How to Remove Mould on Silicone Sealant with White Vinegar

Mould on silicone sealant is a common problem in shower enclosures, around baths and along damp bathroom joints. This home-cleaning method involves spraying white vinegar onto the darkened area, as its acidity can loosen residue, lessen surface staining and tackle the damp smell.

Why does silicone sealant collect mould so quickly?

Silicone sealant is usually found where water runs and takes time to dry, including shower corners, bath edges and the joins between walls and floors. With steam, soap, shampoo and limited airflow, these surfaces become ideal for dark marks to develop.

Mould adheres more firmly once the silicone has become porous, cracked or old. In these situations, cleaning can improve its appearance but will not always remove every trace of the stain, as some dirt may have worked into the material.

How does white vinegar work on dark stains?

White vinegar is acidic enough to help break down soap deposits and organic dirt that feed mould. Once sprayed on and left to work, it can reach the small gaps in the silicone sealant and make brushing easier afterwards.

• Put undiluted white vinegar into a clean spray bottle.
• Thoroughly wet the full darkened strip of silicone.
• Leave it to work for several hours or overnight.
• Scrub using a small brush or an old toothbrush.
• Rinse with warm water, then dry with a clean cloth.

What is the best way to clean a shower enclosure?

Before using the white vinegar, clear away excess water, hair and soap residue from the area. The silicone sealant should be damp only from the product rather than soaked from a recent shower, so the vinegar stays in contact with the mould for longer.

• Open the window or switch on the bathroom extractor fan.
• Spray the vinegar directly over the stained sections.
• Cover stubborn stains with kitchen roll soaked in the product.
• Allow the product time to work before scrubbing.
• Finish by drying the shower enclosure corners thoroughly.

When can bicarbonate of soda be used for cleaning?

If the mark is still visible, a paste made with bicarbonate of soda and a little vinegar may help during the scrubbing stage. The mixture fizzes, loosens residue stuck to the surface and provides more abrasion for cleaning silicone sealant without using a metal scouring pad.

The key precaution is never to combine vinegar with bleach, chlorine or strong cleaning products. This mixture can release irritating gases, particularly in an enclosed bathroom, where steam and poor ventilation can increase breathing discomfort.

How can you stop mould returning to silicone sealant?

After cleaning, the most important step is keeping the shower enclosure dry. Using a squeegee on the walls, leaving the door open and drying the joints with a cloth all reduce moisture building up on silicone sealant, especially in bathrooms without a large window.

If the silicone is torn, coming away from the wall or has deep stains that will not lighten, replacing the sealant may be more effective than cleaning it repeatedly. White vinegar is useful for maintenance, but deteriorated flexible grout will continue to hold water and dirt around the shower enclosure edges.