How To Remove Black Mould From Silicone Sealant

Why is my silicone turning black?

Stop Silicone Turning Black – Silicone is one of the main sealants used for sealing sanitary fittings for good reason. It seals extremely well, it’s very strong and it remains flexible for many years. It is perfect for sealing. The only problem is it discolours, it gets attacked by mould.

Wipe off any soap scum or residue from the silicone around the bath. Dry the shower area – if you dry up any wet silicone this will prevent anything growing on the silicone. Warm and damp are best for growing mould so bathrooms and kitchens are great for this. Just keeping the area dry will significantly slow down the growth. Occasionally spray with a bleach cleaner if you see it is beginning to discolour or go black.

If your bathroom has a window or a fan make sure you use them to provide good ventilation. A lack of ventilation can be a cause of black silicone. I have vents on the bathroom window and make sure I have them open. If you have a fan make sure it is on, this will help a lot with keeping the bathroom dry.

What kills mold on silicone?

How is mold removed without bleach? – Instead, the best way to clean mold from silicone caulk is with the use of distilled white vinegar. Cleaning moldy caulk with this household staple is the most environmentally friendly and healthiest route. White vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, removing all mold.

Simply spray the white vinegar onto the moldy silicone caulk and wipe it off. An alternate and equally effective mold removal tactic is to create a paste consisting of white vinegar and baking soda. Mix together one cup white vinegar and 2 to 3 teaspoons of baking soda. Rub a thick layer of paste onto the silicone caulk.

Allow the paste to sit for five minutes. Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the paste into the moldy caulk. Then clean off the paste and mold with a rinse of cool water. If the mold remains, repeat the abovementioned steps. Another mold-removal strategy is to use paper towels soaked in vinegar.

Does mold come out of silicone?

How to Clean Black Mold in the Shower on Silicone – The most environmentally and healthy way to clean black mold in the shower on the silicone is by spraying distilled white vinegar on the mold and then wiping it off. As mentioned earlier, white distilled vinegar is powerful and can be used as a cleaning agent.

How do you remove black mold from rubber seals?

2. Go natural with a vinegar solution – Multiple studies have shown that using vinegar to kill mold is far more effective than using bleach, so consider cleaning with vinegar before you risk wearing down your rubber gaskets with harsh chemicals, suggests Tamara Nunes, professional cleaner and owner of Neat Nelly Cleaning Services. Tamara Nunes founded Neat Nelly in 2017 as a side business when she was pregnant. After several well-received jobs and excellent reviews, she decided to take the role full-time, expanding the business to create a full cleaning team based in Washington DC.

How do you clean blackened silicone?

How to Remove Unsightly Mould from Silicone Sealant Whether you’re ready to sell, a landlord looking to rent or are just interested in how much your property might be worth, the most accurate appraisal of your property is with an appointment with one of our experienced local agents.

The bathroom – a haven of peaceful relaxation as you sink into a warm, soothing bath. Your peace could soon be disturbed however by something lurking on the sealant just inches from your head. Look down in the shower and you’ll likely see it there too. What is this unwelcome bathroom guest? Black mould, not only unsightly but can pose health risks too in the form of respiratory irritation.

In this article, we look at why mould grows on bathroom sealant and the steps you can take to not only remove it but try to prevent it from coming back. You would think that with the waterproof qualities of silicone sealant, mould would not be able to grow. However, over time, the silicone sealant can come away from the surface allowing water to begin to collect behind. Mould loves warm and humid environments! As the bathroom is a wet environment due to the nature of the activities that take place, if surfaces aren’t dried after each use, the microscopic spores released by mould can land on the damp and grow.

1. First, try undiluted white vinegar applied directly onto the sealant or if preferred, it can be diluted at a ratio of two parts vinegar to one part water. Leave it to sit for half an hour or even overnight for larger, denser areas of mould.
2. Using a soft cloth or toothbrush, work the vinegar-covered mould in circular motions until it starts to come away. Clean and wipe afterwards.
3. If the mould seems stubborn, mix the vinegar with enough bicarbonate of soda to make a thick paste and apply again, leaving overnight and repeat the removal process.

• If you prefer a chemical solution, you could try using a commercially available mould remover or bleach, following fully all the manufacturer guidelines on usage.
• If the mould still won’t budge, try covering with cling film or cloths to keep the solution onto the surface of the mould, rather than dripping away.
• Worst case scenario, you will have to cut out the mouldy sealant and re-apply.
• There are a few preventative measures you can take to try to prevent the growth of mould on your silicone sealant.

