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How to Clean Black Mold in the Shower Silicone?

Mold, no matter where it is in the house, is always unsightly. Imagine stepping into a shower after a long day only to spot a sprinkling of mold on the silicone. Mold is a common household issue, but it grows faster in moist and wet places, like the shower. 

Black mold is potent and can prove to be a huge problem if not tackled on time. Fortunately, there are many homemade and over-the-counter solutions to drive mold away.

If you are looking for a quick solution, you can clean mold off the silicone in your shower by spraying white vinegar without any side effects. For more details, keep reading!

Also, Read – Best fiberglass shower cleaner

Let’s take a look at how you can get rid of mold growing on the silicone of your shower, how to prevent it from coming back, and what signs you should notice to tackle it in time!

What is Black Mold?

Mold is a spore that forms in moisture-filled air and attaches itself to surfaces. Especially in wet weather, or increased air moisture, mold growth thrives. Mold appears black, but there are multiple types of mold that you can remove with varying ease.

Black Mold in the Shower

The Black Mold that grows in showers, especially on silicone-lined surfaces such as spaces between sinks, tubs, showers, etc., is not that tough. This black mold can be easily removed if treated well.

Unfortunately, bathtubs and showers are places that are bound to get wet. Hence, they will kee facilitating mold growth.

Also, Read – Can you use toilet bowl cleaner in the shower?

Mold spores are impossible to kill, but you can watch for some timely signs to help curb mold growth in your bathroom.

How to Clean Black Mold in the Shower on Silicone?

The white Silicone lining is often called ‘caulking.’ It is the line that fills the spaces between your bathtub and the wall, or showers, sinks, etc. 

How to Clean Black Mold

Black Mold often grows in this gap filled with silicone because the other substances around it are often smooth and frequently washed, removing any mold growth chances.

Vinegar 

The easiest way to handle the mold issue is to spray white vinegar onto the affected areas and then wipe it off. Remember to distill the vinegar with a bit of water to not prove overly acidic to your surfaces.

Vinegar 

White distilled vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent and is the safest chemical to use on mold-ridden surfaces. Vinegar is also environmentally beneficial since it does not leave any harmful side effects. If you are looking for an instant solution to mold, then vinegar is your go-to ingredient.

Remember to use protective gear such as gloves before handling mold. Do not allow it to touch your skin. If you cannot reach into fine cracks, use an old toothbrush to get in there, spray vinegar on it, and then clean the gap thoroughly.

Bleach

Using bleach is another powerful way of driving mold away. It is a whitening agent and will kill off any bacteria or pathogens along with the mold. 

Bleach

While handling bleach, you need to wear gloves not to touch it or even breathe in it. Bleach is highly toxic when ingested or inhaled.

In the case of showers and bathtubs, which regularly come in contact with our skin, we must avoid using bleach in any form. This is why our first recommendation is always vinegar. Use bleach only if the mold is too thick and vinegar is not working on it.

Toilet Paper

Toilet Paper

Yes, you read that right – toilet paper can clean mold too. Like any paper, it is thin and can be used with vinegar to curb mold growth. If you have severe mold issues, twist some toilet paper into a roll, dip it in vinegar and keep it on the affected area for some hours. If you constantly keep the toilet paper there, mold will not have an opening to grow.

How to Prevent Black Mold in the Bathroom?

Bathrooms are the best places for mold to thrive because they are constantly moist. To prevent decay from occurring in the first place, here are some things you can try:

Using Exhaust Fans

While you are in the bath or the shower, always keep the exhaust fan running to prevent the water from seeping in. The exhaust fan will prevent moisture from gathering and successfully ban mold spores from making a home there. Ensure that your exhaust fan stays on for at least ten minutes even after you have come out of the bath.

Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier is one of the best ways to prevent mold anywhere in the house. If your bathroom is too big or you don’t have an exhaust fan, then consider investing in a dehumidifier. The primary purpose of this device is to ensure your surroundings remain dry and the humidity levels stay low.

Soaking Water after Use

Another method to ensure that mold does not collect in your bathroom, then keep your bathroom door wide open. If needed, wipe down the surfaces with remaining water droplets such as tiles, sinks, etc., to ensure a dry environment. 

Vinegar sprays

Keep a bottle of vinegar spray in the bathroom to use after every bath and gently spray it on the areas where mold might gather. Let it be for a couple of hours, and then wipe it off.

Other Ways to Get Rid of Black Mold in Shower

Black Mold is a formidable opponent to beat. Even after cleaning up the mold constantly, you feel like it is not coming off of the silicone, which means you will have to opt for other methods.

One such method is using bleach along with baking soda. 

Even though bleach is hazardous, there is no way to avoid it if you deal with more significant mold issues. 

Remember to wear a mask and gloves when handling bleach, and take extra care not to let it touch your skin.

To treat the mold, take some bleach and baking soda until you achieve a thick consistency, almost like a paste. Use a delicate toothbrush or even a paintbrush to apply the paste on the moldy silicone caulk. Once you have covered that area, put some plastic wrap to prevent the paste from drying out. If the paste dries out, just spray some more bleach on top of the plastic wrap. After several hours, wipe off with a dry cloth and check the results. You can keep repeating this process until you see the mold getting lesser.

Warning Signs the Mold is Worse Than You Thought

Warning Signs the Mold is Worse Than You Thought

Some warning signs that tell you that your mold problem is more extensive than what you can handle are:

Plumbing problems

If your water pools up at places or doesn’t drain well, then call a professional to get it fixed. Until this problem is solved, your mold will not go away. If there seems to be water leaking from the walls, a professional will use imaging cameras to give you a better idea of what’s happening.

Also, Read – Leaking Shower Pan: Causes And How To Fix It?

Respiratory Issues

Mold spores can also cause breathing or lung issues for you. If that seems to be the case for you, it is high time to call in the professionals.

Mold Issues at other places in the house

Mold can occur anywhere in the house. If you see mold appearing in areas where the humidity is low, then the problem has gone too far. Get a thorough check-up of the house done to deal with Mold.

Wrapping Up

To prevent mold from damaging your property, try to allow in as much open-air in the place as you can. Keeping a regular track of mold and taking immediate counter-measures will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.