Black spots on the silicone around the shower and bath are one of the most common bathroom problems, and one of the hardest to scrub away. The mold grows into the surface of the silicone, so a sponge only cleans the top. What works much better is keeping a cleaning solution in contact with the seal for hours, and the easiest way to do that is to wrap it with soaked strips of paper towel. Be honest with yourself though: if the black is deep inside the silicone or the seal is peeling, the real fix is to cut it out and reseal.
What you need
- 1 part regular household chlorine bleach
- 4 parts cold water
- 1 plastic container or spray bottle, clearly labeled
- several paper towels or cotton pads
- 1 of each rubber gloves and safety glasses
- 1 old toothbrush
How to do it
- Open the window and switch on the extractor fan before you start, and keep children and pets out of the bathroom. Put on gloves and safety glasses.
- Clean and dry the silicone with plain soapy water first and rinse well, so no other cleaning product is left in the shower. Bleach must always be used on its own: mixed with acidic or other household cleaners it can release dangerous gases.
- In the labeled container, mix one part bleach with four parts cold water. Test on a small hidden part of the seal, especially if it is colored silicone.
- Tear paper towels into strips about 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) wide, dip them in the solution, squeeze out the excess and press them along the moldy silicone.
- Leave the strips for 2 to 4 hours, keeping the room ventilated. If they dry out, dab on a little more solution.
- Put on gloves again, remove the strips and throw them in the trash. Gently brush the seal with the old toothbrush.
- Rinse the silicone and the surrounding tiles thoroughly with plenty of clean water, then dry everything with a towel.
Good to know
- Prefer a ready-made mold remover? Use it alone and follow the label; never combine it with other products.
- After every shower, wipe the seals dry or open a window: mold needs moisture to come back.
- If spots remain after two treatments, the mold has grown inside the silicone, and replacing the seal is the only lasting fix.
- Keep bleach away from colored towels, bath mats and your clothes.
Clean, white silicone makes the whole bathroom look newer. Do it on a morning when you can leave the window wide open, and enjoy the result.
