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The mold that has shown up in the bathroom due to excess moisture and pooling of water is something that neither looks nice nor is healthy to be around. Learn how to remove mold from shower caulking – 7 pro tips.
Mold growth, spores, and mildew growth in a shower are all things that you need to address quickly to make sure they don’t multiply and begin to bother your well-being.
It is important to clean it up, so it is not only invisible, but also gone. Getting rid of moldy shower caulk takes a little elbow grease and basic tools. It’s not difficult, but it’s certainly important.
Needing Tips on How to Remove Mold in Shower Caulk
Using tips on removing shower caulk mold is more than just about looks. It is about the growth of mildew and mold spores that can move through the air and survive on almost any material. They prefer cellulose which means your shower is a prime breeding ground.
Combine food with moisture, warmth, oxygen, humidity and dark and these organisms are going to grow. Black mold in a bathroom is a perfect example. The caulk gets older or has gaps and holds onto water and soap residue. Letting it sit means it germinates and grows.
While this looks bad, moldy shower caulk can be hard on your health, too. Mold can affect those who have asthma, allergies or weakened immune systems. It can lead to rashes, wheezing, itchy eyes, and issues with breathing. There is nothing positive about mold, so get rid of it quickly and safely.
Caring for Your Shower Caulking
No one wants to remove all the moldy caulk in the shower. You just want the mold to be gone. Here are some tips to do this safely.
Ammonia
This one works well but you have to be careful with it. Ammonia fumes can make you ill. It is important to have airflow around you when you clean. Make sure doors and windows are open and use a fan to circulate the air out. A respirator is a must, too. Not just a face mask.
Ammonia should be mixed one to one with water and put in a spray bottle. This cleaning solution is just sprayed on the moldy bathroom caulk and then sits for 10 minutes. Use a gentle scrub brush until the mold is removed. Rinse and dry with a cloth to make sure all is gone.
Bleach Solution
Chlorinated bleach is a good option for cleaning grout. However, never mix it with ammonia. Use one or the other, not both. Bleach is another chemical that needs airflow and a safety mask when used since the bleach fumes can make you ill.
When you are set to clean, use one part bleach in one gallon of water to make a bleach-water solution – use sparingly. When it is mixed, apply it with a sponge, adjustable spray bottle, or cotton balls. The solution should be left to sit for approximately 20 minutes before being rinsed off. If the shower caulking mold is stubborn, then let the cotton balls sit on it overnight. You can also create a bleach paste that can be put on with a soft brush and left to sit. Whichever method you use, make sure to rinse with water and dry with paper towels.
Vinegar
Vinegar is much easier to use when it comes to killing mold and your breathing safety. It removes and stops the growth of mold. It can be used straight from a bottle of vinegar or diluted solution if the smell bothers you. However, diluting it means reduced strength. Vinegar is easy to use by simply spraying it on and letting it sit for 60 minutes. Then, scrub with a soft-bristled cleaning brush or sponge. Rinse and dry.
Baking Soda – Preventing Mold in Shower Caulking
While baking soda will not kill mold, it can be used after cleaning to remove moisture from any clean shower caulk and prevent future mold growth. This can be done with a solution in a spray bottle with water or with a baking soda paste. You don’t have to rinse the product off, as you want it to sit and deter mold.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This is another good green method of removing mold from the caulk in the shower. 3% hydrogen peroxide on the caulk is good. Give it a 10-minute soak, then scrub lightly as needed. Dry once you are done.
Borax
Borax is one of those items that has been around forever and has multiple uses. One of those things is cleaning your caulking. A borax-and-water solution can work well. One part borax with 10 parts water will work well with a quick scrub. Always make sure to rinse well with this one so there is no residue in the shower or on your hands. Gloves should be used.
New Caulk
This is the last measure to take and the most work. If caulk can’t be cleaned, then replace it. If mold is collecting on caulking and is imbedded, then it’s time to get rid of it. Choose a new silicone caulking that is waterproof and mold resistant. Don’t cover the old stuff, as it will simply help with the return of the mold.
Moldy Shower Caulk … Fixed!
Choosing one of these methods means your shower caulk will be fixed! But always be mindful of your safety. Wear glasses to save your eyes from splashes, a respirator if you are using the harsher chemical, and never, ever mix chemicals. Make sure your bathroom has good ventilation no matter what method you choose to use.
Final Thoughts
A clean shower is important both aesthetically and health-wise. Mold can cause issues and look awful. These quick pro tips on how to clean it up should make your shower look great and be safe for use. These tips can be applied to bathtub caulking as well. Anywhere there is caulk, these cleaning tips should work.
