How to Get Rid of Mould in Shower Silicone (5 Steps)

You know how frustrating it is to see black mould growing on your shower silicone. It looks dirty, smells bad, and makes your bathroom feel unhealthy. You want a quick, simple way to clean it without harsh chemicals or wasting lots of time. The good news is, you can get rid of mould in your shower silicone using easy household items and some smart cleaning tips. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to do to clean that mould for good, making your shower fresh and safe again.

Clean the Area Thoroughly Before Treating the Mould

The first thing to do before tackling mould is to clean the area well. Mould grows where there is moisture and dirt, so removing all the grime helps the mould cleaner work better.

Start by spraying the silicone with warm water and a mild soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away any soap scum or dirt on and around the silicone. Avoid using rough brushes that could damage the silicone or make cracks where mould can hide.

After you rinse the soap off, dry the area carefully with a clean towel. Drying is important because mould likes damp places. If your bathroom is very humid, try to ventilate it by opening windows or turning on a fan. This step might seem simple, but skipping it can make the mould treatment less effective.

Cleaning first also lets you see the mould clearly and check how bad it is. If the mould is deep inside the silicone or very dark, you may need stronger cleaning methods in the next steps. But if it’s just light spots, a simple wash and dry can sometimes reduce it a lot.

• Use warm water and mild soap to clean silicone.
• Scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Rinse well and dry with a towel.
• Make sure the bathroom is ventilated.
• Check the mould level after cleaning.

Use White Vinegar to Kill Mould Naturally

White vinegar is a powerful and natural cleaner that kills mould very well. It is safe, cheap, and easy to find in every kitchen. Vinegar contains acids that break down mould spores and stop them from growing back. To use vinegar, pour it into a spray bottle without diluting it. Spray the moulded silicone generously, covering every black spot.

Let the vinegar sit for at least one hour. During this time, the acid works to kill the mould and soften it so you can wipe it away easily. Do not rinse the vinegar off right away because that will reduce its effect. After waiting, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the silicone gently. You will see the mould start to disappear.

If the smell of vinegar bothers you, don’t worry. It fades quickly when the area is dry and well-ventilated. You can also wipe the silicone with a damp cloth after scrubbing to remove the vinegar smell. This method is perfect for people who want to avoid harsh chemicals but still want a strong mould killer.

• Spray undiluted white vinegar on mould.
• Let it sit for at least one hour.
• Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.
• Rinse or wipe to remove vinegar smell.
• Use in a well-ventilated bathroom.

Apply Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Mould Spots

Sometimes, mould in shower silicone sticks very tightly and does not come off with vinegar alone. For these stubborn spots, baking soda is a great helper. Baking soda is gentle but abrasive, which means it can scrub away mould without harming your silicone. It also absorbs moisture, making it harder for mould to return.

To make a baking soda paste, mix two parts baking soda with one part water until you get a thick, spreadable paste. Apply this paste directly on the mouldy silicone using your fingers or a soft brush. Cover the mouldy areas completely and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.

After waiting, scrub the area again with a soft brush or sponge. You will notice the mould coming off easily. Rinse the silicone well with warm water and dry the area completely to finish. Baking soda is safe for people and pets, so you can use it without worry. This paste works best after you have cleaned and treated the area with vinegar first for the best results.

• Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste.
• Apply paste on mouldy silicone fully.
• Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
• Scrub gently with a brush or sponge.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Deep Cleaning and Disinfection

Hydrogen peroxide is another powerful option to remove mould, especially if the mould is very dark or has been there for a long time. It kills mould spores by releasing oxygen that breaks down the mould cells. You can find hydrogen peroxide in pharmacies or supermarkets, usually in a 3% solution.

Before using hydrogen peroxide, test a small hidden part of the silicone to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. If it’s safe, spray the hydrogen peroxide directly onto the mould. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will notice bubbles forming as it works to kill the mould.

After the waiting time, scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the area well and dry it completely. Hydrogen peroxide is also a disinfectant, so it helps make your shower silicone cleaner and safer. Avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or baking soda as it can create harmful reactions.

• Use 3% hydrogen peroxide spray.
• Test on a small hidden spot first.
• Spray on mould and wait 10-15 minutes.
• Scrub gently and rinse well.
• Dry completely to prevent new mould.

Remove and Replace Silicone if Mould is Deep Inside

Sometimes, mould grows deep inside the silicone where cleaning and treatments can’t reach. If the mould returns repeatedly or you see black stains inside the silicone, it might be best to remove and replace it. This ensures your shower is mould-free and prevents health risks.

Removing silicone requires patience and some tools like a silicone remover, a scraper, and cleaning cloths. First, use the remover to soften the old silicone. Then gently scrape off the silicone without damaging your shower edges. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any mould spores and old silicone bits.

After drying the area fully, apply new shower silicone carefully in a smooth, even line. Let it cure according to the instructions, usually 24 hours without water contact. This fresh silicone is mould-resistant and keeps your shower clean longer.

