Fighting mold on sealant in the bathroom: a list of the most effective means and procedure

Due to high humidity, the bathroom often becomes a favorable environment for the growth of fungi, and residents are forced to look for ways to remove mold in the bathroom from the sealant. Sometimes the spores eat into the seams so deeply that they cannot be washed off even with aggressive means. Or, some time after cleaning, the sealant again becomes covered with black spots. We'll tell you how to get rid of mold in your bathtub once and for all.

How to remove mold from the surface of the sealant?

If black spots have recently appeared on the sealant, then you have a chance to completely get rid of mold spores. Prepare rubber gloves, a dry cloth, a sponge, an old toothbrush and any detergent for plumbing.

Follow these steps:

1. Rinse the bathtub with hot water.
2. Apply the detergent to the surface of the caulk, including areas where mold is not visible.
3. Leave the room for 15–30 minutes.
4. Go back and gently scrub the sealant with a toothbrush.
   
5. Rinse off any remaining foam with cold water. Wipe the surface dry with a cloth.

Finally, be sure to leave the bathroom to air out.Open the doors and windows in your apartment to create a draft. If you don't do this, mold will begin to grow again in a warm, humid environment.

What to do if mold has penetrated deep into the seams?

If the procedure described above did not help you, then mold spores have probably grown deep into the silicone. In this case, you will have to completely change the sealant to protect the plumbing from damage.

Follow these steps:

1. Carefully cut off the old layer of material, using a knife to pick up the top and bottom edges.
2. Remove any small debris or dirt that has accumulated under the sealant.
3. Treat the seams between the tiles and the bathtub with a disinfectant. Depending on the composition of the solution, you will need to wait from 30 minutes to 24 hours.
4. If the product is chemically aggressive (for example, you are using chlorine bleach), wash it off the surface of the bathtub.
5. Dry the seams with a clean rag or paper towels.
6. Apply new sealant using a special gun. Try not to leave gaps between the tiles and the bathtub.
7. Leave the bathroom for airing.

The sealant will dry completely after 24 hours. The bathroom cannot be used during this time. In addition, it is advisable to maintain low humidity throughout the living space.

The best products to combat mold in the bathroom

You can fight mold on the surface of the sealant and inside the seams using household chemicals and traditional methods. The former are usually more effective. But folk remedies are cheaper and also less likely to cause side effects from the respiratory system and skin.

Household chemicals

To wash and disinfect surfaces, you can use both universal and specialized (antifungal) products.The most popular options include the following:

Bleach "Whiteness"

Contains chlorine. This is a potent substance that effectively destroys mold spores. In addition, “Whiteness” removes rusty deposits from the bathtub. However, chlorine vapor negatively affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Bagi Anti-Mold Spray

The product is produced by an Israeli company. The composition includes sodium hypochloride and surfactants. The spray removes even mold deeply ingrained into the surface of plumbing fixtures. But it is just as unhealthy as Whiteness.

Spray Mellerud

The product contains chlorine, nonionic surfactants and caustic alkalis. It is enough to apply it for 15–20 minutes. The manufacturer is a German company.

Folk remedies

Most people still use “grandmother’s methods” to remove mold, because their effectiveness is time-tested. The most popular remedies are listed in the table below.

How to remove mold in the bathroom on sealant:

Removing mold in a bathroom using sealant: FAQ

Question: What happens if you don’t fight mold in the bathroom for a long time?

Answer: Spores can penetrate microcracks in plumbing and spread to walls, floors and ceilings. Mold will not only ruin the appearance of the bathroom, but also cause harm to the health of residents (especially the respiratory system).

Question: How can I prevent mold from reoccurring on my caulk?

Answer: Clean the entire bathroom regularly, install good ventilation, and treat the plumbing fixtures with disinfectants once a week.

Thus, the fight against mold requires an integrated approach. It is important not only to thoroughly scrub contaminated surfaces, but also to use good disinfectants and maintain low humidity in the room. The better you take care of your bathroom, the less fungi threaten your health.