Use The Extractor Fan Some extractor fans come on at the same time as the light, others you need to manually turn on. Whichever way yours works, it’s important that you do turn it on to help remove steam and humidity. Clean the fan regularly to remove any dust build up so that it works correctly and efficiently. If you want to go the whole hog, why not buy an extractor fan which detects the humidity in the air and will always ensure humidity is controlled.

Open The Window Although the job of the extractor fan is to remove the steam and humidity, you can speed this process by opening a window for a short period of time after you bath or shower. If this still isn’t working, try a dehumidifier. Although an electric one will need a power source (be extremely careful using electric items in areas of high humidity or near water), absorbent dehumidifiers won’t and can be utilised to good effect.

Wipe All Surfaces Wiping down the surfaces to a dry finish after you’ve had your bath or shower can remove the environment that mould needs to thrive and grow.

Try An Anti-Mould Sealant Although we make no claims as to whether they work, several anti-mould sealants exist on the market claiming to be able to prevent mould growth. Removing the old sealant and replacing with one such product could help to at least discourage the growth of mould.

Mould is not only unsightly, but it can also pose a health hazard. With just a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can minimise or even eliminate mould. When embarking on a home renovation or property development project, one question that often arises is: do I need an architect? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it largely depends on the scale, complexity, and specific requirements of your project. For most of us, buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions we’ll ever make. Hence, it’s crucial to ensure you have a healthy credit score before embarking on this exciting journey. Your credit score is the key to unlocking the door to your dream home. As modern heating solutions overtake traditional fireplaces, you might be considering reclaiming the space taken up by an unnecessary chimney breast in your home. Yet, a chimney breast removal is not a DIY task. It involves understanding the structural implications, seeking the necessary permissions, and appointing a professional team.

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Does vinegar damage silicone?

Dishwashers – Adding vinegar to your dishwasher can make your dishes come out looking sparkling clean, but the acidity can damage the rubber parts of the appliance. Vinegar is safe to use on machines made using natural rubber seals and parts constructed from ethylene-propylene, silicone, fluorocarbon, virgin Teflon, and butyl synthetic rubber seals.

• However, vinegar should be avoided on dishwashers with seals made from polyacrylate, fluorosilicone, and Buna-N because if the vinegar sits on the surface of these types of seals for a long period of time, it can cause failure.
• Typically, the water used during the wash cycle will dilute the vinegar so much that it won’t cause any damage, but just make sure you aren’t letting it sit in your machine.

Try using a rinse aid that you’ll find at the store to get your dishes clean—it will prolong the life of the hoses and seals in your dishwasher.9 / 9 Natalia D/Shutterstock

Can I use vinegar to clean silicone molds?

What can you use to clean silicone? – Silicone cleaners are a great way to clean your silicone bakeware. They come in a variety of forms and can be used for a variety of purposes. There are many different silicone cleaners recipes to find the perfect one for your needs.

Does bleach damage silicone sealant?

