Silicone sealant mold gets ‘eradicated completely’ in 10 minutes with natural solution
Black mold often grows in bathrooms but while tiles are easy to clean, black mold on a silicone sealant can be particularly stubborn and difficult to remove. Fortunately, there is an effective way to remove this black mold without having to resort to harsh chemicals such as bleach.
Silicone sealants are typically used to bind two surfaces, such as plastic, metal, and glass, together.
It is often used in bathrooms, particularly around the shower, bath, and sinks to prevent water from reaching the fixtures.
Once dry, the rubbery consistency and constant exposure to moisture make it the perfect breeding ground for black mold.
Over time, the build-up of this mold on the white sealant can become difficult to remove and leave stains.
To clean bathroom silicone sealants covered by mold with “minimal effort”, Cristina Solis, a sustainability consultant at Green Hive who assisted her readers in replacing conventional cleaning products with affordable, non-toxic options they already have at home, has shared a few steps that use white vinegar as a “natural and effective cleaning agent”.
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For this cleaning hack, households will need white vinegar, water, a spray bottle, and an old toothbrush.
The process begins by preparing a vinegar solution in a spray bottle and mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water.
Generously apply this solution onto the mold-covered sealant, ensuring a thorough coating.
Next, allow the vinegar solution to sit on the mold for about 10 minutes. Cristina explained: “During this time, it breaks down the mold and mildew, making the removal process easier.”
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Once the wait is over, gently scrub the area of mold using an old toothbrush.
The expert said: “The bristles of the toothbrush will help remove the mold without damaging the sealant.”
After, rinse the sealant thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar residue and loosened mold.
Depending on the severity of the mold, households should find that this meth has “eradicated all traces of mold completely”. If not, they may need to repeat this process a few times.
Alternatively, Cristina has also recommended another option - one that uses baking soda instead of white vinegar.
She claimed: “Baking soda, a natural cleaning agent, can effectively kill mold and neutralize its odor.”
To do this, mix a solution of one-quarter tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water and apply it with a spray bottle to ensure even coverage.
Scrub the moldy area thoroughly, then rinse with water to avoid any powdery residue. Finally, dry the surface completely to “prevent future mold growth”.
