The shower is the perfect temperature and as you are about to step in, you see black mold on the silicone in the shower! You think to yourself, “How can that be? I keep my shower clean!” Well, black mold can grow in the shower because of moisture and water.
How do you clean black mold in the shower on silicone? Try spraying white vinegar on it and then wipe it away. Will this always work? Yes! Vinegar is strong and works just like a chemical without harmful effects. This is the most environmentally friendly and healthiest way to start before moving to harsher chemicals if needed.
Let’s take a look at black mold and silicone, how to clean it, how to prevent it, and warning signs it may be getting worse.
What is Black Mold
Mold spores form in the air and drop onto surfaces. If they drop on to moist surfaces, they become a breeding ground for mold to grow. This mold is often black but is usually not the same harsh black mold that can appear in other places in the home. There are many different types of black mold and this one can usually be easily removed.
Black Mold on Silicone Around the Tub, Shower, and Sinks
Silicone is usually a white color, sometimes called caulking that fills the space between a sink, countertop, or the tub, shower, and the wall. The growth of the black mold often happens on silicone in the shower and throughout the bathroom, as it is a difficult area to keep dry and clean. Clean this area as you see the mold start to form to prevent it from getting out of control.
How to Clean Black Mold in the Shower on Silicone
The most environmentally and healthy way to clean black mold in the shower on the silicone is by spraying distilled white vinegar on the mold and then wiping it off. As mentioned earlier, white distilled vinegar is powerful and can be used as a cleaning agent.
Be sure to put gloves on your hands to do this so the mold doesn’t get on your skin. If you find the mold is in little crevices, use an old toothbrush, spray vinegar on it, and then scrub the crevice.
If the vinegar is not working, you can use bleach, but make sure you wear gloves and wear a face mask as the chemicals are harmful.
Using Toilet Paper to Clean Mold, Say What?
Yes! Toilet paper can help clean mold! You use it to soak up the moisture and keep the vinegar on it so it doesn’t have a chance to grow! If you have an area on the bathtub or shower that continues to see mold, try the following (Note: you can try substituting vinegar and always use gloves.)
- Twist-up some toilet paper and make it like a twisted towel.
- Lay it down where the mold continues to grow.
- Spray it with vinegar and let it soak in.
- Leave it there for a few hours, wipe it away, and it should remove the mold.
Black Mold Is Being Resistant, Even Though You Clean it
Even though you clean the black mold, it can be resistant and won’t come off the silicone in the shower . In this case, you have no alternative but to use bleach, in some form. Here is a good hack to clean stubborn mold using bleach and baking soda . Since you are using bleach, make sure to wear a mask because of the fumes.
- In a plastic bowl, mix a little bleach and baking soda until the consistency is a little thicker, like a liquidy paste.
- Use a disposable paintbrush, dip it in the paste, and brush it on the moldy caulk. Use a good amount, as the more the better. You want the paste to perform its magic in cleaning the caulk.
- Put plastic wrap over the area you put the paste so it doesn’t dry out.
- Let the paste sit on the moldy caulk for several hours.
- If the caulk looks clean, that is great!
- Did the paste dry out? If it did, add bleach to a spray bottle and spray it on the wall above the plastic wrap. Let the water drip down the wall and go under the plastic and it will re-saturate the paste.
How to Prevent Black Mold in the Bathroom
The bathroom is a breeding ground for the growth of mold but there are things you can do to fix this.
1. Turn on the Exhaust fan
Turn the exhaust fan on during your bath/shower and then also run it for 10-15 minutes after. This gives the fan enough time to try to dry out the room and get rid of the moisture.
If you don’t have an exhaust fan, it is very important to think about investing in one. Call a professional to install one for you. This is especially necessary for states that have humidity issues, like we do in Texas.
2. Add a Dehumidifier to the Bathroom
A dehumidifier can be used in any room in a home, including a bathroom. This can help pull the moisture out and allow the humidity to lower in the room.
3. Soak Up the Water After a Shower/Bath
Squeegee the glass door in the shower to soak up the moisture and wipe down the silicone, tile, countertops, and sinks if there is a humidity issue. This will also help control the moisture in the room. It will also keep the bathroom cleaner.
4. Spray Vinegar Daily
You can spray vinegar daily on the mold and let it sit and then wipe it up. If that doesn’t work, try a daily shower spray. You can also use one that only needs to be sprayed once a week with no harmful chemicals.
Warning Signs the Mold is Worse Than You Thought
Pools of water or Plumbing Issues
If you see pools of water or are starting to have plumbing issues, tending to these will be very important. You can’t see what is going on behind the wall so calling a professional will be important.
A professional can come out with a thermal imaging camera and see what is going on inside the walls. If you don’t take care of it, structural damage will occur and you will have higher costs to remove the mold and fix areas in your home.
Respiratory Issues Develop
People that are sensitive to mold can develop respiratory issues, rash, and sometimes worse side effects so the mold needs to be taken care of right away.
Mold Not Just in the Bathroom
If you notice the mold is growing in other places throughout the house, this is a good time to call a professional. If it can be caught early and fixed, it can save you money. Don’t wait as mold is not something to play with.
Conclusion
The drier you can keep the rooms in the home, the fewer chances mold will grow anywhere. Keeping an eye on the moisture levels in the bathroom especially will help. If you are having problems with your exhaust fan, or moisture levels, leave a reply below so we can help! Mold is nothing to play around with and we are here to help you.
