Mould is a pesky problem that can invade grout, walls, washing machines and even the silicone around your bath.
Despite silicone sealant being waterproof, it’s prone to peeling away and getting infested with stubborn mould that’s a nightmare to clean due to its flexibility, which allows mould to hide in tiny crevices.
But fear not, harsh chemicals aren’t your only weapon against this unwelcome guest. Ollie Lyon, a cleaning guru from PlumbNation, has a much better solution for tackling mould and keeping it at bay.
Ollie claimed: “Luckily if you spot mould in your bathroom or around the rest of your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it.”
To combat silicone mould, reach for the humble white vinegar in your kitchen cupboard. White vinegar’s acetic acid content is excellent at penetrating and killing mould spores swiftly.
Plus, its natural antimicrobial properties create an environment where bacteria, fungus, and mould can’t thrive, ensuring they don’t return.
Ollie explained: “Mild white vinegar is a brilliant mould deterrent. Its acidity makes it inhospitable for mould to grow, and vinegar can clean up to 82 percent of mould species.”
All you need to do is combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in an empty spray bottle, then thoroughly soak the mouldy silicone sealant with the solution.
Allow the white vinegar solution to sit for at least an hour. However, for more severe mould infestations, let it sit for longer.
Once the time has passed, wipe the silicone surface and the mould should easily come off. Rinse the area with warm water to remove any vinegar residue, then use a clean towel to completely dry the surface.
Ollie advised: “Dry the surface thoroughly with a towel to prevent any mould re-growth. Keep a bottle of vinegar handy in the bathroom and spray onto mould-prone surfaces every few days. Vinegar ensures that mould will never grow back on the applied surfaces.”
If the mould is stubborn, consider leaving the vinegar solution overnight to eliminate the mould. Using the vinegar solution should make it harder for mould to grow in the future.
However, remember to also wipe down surfaces and keep your bathroom walls dry after bathing or showering, as mould can only thrive in humid environments.
Ensuring good air circulation in the bathroom can also help prevent mould growth, so regularly open a window or use an extractor fan.