Does bleach-based mould remover damage silicone sealant? ); $dispatch(‘mobile-search-menu-opened’) }, closeMobileSearch() } x-show=open x-on:open-mobile-search.window=openMobileSearch() x-cloak=> Please or to access all these features Top Bottom mentalblank · 27/05/2023 10:23 Our bathroom sealant is mouldy, and we were advised by a plumber that mould remover products based on bleach (which seems to be most/all of them) damage silicone sealant, so we shouldn’t use them. Does anyone know if this is right? I’ve found a bunch of conflicting information online. The alternative seems to be to use vinegar, but given that this is acidic, I’m not sure if this is a good idea either! OP posts: LIZS · 27/05/2023 10:34 Not that I’ve noticed but it degrades over time anyway. CatsOnTheChair · 27/05/2023 10:37 Yes, but not instantly. So, if you sure bleach regularly, it will degrade faster. But the mould will also degrade it! Just clean it! SirChenjins · 27/05/2023 10:39 Not that I’ve noticed – I’ve been using HG Mould Remover on silicone sealant for years and it hasn’t done any harm that I can see. Greentree1 · 27/05/2023 11:10 I’ve never managed to get mould completely off silicone sealant whatever I use. The surface black comes off but the sealant is still ingrained black. The only cure is to dig it out and replace. Has anyone managed to get the ingrained black off? ichundich · 27/05/2023 11:13 I mean what’s the alternative? Vinegar doesn’t really work on mould in my experience (might kill but not get rid of the stains). Just get it resealed every now and then. mentalblank · 27/05/2023 11:35 Thanks all. @ichundich I agree the alternative isn’t clear! The plumber suggested scrubbing with a toothbrush and water but this isn’t very effective. @Greentree1 I also have no idea how to deal with this issue! Jellifer · 27/05/2023 17:39 Another vote for mould magic. Just used it again today Please create an account To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Math.max( 25, Math.floor( 0.15 * (type === ‘x’ ? window.innerWidth || document.body.clientWidth : window.innerHeight || document.body.clientHeight) ) ), // Minimum velocity the gesture must be moving when the gesture ends to be // considered a swipe. velocityThreshold: 5, // Used to calculate the distance threshold to ignore the gestures velocity // and always consider it a swipe. disregardVelocityThreshold: (type, self) => Math.floor(0.5 * (type === ‘x’ ? self.element.clientWidth : self.element.clientHeight)), // Point at which the pointer moved too much to consider it a tap or longpress // gesture. pressThreshold: 8, // If true, swiping in a diagonal direction will fire both a horizontal and a // vertical swipe. // If false, whichever direction the pointer moved more will be the only swipe // fired. diagonalSwipes: false, // The degree limit to consider a swipe when diagonalSwipes is true. diagonalLimit: Math.tan(((45 * 1.5) / 180) * Math.PI), // Listen to mouse events in addition to touch events. (For desktop support.) mouseSupport: true, } const gesture = new TinyGesture($refs.modal, options); gesture.on(‘swipeleft’, () => ); gesture.on(‘swiperight’, () => ); } } x-on:keydown.left=$dispatch(‘modal-navigate-left’) x-on:keydown.right=$dispatch(‘modal-navigate-right’) x-on:keydown.esc=$dispatch(‘modal-esc’) x-init=handleSwipe() x-ref=modal> ) ; > : Does bleach-based mould remover damage silicone sealant?

How do you make silicone mold cure faster?

Epoxy Materials –

For best results, store and use epoxy materials at room temperature (72°F / 23°C). If material freezes, it can be used after being brought back to room temperature. Thoroughly pre-mix Parts A & B before dispensing. Cold – Colder environmental temperatures will increase working time (pot life) and delay cure time of epoxy materials. If epoxy materials that take overnight to cure are applied in too cold of an environment, they may not cure at all. Heat – Elevated temperatures will reduce the pot life and cure time of epoxy materials.

What are the black spots on silicone?

There are black spots on the silicone parts, how do I get rid of these? – The black spots are caused by residual scraps in a damp place. Make sure your parts are dried properly after every cleaning. Soak the silicone parts overnight in hot water with soda crystals.

How do you get rid of black mold?

For a natural solution for getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

How do you get rid of black mould?

Black mould removal: – Black mould removal in severe cases is something that’s best left to the experts, as disturbing it can release millions of dangerous spores into your home. If however your mould isn’t severe there are a few different methods that can be used to kill it:

Off the shelf bleach based mould killing products – there are lots of these available on your high street. They all tend to be bleach based and as such care should be taken when using them as bleach gives of pretty nasty fumes. So wear appropriate protective equipment and make sure the room is well ventilated. But be aware that bleach will only kill the mould on non-porous surfaces such as tiles, PVC window frames etc. On porous surfaces such as paint and plaster etc. the bleach will only wipe away the surface mould. So on porous surfaces see points 2 and 3 below. Plus they are al lot less nasty than bleach. White Vinegar – this is a more environmentally friendly way of removing your black mould. If you’ve got quite a lot of mould use the vinegar neat or for small patches mix it 50:50 with water and spray on the mould. Let it sit on it for 60 minutes to kill the mould before scrubbing and wiping it away. Tea tree oil – again this is a good non-toxic way of defeating your black mould. Simply mix 2 teaspoon’s of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the mould. As above leave it to kill the mould for 60 minutes before scrubbing and wiping it away. It’s also a good idea to spray problem areas before the mould starts to grow with the tee tree solution to prevent future regrowth.

While these methods work well, the secret is not to allow it to grow in the first place by making sure your home is well ventilated and there are no other moisture sources such as leaking pipes, condensation, penetrating damp etc. If you do have black mould growing or starting to grow in any areas of your home, get rid of it immediately and then get rid of the source of moisture.

I can’t stress it enough, just wiping away the mould and ignoring the underlying problem i.e. damp or condensation will NOT solve your problem. If you don’t get rid of the moisture/condensation source your toxic black mould will keep coming back. Top Tip – I’m constantly talking to people who just wipe off the black mould and paint over any stain left only to find it reappears in a few weeks.

