How To Clean Moldy Shower Silicone — Without Scrubbing Or Waiting Overnight, by Kevin Knows on YouTube. 6 min 19 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 19 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wet a paper towel and wipe one black spot on the silicone line hard. If the black comes off, the mold is on the surface and a spray can reach it. If it stays, the mold is inside.
Press a fingernail into the silicone where it meets the tile. If the edge lifts away easily, the caulk has failed and needs replacing, not cleaning.
For surface mold, put on gloves and open a window or run the fan. Spray the stain remover from 6 to 8 inches away and wait a couple of minutes until the stain fades.
Rinse the area well with water and let it dry. Never add vinegar or any other acid to the bleach spray, since mixing them makes a dangerous gas.
If the mold is inside the silicone, cut out the old bead with a razor scraper. Work along the seam and pull the strip free, then scrape off any leftover film.
Dry the joint completely, then run a thin bead of 100% silicone caulk, not latex. Smooth it with a wet finger and let it cure before using the shower.
Keep mold away by running the bathroom fan for 20 minutes after each shower and squeegeeing the walls. Switch to liquid soap to cut down on soap scum.
Check your fan is working by holding a piece of toilet paper near the grille. If it does not stick, the fan is weak and the room stays damp.
Tips and common mistakes
Test the spray on a hidden spot first, and keep it off fabric and colored grout.
Black mold feeds on soap scum, so cleaning the tub regularly helps stop it coming back.
A wet spot that dries within a day or two usually will not grow mold.
Never mix bleach-based spray with vinegar or other acids.
Questions
Can I just leave bleach-soaked toilet paper on the caulk overnight?
It only works on surface stains and can dry out the silicone. The paper towel test tells you first whether the mold is on top or inside.
Why does the mold keep coming back?
Mold feeds on soap scum and thrives in damp air. Running the fan and squeegeeing after showers removes the moisture it needs.
Can I clean mold that has grown inside the silicone?
No spray reaches it. Cut out the old bead with a razor and put in a fresh line of 100% silicone.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
