microfibre cloth.
• Should the stain prove difficult to remove, repeat these steps 4 to 6 more times.
• Once completed you will create a solution made up of bleach and water. A good ratio would be 1-part bleach to 4-parts water.
• Apply the solution to the area and this will kill the remainder of the mould and the spores which will prevent them from regrowing.
• The last step involves leaving the windows in the room and the doors open as this will allow the smell of bleach to subside.
• If you follow these steps you will be able to effectively remove black mould from silicone sealant.

Can I use supermarket products?

Alternatively, you can buy black mould remover from the supermarket. There are manufactured products that are fast-acting and will immediately remove the mould. Positively, they reduce the amount of time spent preparing your homemade solution and some products have deodorants and fragrances so that the room is left smelling fresh and clean.

Make sure you read the instructions before using the store-bought mould remover and follow them to the letter. Furthermore, if you get any of the solutions on your hands or body you must wash them immediately to prevent any skin damage.

How can I prevent black mould from appearing?

However, you don’t want to have to take these steps regularly and therefore there are a few actions you can put in place to prevent black mould from returning:

• Keeping windows and doors open regularly can be a good way to ventilate the room and reduce moisture.
• Washing bath towels, shower curtains and furnishings in the room reduces the potential space for mould to grow.
• Purchasing a dehumidifier or plants that reduce humidity can be the best way to tackle the issue.
• There are some sealants that are mould resistant so it may be worth investing in these products when purchasing.