Even if you do manage to remove or cure the moisture source you’ll still need to use a stain block treatment to stop the old mould stain showing through the new paint. If you don’t want to spend the money on the many stain block products available off the shelf then simply mix some PVA glue in with your paint OR paint over the stain with gloss paint then once it’s dry, paint over that with your matt paint.

Is vinegar or bleach better for killing mold?

While it is possible to use bleach to kill mold as well, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option.

How do you prevent black mould on sealant?

Posted by Ollie Lyon on Thursday 30th May 2019, updated on Wednesday 2nd February 2022 If you have taken the time and spent the money to get your perfect bathroom, the last thing you want is yellowing and even mouldy sealant a few months down the line. It happens to the best of us. It seems that sealant only lasts for a limited period and eventually you end up with black specks which will not scrub away and seem to have infiltrated the very sealant itself.

1. We use sealant around most of our bathroom items.
2. It will be used between tiles and the bath or shower, between the wall and a shower door, along the back of the sink and even between the toilet and the floor,
3. Making sure you are using the right product, applying it correctly and looking after it are very important.

Any problems with your sealant could easily lead to water getting where it shouldn’t and issues with mould, damp and rotting wood or plasterboard and unstable fixtures. Of course once your sealant has reached the mouldy stage there isn’t very much you can do other than replace it.

Visit your local DIY store and search out white sealant which is both flexible and has an anti-mould ingredient.Use a stanley knife to break the sealant edges where they meet the tiles and the bath or shower tray,You can use methylated spirits to break down the sealant to help you to scrape away as much of it as you can from the gap. It is important to leave the area as clean as possible, so take your time doing this.Apple the new sealant in a long thin bead running along the entire length. Most sealants will come with a nozzle which is designed for this job.Dip your finger in a mix of dish-washing liquid and water and then run your finger along the bead, wiping your finger as you go. Your finger will glide along the sealant making it smooth and pushing it into the gap.

While this process may seem easy, you really want to avoid this happening if at all possible. So how do you avoid sealant becoming mouldy and stained?

Choosing the right sealant is the first important step. There are a number on the market which contain a fungicide and are designed for wet areas. Some even offer a guarantee which will give you peace of mind.Ensuring your bathroom is generally free from mould will help ensure that your sealant stands the test of time. This means you should regularly air your bathroom and use extractor fans and windows to prevent a build up of condensation.Try to avoid having sections of sealant where water can build up. Your bath needs to be evenly positioned and there should be no dips or furrows in the sealant where water could sit causing a stain.Clean the sealant regularly with a good anti-mould cleaner or even just white vinegar. Wipe the seals after every shower or bath to ensure that it remains as dry as possible.Also think about the products which you use in your shower or bath. If they are highly coloured or you wash your hair which is coloured this could build up over time causing the sealant to discolour. This is particularly true if you colour your hair in the bath or shower, You may want to consider covering the sealant if this is the case.

Sealant is an essential part of your bathroom makeover and you can’t do without it. But choosing, applying and looking after your sealant correctly will lead to it looking great for many years to come. Ollie Lyon Ollie is a self-trained DIY expert who particularly enjoys kitchen and bathroom renovations.

In his spare time, Ollie enjoys cycling and hiking. We love seeing your bathroom makeovers and sharing them on our Instagram page – if you’ve had a Plumbworld renovation, tag us in your photos to be featured! We would love to know, so why not share your favourite designs on social media with us? Find us at: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Pintrest Alternatively, sign-up to our newsletter for the latest offers, newest product launches and advice.

Are you planning a new bathroom or kitchen makeover? Shop online with Plumbworld for guaranteed lowest prices and next day delivery. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more bathroom and kitchen advice.

Can you seal over black mold?

BASIC DO’s & DON’TS of COATING MOLDY SURFACES AFTER FLOOD OR MOLD REMEDIATION: DO – Email Support at earthpaint.net to check each project individually. Consult professionals in advance (these are just basics here). DO – Use Dehumidifiers, DO – Clean as much as is safely possible, DO – Pull off baseboard and cut out enough drywall behind it to spray Lime Prime up into the wall cavities (if the walls got wet). DO – Insure surfaces and building is structurally sound. Cover anything not getting coated. DO – Paint the entire building with Lime Prime to create a breathable, clean surface.

1. DO – Encapsulate moist moldy surfaces with Lime Prime if a breathable coating is required.
2. This will allow the surface to dry out safely.
3. DO – Move in if necessary.
4. For those who can’t have all repairs done immediately, Lime Prime will buy time to Assess the damage and have professional repairs done as necessary.

