How to Remove Mouldy Silicone from Your Bathroom? – Expert Tips from Professional Sealant Applicators
- romanbuxton
- May 4
- 4 min read
Mould growing on your bathroom's silicone sealant isn't just unsightly—it's also a health hazard and a sign your waterproofing may be failing. At Premier Clean & Seal, we know just how tricky it can be to tackle mouldy silicone effectively, especially if you're trying to do it yourself. Here's why removing mouldy silicone requires more than just a scrubbing brush, and why hiring a professional makes all the difference.
Why Does Mould Grow on Silicone Sealant?
Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, especially around showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Silicone sealant is designed to keep water out, but over time, improper installation, poor ventilation, or old sealant can lead to mould forming in the joints. Once mould penetrates the silicone, surface cleaning won't be enough—you'll need to remove and replace it.
What You Need to Clean Mouldy Silicone
if mould has just started to grow on your silicone u may be able to remove the mould with a mould removal spray and softly wiping the silicone with a microfibre cloth but be cautious as rubbing the silicone to hard can damage the silicone allowing water to penetrate.
Mould Remover Spray
Microfiber Cloth
Gloves and safety glasses
If this doesn't work then the last option is to cut-out the silicone and reapply it, this is where professional help is advised.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Mouldy Silicone
Dry the Area: If the bath/shower has been used recently, dry the area with a microfibre ensuring the joints are dry.
Remove Old Silicone: Use a bladed scraper knife/tool to carefully slice and peel away the old silicone. Ensure no silicone is left on the bath/shower tray and tiles, as any remnants can jeopardise the finish and longevity of the new silicone. Be cautious not to damage tiles or bath/shower tray.
Remove and wipe: Remove all old silicone debris, then wipe the area thoroughly with a fresh microfiber cloth, ensuring the surface is bone dry before reapplying silicone.
What you need: To reapply the silicone, you will need a silicone gun, sanitary (anti-mould) silicone (colour matched to your grout or tile), and a silicone tool to remove excess silicone and achieve a neat finish.
Applying the Silicone: Cut the top of the silicone tube and screw on the nozzle. Select the silicone tool size that covers all joints and fills all gaps. Cut the nozzle to match the selected tool size at a 45-degree angle. Insert the silicone tube into the silicone gun and slowly pump out the silicone into the joints, ensuring all gaps are thoroughly filled. Use your silicone tool to scrape away excess silicone and achieve a neat finish. It's best to seal and then scrape the excess one length at a time, as silicone begins to cure very quickly and delaying the scraping can ruin the final appearance.
Wait 24hrs to Cure: Depending on the silicone brand, it can take a minimum of 24 hours to fully cure. Do not stand in or touch the bath/shower during this time, as it can ruin the silicone and allow water to penetrate. After 24 hours, the bath/shower can be safely used again.
Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals
Although the steps above sound straightforward, achieving a neat, sealed finish that performs well over time requires expert knowledge and precision.
At Premier Clean & Seal, our specialists:
Match silicone colour expertly to your tile and grout for a seamless aesthetic.
Use professional tools for a quick turn around.
Ensure proper adhesion by fully preparing the surface for a watertight bond.
Deliver long-term results that protect your bathroom from moisture damage.
DIY attempts often lead to uneven lines, poor adhesion, or choosing the wrong silicone or water damage—mistakes that can lead to costly repairs.
Pro Tips from Premier Clean & Seal
Always choose a high-quality, mould-resistant silicone.
Ensure the surface is completely dry before application.
Avoid using the shower for 24 hours after resealing to allow proper curing.
Good ventilation helps prevent future mould build-up.
FAQs
Can I just bleach the mould instead of removing the silicone? No. Surface mould may lighten, but it will regrow if embedded in the silicone.
How often should silicone be replaced? this can vary based on several factors—such as how stable or wobbly the bath/shower is, how tight the gaps are between the bath/shower and tiles, how frequently the bathroom is cleaned, and more. Regular inspections will help identify when replacement is necessary.
Is DIY silicone sealing effective? Without experience and the right tools, DIY sealing can often be messy and ineffective and if not done correctly can cost you thousands in water damage.
Call in the Experts for a Perfect Finish
Don’t risk a second-rate job when it comes to protecting your bathroom and home. Contact Premier Clean & Seal today to professionally remove and replace mouldy silicone. We guarantee a perfect match, a clean finish, and a waterproof seal that lasts.
Your bathroom deserves the best—and so do you.
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