Replacing silicone may seem difficult, but it’s a permanent solution for bad mould problems. If you don’t feel confident, you can always hire a professional for this job.

• Use silicone remover and scraper to remove old silicone.
• Clean the area thoroughly after removal.
• Apply new silicone evenly and smoothly.
• Allow new silicone to cure fully.
• Consider professional help if needed.

Prevent Mould from Coming Back with Good Bathroom Habits

After all the cleaning and possible replacement, the best way to keep mould away is prevention. Mould grows in damp, dark, and dirty places, so keeping your shower dry and clean is key. Always wipe down silicone and tiles after each shower to remove moisture.

Make sure your bathroom has good airflow by opening windows or using exhaust fans. Avoid leaving wet towels or bath mats in the bathroom for too long. Clean your shower regularly with mild soap or vinegar to stop mould from starting.

Using mould-resistant silicone and bathroom paints can also help. Check your bathroom once a week for any small mould spots and clean them immediately before they grow. These simple habits save you time and money in the long run and keep your bathroom fresh and healthy.

• Wipe silicone and shower after every use.
• Ventilate bathroom well with fans or windows.
• Avoid leaving wet fabrics in bathroom.
• Clean shower weekly with mild soap or vinegar.
• Use mould-resistant materials when possible.
• Check for mould regularly and clean early.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of mould in your shower silicone can seem like a tough job, but with the right approach, it’s very doable. Start by cleaning well, then use natural and safe cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. For tough mould, hydrogen peroxide helps a lot. Sometimes, replacing the silicone is the best fix. Most importantly, keep your bathroom dry and clean to stop mould from coming back. With these easy steps, your shower can stay fresh and mould-free, making your bathroom a healthier and more pleasant place.

Action	What to Use	Time Needed	Tips
Clean area	Warm water, mild soap	10-15 minutes	Use soft sponge, dry well
Kill mould naturally	White vinegar (undiluted)	1 hour wait	Spray well, ventilate bathroom
Remove stubborn mould	Baking soda paste	15-30 minutes + scrubbing	Mix paste thick, scrub gently
Deep clean and disinfect	3% Hydrogen peroxide	10-15 minutes wait	Test small area first, avoid mixing
Remove and replace silicone	Silicone remover, scraper	Several hours + curing	Be patient, clean thoroughly
Prevent mould return	Daily wiping, ventilation	Ongoing	Use mould-resistant materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use vinegar on shower silicone?

Yes, it is safe to use vinegar on shower silicone for cleaning mould. Vinegar is a natural acid that kills mould spores without damaging most silicone seals. However, it’s best to avoid strong scrubbing or prolonged soaking as that could weaken silicone over time. Always rinse and dry the area well after using vinegar to keep the silicone in good condition. Many people prefer vinegar because it is non-toxic, inexpensive, and works well for mould removal without harsh chemicals.

Can baking soda remove deep mould stains?

Baking soda is great for removing mould stains on the surface of silicone because it gently scrubs and absorbs moisture. However, for very deep mould that has penetrated the silicone, baking soda alone might not be enough. In such cases, baking soda is best used alongside other cleaners like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Regular use of baking soda paste helps prevent mould from coming back by keeping the silicone dry and clean.

Do I need to remove silicone to get rid of mould?

You don’t always need to remove silicone to get rid of mould. If the mould is on the surface or light, cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide can remove it. But if mould keeps coming back or is deeply inside the silicone, removal and replacement are the best options. Old, cracked, or damaged silicone often traps mould, so replacing it is a permanent fix to keep your shower healthy.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for silicone?

Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe for silicone when used properly. The common 3% solution can disinfect and kill mould without harming silicone if you don’t leave it on too long or use it too often. Always test a small hidden spot first to check for any discoloration or damage. Avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with other cleaners, especially vinegar or bleach, as this can cause harmful reactions.

Can mould cause health problems?

Yes, mould can cause health problems, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system. Mould spores in the air can irritate your lungs, skin, and eyes. Breathing in mould can cause coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulties. That’s why it’s important to remove mould from places like your shower quickly and prevent it from coming back to keep your home safe and healthy.

Do I need special tools to remove silicone mould?

You don’t need many special tools to remove silicone mould. A scraper or plastic putty knife, silicone remover gel, and cleaning cloths are usually enough. You can find silicone remover at hardware stores. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging your shower edges. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, hiring a professional is a good idea for a perfect and safe job.

Is it necessary to ventilate the bathroom to prevent mould?

Yes, good ventilation is very important to prevent mould in your bathroom. Mould grows in damp and humid environments, so letting fresh air in helps dry out the moisture. Using exhaust fans or opening windows after showers reduces humidity and stops mould from growing. Even a small window left open for a while can make a big difference in keeping your bathroom mould-free.

Can I use bleach to clean mould in shower silicone?

Bleach can kill mould, but it is not always the best choice for silicone. Bleach can damage silicone and cause it to break down over time. It is also harsh and produces strong fumes that can irritate your skin and lungs. Using natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide is safer and effective for mould removal without risking damage to your silicone seals.