To clean mouldy silicone (around showers, tubs, sinks, windows, etc.), the key is killing the mold and removing stains without damaging the sealant.
What works best
1. Bleach method (best for white silicone)
Mix:
- 1 part bleach
- 4 parts water
Steps:
- Ventilate the room well.
- Soak paper towels or cotton pads in the solution.
- Press them onto the mouldy silicone.
- Leave for 30 minutes to several hours.
- Scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
This often removes black mold stains effectively.
Alternative: Hydrogen peroxide (less harsh)
Use 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Spray directly onto the mold.
- Leave 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub lightly.
- Rinse and dry.
Good for lighter mold and less bleach smell.
For stubborn mold stains
If the silicone stays black after cleaning, the mold may have penetrated inside the sealant. In that case, cleaning won’t fully fix it — the silicone usually needs replacing.
Signs it should be replaced:
- Black spots return quickly
- Silicone is cracked or peeling
- Mold appears underneath clear silicone
How to prevent mold coming back
- Keep the area dry after showers
- Improve ventilation
- Use an exhaust fan or open windows
- Wipe down wet silicone regularly
- Avoid trapped moisture behind bottles or mats
Important safety tips
- Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
- Wear gloves.
- Test cleaners on a small area first.
- Avoid abrasive metal scrubbers that can damage silicone.
If you want, I can also show:
- the fastest no-scrub method,
- natural vinegar/baking soda methods,
- or how to completely replace mouldy silicone step by step.