How To Remove Black Mould From Silicone Sealant
Black mould on silicone sealant can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Black mould is a common issue in areas with high humidity, such as Australia. As unsightly as it is, many people don’t realise that black mould can also lead to health problems such as respiratory infections, aggravated asthmatic symptoms, frequent asthma attacks, and allergies. So, don’t ignore black mould!
Fortunately, there are ways to effectively remove black mould from silicone sealant using simple household items. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to ensure that you remove the mould from your sealant and prevent it from coming back.
It’s worth noting that if your mould problem is severe, or covers an area that’s more than a metre long, you will need to consider a professional mould cleaning service, such as Absolute Mould Removal’s affordable and revolutionary mould cleaning in Brisbane.
Items You Need to Remove Black Mould From Silicone Sealant
Black mould can be dangerous, and so can professional cleaning products, so be sure to use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Remove all PPE once you’ve finished removing the mould and wash the items separately. Below is an overview of the safety gear you’ll need.| Gloves | Face mask | Eye protection | Protective clothing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protective gloves made of nitrile, rubber, or latex will help to prevent allergic attacks and skin irritation from contact with black mould and harsh cleaning products. | A face mask, preferably an N95 respirator, will help you avoid inhaling mould spores, which can cause respiratory infections and serious breathing issues. | Protective goggles will stop mould spores and cleaning products from getting into your eyes. | You’ll need to cover and protect your skin, so put on old, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Do not leave any skin exposed. |
| Bicarbonate of soda / baking soda | Baking soda has gentle abrasive properties that can be mixed with white vinegar to create a more effective paste. |
| White vinegar | Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that’s effective in killing mould and removing it from silicone sealant. |
| Spray bottle | A spray bottle is useful for applying the vinegar evenly across the mould-affected area. |
| Scrub brush / old toothbrush | A small brush, such as a toothbrush or a scrub brush, can help you reach the small crevices and thoroughly scrub away mould from the sealant. |
| Old cloth or paper towel | Use these for wiping away excess cleaning solution and mould debris once the cleaning process is complete. |
Steps to Remove Black Mould From Silicone Sealant
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Prepare the area and protect yourself
Before you start cleaning, put on your PPE to ensure you’re protected from inhaling mould spores or coming into contact with any potential irritants. Open windows and doors to allow for proper ventilation and remove any objects or furniture from the mould-affected area, if possible. Black mould is a common problem in bathrooms, which often don’t have sufficient ventilation or natural light. If you need to clean mould off bathroom sealant, try to ventilate the bathroom as much as possible before you start cleaning. -
Apply undiluted vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar, then spray this solution onto the mould-affected silicone sealant. Cover the mouldy areas thoroughly and allow the vinegar solution to sit for 30 minutes. This will allow the vinegar to penetrate the mould and weaken its bonds to the sealant. -
Scrub the sealant
Use a toothbrush or scrub brush to gently scrub the silicone sealant, paying special attention to the areas where mould is present. Apply enough pressure to remove mould from the sealant, but not so much that you risk damaging the sealant itself. This is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the seal. -
Rinse and dry
After scrubbing, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel to remove any loosened mould and remaining vinegar solution. Rinse the cloth or towel frequently to avoid spreading mould to other areas. Once the sealant is clean, dry the area thoroughly to prevent mould growth in the future. -
Apply a baking soda paste
Mix a paste of equal parts baking soda, water, and white vinegar. Apply a thick layer of this paste to the mould-affected silicone sealant, then use the toothbrush or scrub brush to scrub away the remaining mould. Rinse and dry the area again, as described above. -
Use a commercial mould remover (optional)
In some cases, vinegar and baking soda might not be enough to fully eradicate stubborn mould. If this is the case for you, consider using a commercial or professional mould remover to clean the affected sealant. Choose one specifically designed for black mould removal, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Remember to follow the safety precautions on the packaging, as some chemicals can be harmful if not handled properly. It’s also important to note whether the product you choose can be used on silicone sealant without damaging it. Some popular professional mould-cleaning products are described below:
By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove black mould from your silicone sealant and restore a clean, healthy environment in the affected area. Remember to be patient and persistent, as some mould may require multiple cleaning attempts to eradicate completely.Professional products How to use Selleys Rapid Mould Killer Spray onto the affected area, leave it to work for 3 minutes, then wipe or scrub off with a soft-bristled brush. Ajax Professional Mould Remover Spray onto the mouldy area, let it sit and work for 5 minutes. Then wipe the surface with water. Concrobium Mould Control Spray Spray onto the affected area, let it dry, and then remove any mould residue with a microfibre cloth or soft brush.
Tips for Mould Removal and Prevention
- Test a small, inconspicuous area of the sealant with your chosen cleaning solution to ensure that it will not cause any discolouration or damage before applying it to the whole mould-affected area.
- Check for water damage, plumbing and roof leaks, condensation on and around windows and walls, and burst pipes. Make sure you clean mould after flooding or water damage as soon as possible to prevent mould regrowth.
- High levels of humidity will increase the risk of mould growth, so try to lower humidity levels with fresh air. Use your extractor fan before and after showering, and avoid hanging towels or wet clothes inside your house.
If your DIY attempts have not effectively removed mould in your home, you may need a professional’s service. Call our friendly professional team on 1300 902 362 or make a booking online.
Black Mould Removal FAQs
Does vinegar damage shower silicone?
Not if it’s left to work into the mould for less than an hour. Remember to rinse the vinegar off your silicone sealant and dry thoroughly. Vinegar can damage silicone if it’s left on for longer periods of time, e.g. overnight.
What household products kill black mould?
Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda will both kill black mould. Getting rid of mould from bathroom sealant with vinegar and/or bicarb is cheap and effective, so this is a great way to start your fight against black mould.
Does bleach damage silicone?
Yes, it does. Bleach is a very strong chemical and silicone is a delicate material which bleach can damage over time. If you’re thinking of using a strong chemical, then hydrogen peroxide can be a better option than bleach to get rid of mould.
