Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Ammonia
• Method 2 of 3: Bleach
• Method 3 of 3: Non-toxic products
• Warnings
• What do you need

If mold appears on the silicone, it will take a long time to remove and replace the old sealant. Fortunately, there is a different way to get rid of mold. Try cleaning the silicone with common household products like ammonia or bleach (NEVER MIX these chemicals or use them at the same time!). Such products are guaranteed to destroy mold, while in some cases softer non-toxic substances like vinegar and baking soda can cope with the task!

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Ammonia

1. 1 Provide good ventilation. It should be remembered that ammonia is quite dangerous if inhaled. A constant supply of fresh air will be required. Open windows and doors, turn on hoods and cooling fans.
2. 2 Use a respirator. Most likely, you will not be able to increase the air flow in the bathroom. In this case, it is imperative to work in a respirator that protects against fumes. Also, it will not hurt as an additional protection, because a regular gauze bandage does not protect against ammonia vapors. Requires a respirator with a charcoal filter that tightly covers the face and absorbs the ammonia. You can buy this remedy at a hardware store or online.
3. 3 Prepare the solution. First you need to provide good ventilation in the room where you will prepare the solution if the work will be carried out elsewhere. Then mix equal parts of ammonia and water directly in a spray bottle or other container and pour the solution using a funnel.
4. 4 Apply the solution and cure the silicone. When the solution is ready, apply it evenly over the mold-affected silicone. Wait five to ten minutes for the solution to begin killing the mold. Then brush the area with a small brush. Wipe the silicone with a tissue or paper towels to remove any residue.
5. 5 Review and evaluate the result. If the first time it was not possible to destroy all the mold, then you need to repeat the steps. If no result, use a different cleaning agent. Remember that ammonia is effective against mold on porous surfaces, but often not as effective on silicone joints.
6. 6 Use another tool if the problem persists. You should be aware that silicone may look clean, but the mold does not necessarily die. If the problem recurs soon, then the mold has penetrated too deep into the silicone and the ammonia will not cope with it. In this case, use another remedy.

Method 2 of 3: Bleach

1. 1 Be aware of similar risks and limitations. Provide good ventilation. It's also important to remember that chlorine bleach is just as ineffective on porous materials as ammonia. Bleach will only be an alternative if you don't have ammonia on hand (or prefer to use bleach for whatever reason). If you are unable to remove the mold with ammonia, skip this step as it will not work.
   • Remember that bleach and ammonia combine to create toxic fumes. If you have previously treated silicone with ammonia, do not use bleach.
2. 2 Prepare the solution. Take 1 cup (240 milliliters) of chlorine bleach and add 3.75 liters of water. Stir well.
3. 3 Treat a small area of ​​mold with a cloth soaked in the solution. If the mold area is not too large, then take a clean sponge, moisten it in the solution and squeeze out the excess. Then wipe the silicone with a damp sponge.
4. 4 Spray the solution on areas with a lot of mold. If you cannot cope with a damp cloth, then pour the solution into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the silicone surfaces, leave for five to ten minutes, then sponge it again.
5. 5 Repeat brushing. If the sponge doesn't remove all the mold, spray the solution again. He needs time to penetrate deeply. After a few minutes, brush the area with a thick brush.
6. 6 Use cotton swabs. If spraying does not bring the desired effect, then you can use cotton swabs. Soak them in the solution and position them along the silicone seam. Press the swabs into the crevice as tightly as possible with cotton swabs and let sit overnight to allow the bleach to penetrate the silicone as deeply as possible. Repeat cleaning with a tissue or brush in the morning.
7. 7 Reapply the solution after cleaning. Collect mold and other dirt with a clean cloth or paper towels and re-spray the area with solution. Do not rinse off the solution to protect the silicone from mold. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Ashley matuska

   
   
   Cleaning professional Ashley Matuska is the owner and founder of Dashing Maids, a cleaning agency in Denver, Colorado with a focus on sustainability. Has been working in the cleaning industry for over five years.

   Ashley matuska
   Cleaning professional

   Clean regularly. Ashley Matuska, founder of Dashing Maids, says: “Bleach is great for killing mold and can often give silicone its original color. But the most important thing is to clean it regularly. If mold spreads in the bathroom, dry the walls and door of the room after each bath or shower, as mold forms very quickly. "

Method 3 of 3: Non-toxic products

1. 1 Use 3% hydrogen peroxide. First you should read the composition and make sure that the concentration of the solution is really 3%. Then pour the peroxide into a spray bottle and apply enough to the silicone. Let it sit for ten minutes and then wipe it off with a tissue, sponge or brush. Rinse with a clean hoe.
2. 2 Use vinegar. You need white spirit vinegar, not other culinary varieties. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and apply to silicone. Leave for one hour, then wipe with a sponge and rinse with clean water.
3. 3 Use baking soda and water. Measure out a quarter tablespoon of baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, add water and shake to mix. Treat affected areas and wipe clean immediately with a sponge or brush. Then rinse the silicone with water and reapply the solution to protect the sealant from mold.
4. 4 Mix borax with water. Add one cup (200 grams) borax to 3.75 liters of water. Soak a sponge in the solution and treat the moldy area or pour the liquid into a spray bottle to apply the product to the silicone.Brush and wipe with a clean cloth.

Warnings

• When handling cleaning products, use appropriate eye and hand protection.
• Commercial mold control products may contain ammonia, so always read the ingredients if you intend to use this product with bleach.

What do you need

• Respirator
• Gloves
• Protective glasses
• Sponge
• Cleaning brush
• Paper towels or napkins
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spray
• Cotton swabs (optional)