How to remove mould from bathroom sealant safely
How to remove mould from bathroom sealant: wash with soapy water, dry well, ventilate and replace the sealant when it stays black. Never mix cleaners.
Chloé Petit3 min read
15 minutes to wash, a few hours to replace. A few dollars.
Try this first (costs nothing): scrub the sealant with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and dry well. Open a window or run the fan. Light mould on the surface often comes off.
Use one product at a time. Do not mix bleach, vinegar or other cleaners. Poison centres warn that some mixes give off harmful gases. If you choose a mould cleaner, read the label, wear gloves and keep the room ventilated.
When washing does not work
Black spots that stay mean the mould has grown into the sealant. Bleach does not reach inside it and the stain often returns. At that point, replace the sealant.
- Cut along both edges with a sealant remover tool or a sharp blade. Be careful of your hands and the bath.
- Pull out the old strip. Clean the gap and let it dry for a day.
- Run masking tape along each side for a neat line.
- Apply new sealant in one smooth pass and smooth with a wet finger or a tool.
- Peel off the tape, then leave it to set for the time on the pack before using the shower.
Keep it away
Ventilate during and after showers. Wipe the sealant dry. Mould grows where it is damp and warm. For grout that has the same problem, see how to clean grout between tiles.
If that does not work
Mould that keeps returning, covers large areas, or smells musty suggests a leak or poor airflow. If you rent, tell your landlord. If anyone has breathing trouble, ask a doctor.
Common mistakes
- Mixing cleaners. Use one product at a time and rinse between.
- Sealing over damp. New sealant on a wet surface will not stick and traps moisture.
- Skipping the tape. A neat line needs it.
- Showering too soon. Give the sealant its cure time.
Time and cost
Washing takes ten minutes and costs nothing. Replacing sealant takes an hour or two of work, and the sealant plus a cheap tool is a few dollars. Many people prefer an anti-mould sealant for wet areas. Mould resistance fades over the years, so expect to redo it eventually.
Wet windows add damp too, see how to stop condensation on windows.
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