Bathroom Sealant Turning Mouldy? Here's What to Do
Black mould around your bath, shower or sink can make even a clean bathroom look tired. It's a common problem, particularly in bathrooms where moisture and condensation build up.
The good news? If the mould is affecting your silicone sealant, replacing it can help restore a cleaner finish.
Why Does Bathroom Silicone Go Mouldy?
Bathrooms are exposed to regular moisture, warm temperatures and humidity, creating conditions where mould can develop.
Common causes include:
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Poor ventilation and condensation
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Water sitting around baths and shower trays
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Soap residue and dirt building up
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Old or damaged silicone sealant
Even mould-resistant silicone needs regular cleaning and good ventilation to help prevent mould growth.
Can You Clean Mould Off Silicone?
If mould is only on the surface, cleaning with a suitable bathroom mould cleaner may help.
However, if black staining remains after cleaning or appears embedded in the silicone, replacing the affected sealant is often the better option.
How to Replace Mouldy Bathroom Silicone
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Remove the old silicone. Carefully cut away the existing sealant using a suitable removal tool.
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Clean the joint. Remove remaining residue, dirt and mould. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.
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Apply new sanitary silicone. Choose a sealant suitable for bathrooms and the surfaces you're sealing.
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Smooth the bead. Apply a neat, continuous bead and tool it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Allow it to cure. Keep the area out of use for the time specified on the product instructions.
Which Silicone Should You Use in a Bathroom?
For sealing around baths, showers and sinks, look for a sanitary silicone sealant designed for wet areas.
Choose a product that is suitable for your particular surfaces, such as ceramic tiles, glass or the bath or shower tray material. Not every silicone is compatible with every surface.
You can explore the Shop Sanitary Silicone range at Silicone Direct.
How Can You Help Prevent Mould Returning?
Keep your bathroom ventilated, wipe away standing water where practical and clean around the silicone regularly.
Also check for leaks or damaged joints that may be allowing moisture to collect.
A clean, properly applied bathroom sealant and good ventilation can make a real difference to keeping your bathroom looking its best.