Silicone seal, the white rubbery substance found around sinks, showers and bathtubs, can be a real challenge to clean.
While mould can’t grow on the waterproof sealant itself, moisture can accumulate in any gaps or cracks, causing mould spurs to spread from behind the fitting onto the surface. This makes it difficult to remove bathroom mould as you need a cleaner that can deeply penetrate the silicone sealant without damaging it.
However, experts at Mold Solutions have revealed a natural yet highly effective method to eliminate mould from sealant in just 10 minutes. They said: “We have hydrogen peroxide, which is an environmentally friendly way to get rid of mould.”
Hydrogen peroxide, a liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen, is typically used as a disinfectant but is highly effective at removing mould due to its antibacterial properties.
Harsh chemical cleaners like bleach can’t penetrate the sealant and are more likely to discolour the silicone, turning it yellow rather than cleaning it properly, reports the Express.
The advantage of hydrogen peroxide is that it can seep into the tiny pores in silicone sealant to remove mould and prevent it from growing beneath the surface layer. To use hydrogen peroxide to remove silicone mould, all you need is a three percent concentration, commonly available in supermarkets.
Then simply pour the solution into an empty spray bottle and screw on the lid. Spray a generous amount of the hydrogen peroxide onto the mouldy silicone seal, then leave it alone for 10 minutes to give it time to break down the mould spores.
Once the time is up, use a hard-bristled cleaning brush to give the silicone sealant a quick scrub and the mould should easily wipe away. After cleaning, make sure to thoroughly dry the silicone with a clean cloth and the silicone sealant should be completely clean.
If you wish to stop silicone sealant from becoming mouldy in the future, open a window to let steam out and wipe down the area after showering. Mould can only grow in moist areas, so taking a few minutes to make sure the silicone is dry will stop dampness or mould from becoming an issue in your bathroom in the future.
