Shower caulk is a hotspot for mold growth because it stays damp and wet. A moldy shower caulk looks awful and is a health hazard if you inhale the mold spores.
6 Methods to Remove Black Mold from Shower Caulk
1. Ammonia
Wear a face mask, safety goggles, and gloves while working with ammonia. Ensure the doors and windows are open and the exhaust fan is running while cleaning. DO NOT use ammonia to clean silicone caulks.
Add 1 part ammonia and 1 part water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on black mold and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the sprayed parts until you see mold coming off. Dry the spots and repeat the process if you see some leftover mold.
Read: How to Treat Mold on Walls before Painting?
2. Use Bleach
You can also use bleach to remove black mold in shower caulk. Bleach is recommended for removing mild mold growth. Bleach has a pungent smell; wear a face mask, goggles, and gloves, and ventilate the room before cleaning.
Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 1 parts bleach and 3 parts water. You can use bleach in following 3 ways.
By Sponge: Take a sponge and soak it into the solution. Squeeze the sponge and scrub it over caulk gently. This method is best for smaller mold growths in the bathroom.
By Spray Bottle: Pour the solution of bleach and water into a spray bottle. Now, spray this solution over the caulk and wait for at least 20 minutes. Rinse the area with water. You can also wipe it with a sponge if you want.
By Cotton Coils: It works best for stubborn mold growth. Soak the cotton coils in the solution and squeeze them. Place these cotton coils in line along the caulk. Use a pointed object to push them along the caulk and let them sit overnight. Remove the mold with a scrub brush or sponge in the morning.
3. Use Vinegar
Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it to the shower caulk having moldy growth. Let it set for 40-60 minutes and then scrub to remove the mold from the caulk. Rinse the treated area with water.
4. Apply Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda to remove mold and prevent its growth. Make a cleaning solution by adding a quarter spoonful of baking soda to water. Shake it well before applying. You can also make a thick paste of baking soda and water.
Spray the solution/apply the paste on the moldy areas and let it sit for 30 minutes; scrub and rinse. Now spray again but let it dry so its coating can prevent future mold growth.
5. Spray Hydrogen Peroxide
Spray 3% concentrated hydrogen peroxide to on the moldy parts and let it soak for 10 minutes. Scrub to remove the mold. Rinse with clean water and dry the area with a clean cloth.
Similar Topic: 4 Working Solutions to Remove Black Mold from Shower Curtain
6. Use Borax Spray
Make a solution by adding ten parts of water and one part of borax. Mix it well and spray the solution wherever you see mold on your shower caulk.
Let it dry for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a clean scrub brush or a sponge.
Tips to Prevent Mold Growth on Shower Caulk
- Keep your showers ventilated.
- Clean shower caulk 4-5 times per month.
- Use vinegar or a commercial mold cleaner for regular cleaning.
- You can also use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area.
- Install a humidity meter and ensure that humidity stays below 60%.
- Remove wet towels, mats, and clothes from your toilet.
- Dry shower walls, caulk, and tiles after every shower.
Replace the Badly Damaged Caulk
Sometimes mold causes irreplaceable damage to shower caulk. The only solution is to remove the caulk. Remove the old caulk using a caulk removing gel and install the new caulk. Make sure you cut its tip as per the required application size.
Is black mold dangerous?
Black mold isn’t dangerous unless you inhale the spores. It is far more of a concern for people with weak immunity, respiratory problems, and asthma.
Why does mold grow on shower caulk?
Shower caulk usually remains wet and moist. Homeowners usually don’t clean caulk after every shower, which is why mold loves to grow on caulk. Black mold can also grow on shower curtains, walls, and in the toilet tank.
What are the black stains present on my shower caulk?
The black stains in your shower caulk are actually spores for black mold. It’s common for a black mold to attack shower caulk because of the increased moisture content of your bathroom. Black mold is dangerous for human health, so you must remove it from your shower caulk as soon as possible.
How to remove black mold from silicon shower caulks?
The best way to remove black mold from silicone caulk is to use bleach. Take wads of toilet tissue and place them on moldy areas of caulk. Now damp them with bleach and wait for 20-30 minutes. You can use a soft toothbrush and dip it in bleach to dampen the wads. Collect the wads after half an hour and rinse the entire affected area.
Vinegar or bleach, which is more effective in killing mold?
Both vinegar and bleach are effective in killing molds. But compared with bleach, vinegar is more effective in removing bleach from caulks. It can penetrate the porous materials to kill mold from its roots. You can use any one of them as per your requisites.
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