How to remove mould from silicone in a shower cubicle?

When you hear about mould on walls, you probably picture an old house or a damp cellar. The truth is, though, that mould can also appear in new, modern homes, especially if there are leaky bathroom fittings or ventilation problems. The good news is that if you act early, you can get rid of mould at home without causing lasting damage to fixtures or tiles. In this article, we’ve gathered a few tried-and-tested tips for tackling indoor mould.

What is black mould and why does it form?

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, humid conditions. In homes it most often appears in rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen or utility room, where, due to poor ventilation, air flow is very limited. The growth of black mould on bathroom walls and ceilings usually starts with a build-up of steam after hot showers or baths. Drying clothes in the bathroom, whether on a clothes line or with a tumble dryer, also encourages its growth — the appliance warms the room while it runs. Other causes include leaky pipes, poor insulation, or heavy use of humidifiers.

Is mould harmful to your health?

Health risks associated with mould include allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Touching mould is particularly risky, as it brings you into direct contact with its spores. Children, older adults, and people with skin conditions or respiratory illnesses are most vulnerable to the side effects of exposure. What’s more, allergy sufferers who experience inflammatory symptoms on exposure to mould increase their risk of developing asthma. According to the WHO, most cases of this disease in children result from exposure to mould.

How to find and identify mould in the bathroom?

Depending on the scale and location of the mould, you may be able to remove it yourself. Before you set about a plan to remove mould from your home, identify its source. Typical areas where mould forms include walls, the ceiling, bathroom tiles, grout lines, washbasins, baths, drains, and hidden spots around pipework. Make sure you’re dealing with mould rather than a simple build-up of grime. A bathroom with mould has a characteristic musty odour, even when the room seems completely dry. Its presence is also confirmed by its tell-tale appearance — a dark, sludgy deposit, sometimes glistening with moisture. Also watch for signs such as crumbling plaster, discoloured walls, cracked or flaking paint, damaged tiles, or softened surfaces. These may indicate water ingress or flooding in the bathroom, which usually leads to mould forming and spreading.

Mould in the shower? How to remove it using chemical products

You can treat mould on silicone with bleach. The chlorine it contains is an effective mould remover. However, when cleaning tiles with it, you must keep the bathroom well ventilated and protect your eyes and airways. Also, never use bleach together with other cleaning products, such as washing-up liquid or a limescale remover. Chlorine reacts with many substances and can be very dangerous to health. Another highly effective method is cleaning with ammonia, which also works for removing soap scum and grease. For safety, you can buy a ready-made anti-mould product containing ammonia rather than using the pure substance. If the situation in your bathroom has got out of hand, it’s best to call in specialists. Many cleaning and renovation companies specialise in mould remediation. In extreme cases, you may need to renovate the entire room and purchase new fixtures.

How to remove mould from the bathroom with home remedies?

How do you remove black mould from silicone using what you have at home? Start by trying a water and vinegar solution (2:1). Apply the mixture to the tiles with a spray bottle. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. If scrubbing is needed, use a toothbrush or another stiff-bristled brush. Another option is to use hydrogen peroxide. You can also tackle small mould patches with a solution of water and bicarbonate of soda. Tea tree oil can help as well, though its aroma tends to linger in the bathroom. Home remedies for mould on silicone aren’t effective when the growth is extensive. However, they’re excellent for preventative cleaning. Now that you know how to remove mould from silicone and where to look for growth hotspots, remember to keep an eye on hard-to-reach areas in your bathroom and to act promptly if mould appears.