DO – Follow up in 30-60 Days. Check the project. Touch up Lime Prime after repairs if needed and apply Lime Seal to create a waterproof, mold resistant coating where warranted. DON’T – Move back in too early. DON’T – Rely on Central Air Systems. Avoid using them if possible or they may become mold culture dishes that blow spores relentlessly.

Once mold Clean up and Lime Prime is done, then it is much safer to run HVAC’s. DON’T – Wait for Flood Damage to become a Mold Nightmare. There are some repairs that must be done promptly, or health and safety issues can become serious. DON’T – Remain homeless. Lime Prime can be applied to one room at a time if needed.

Contact us or a professional mold remediation contractor for advice. DON’T – Seal or encapsulate moldy wet surfaces with a mold killing paint or any other that is not intended to be breathable, porous and capable of allowing substrates to dry out properly.

What should you not clean silicone with?

What cleaning ingredients can damage silicone? – When figuring out how to clean a sonic face brush, “you want to avoid using oil-based cleansers, clay-based cleansers, or cleansers with granular exfoliants as they may damage the silicone,” explains Segarra.

Why does silicone go mouldy?

Why does silicone go mouldy in my shower? All tiled shower enclosures will contain silicone sealant. Silicone is designed to provide a waterproof seal between any adjacent surfaces and most silicones contain some sort of mildicide. These mould inhibitors break down over time, particularly in a warm, wet environment such as a shower that also contains plenty of organic matter such as soap residue and body oils.

• Unless the shower is dried completely after every use (something we regularly suggest but rarely see), mould will start to grow on the silicone as it thrives in that environment.
• Once it has taken hold the only way to remove it is to replace the silicone.
• This is a maintenance process that is generally required every couple of years.

specialises in the removal and replacement of silicone either as part of other work, or as a standalone job. : Why does silicone go mouldy in my shower?

What does soapy water do to silicone?

Smoothing off the seal – Now comes the hard part, smoothing the silicone into the joint and removing the excess. You should wet the tip of your forefinger and gently run along the joint with the tip. Be sure to maintain a consistent angle all the way. You want to try and get the silicone as smooth and as consistent as possible.

1. This is will prevent excess scum buildup and will allow water to run off of it smoothly, which will make the sealant last longer.
2. Wetting your finger before smoothing prevents the silicone from sticking to your finger too much, allowing you to create a smooth sealed joint without any spread.
3. Quick tip: Fill a spray bottle with soapy water and lightly spray the silicone before smoothing.

The soap and the water will stop the silicone from sticking to your finger and spreading out too much onto the surfaces, allowing you to remove excess with ease. Important tip: After application allow a full 24 hours for the silicone to fully cure before making use the area.

How long to leave vinegar on silicone?

Remove White Powdery Residue From Silicone – If you live in an area that has hard water, the minerals can leave a powdery white residue on silicone. It’s not dangerous, but it will interfere with the nonstick properties. To remove the problem, soak the silicone pieces in distilled white vinegar for about 30 minutes. The vinegar will cut through the mineral deposits. Rinse the pieces well and dry with a microfiber cloth. The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Is vinegar and baking soda safe for silicone?

Vinegar – or a combination of baking soda and vinegar – is touted as a safe, ‘all-natural’ cleaning solution for silicone sealant.

How do you fix discolored silicone?

Remove Discoloration From Silicone – If light-colored silicone pieces have stains from darker foods, you can use hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach to remove the discoloration. Since hydrogen peroxide is a slow-acting bleaching agent, simply place the discolored item in a bowl or sink and pour on enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the stained area. Let it soak for 24 hours. Rinse well before using it. Chlorine bleach is stronger and must be diluted. Add two tablespoons of bleach for every two cups of water. Submerge the stained item and soak for 24 hours. Rinse well before using it. The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How do you stop silicone discoloration?

What can you do to stop sealant from going yellow? – Some good news, there are solutions. Although if your adhesive or sealant has already become yellow, there isn’t much you can do, other than removing and reapplying the sealant. If your sealant has turned yellow, you will need to reapply a sealant But if you are planning ahead and want to know how to stop it, you are in luck. Allow me to explain what you can do to proactively plan ahead and stop the sealant yellowing. There is a simple way you can reduce the threat of sealants going yellow.

• Don’t expose it to the harmful conditions that cause it to yellow.
• You can do this by protecting it.
• Covering the sealant and ensuring it won’t be exposed to harsh environments will reduce the amount of yellowing and degradation.
• However, we know that this is not always a feasible solution, particularly if you are using a silicone-based sealant,

So, it is likely that the sealant or adhesive will be exposed to some form of harmful conditions. It could be exposed to UV radiation (sun), heat, or chemical (humid climates count as chemical exposure). Whatever harmful condition the sealant is at risk of being exposed to (could be all three), it is still possible to minimise the chance of it yellowing.

You may be thinking “how can I stop the sealant from going yellow even though it will be exposed to harmful conditions.” That’s where specialist adhesives and sealants come into the equation. Most adhesive manufacturers will have incorporated additives into their formulations to minimise UV degradation and oxidation.

They may even have test information about the UV resistance of their product. From this information, you can tell whether the adhesive has the specifications to be UV resistant. Of course, this additional specification could play a considerable factor in the price of that product, but it will be worth the extra cost.

Does silicone discolor over time?

Does Silicone Suffer from Discoloring? – Unfortunately, clear silicone will eventually discolour. If you have clear silicone in your home (perhaps being used as a sealant or caulking for your tiles or tubs), then you may notice that over time it becomes yellow following exposure to light and humidity.

How do you prevent black mould on sealant?

Posted by Ollie Lyon on Thursday 30th May 2019, updated on Wednesday 2nd February 2022 If you have taken the time and spent the money to get your perfect bathroom, the last thing you want is yellowing and even mouldy sealant a few months down the line. It happens to the best of us. It seems that sealant only lasts for a limited period and eventually you end up with black specks which will not scrub away and seem to have infiltrated the very sealant itself.

We use sealant around most of our bathroom items. It will be used between tiles and the bath or shower, between the wall and a shower door, along the back of the sink and even between the toilet and the floor, Making sure you are using the right product, applying it correctly and looking after it are very important.

Any problems with your sealant could easily lead to water getting where it shouldn’t and issues with mould, damp and rotting wood or plasterboard and unstable fixtures. Of course once your sealant has reached the mouldy stage there isn’t very much you can do other than replace it.

Visit your local DIY store and search out white sealant which is both flexible and has an anti-mould ingredient.Use a stanley knife to break the sealant edges where they meet the tiles and the bath or shower tray,You can use methylated spirits to break down the sealant to help you to scrape away as much of it as you can from the gap. It is important to leave the area as clean as possible, so take your time doing this.Apple the new sealant in a long thin bead running along the entire length. Most sealants will come with a nozzle which is designed for this job.Dip your finger in a mix of dish-washing liquid and water and then run your finger along the bead, wiping your finger as you go. Your finger will glide along the sealant making it smooth and pushing it into the gap.

While this process may seem easy, you really want to avoid this happening if at all possible. So how do you avoid sealant becoming mouldy and stained?

Choosing the right sealant is the first important step. There are a number on the market which contain a fungicide and are designed for wet areas. Some even offer a guarantee which will give you peace of mind.Ensuring your bathroom is generally free from mould will help ensure that your sealant stands the test of time. This means you should regularly air your bathroom and use extractor fans and windows to prevent a build up of condensation.Try to avoid having sections of sealant where water can build up. Your bath needs to be evenly positioned and there should be no dips or furrows in the sealant where water could sit causing a stain.Clean the sealant regularly with a good anti-mould cleaner or even just white vinegar. Wipe the seals after every shower or bath to ensure that it remains as dry as possible.Also think about the products which you use in your shower or bath. If they are highly coloured or you wash your hair which is coloured this could build up over time causing the sealant to discolour. This is particularly true if you colour your hair in the bath or shower, You may want to consider covering the sealant if this is the case.

Sealant is an essential part of your bathroom makeover and you can’t do without it. But choosing, applying and looking after your sealant correctly will lead to it looking great for many years to come. Ollie Lyon Ollie is a self-trained DIY expert who particularly enjoys kitchen and bathroom renovations.

In his spare time, Ollie enjoys cycling and hiking. We love seeing your bathroom makeovers and sharing them on our Instagram page – if you’ve had a Plumbworld renovation, tag us in your photos to be featured! We would love to know, so why not share your favourite designs on social media with us? Find us at: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Pintrest Alternatively, sign-up to our newsletter for the latest offers, newest product launches and advice.

Are you planning a new bathroom or kitchen makeover? Shop online with Plumbworld for guaranteed lowest prices and next day delivery. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more bathroom and kitchen advice.

Skye Skinner