How To Clean Mold In My Shower
A brand new shower is a joy to behold. Its pristine surfaces and fresh scent create a relaxing oasis. However, this bliss can quickly turn into frustration when mold begins to appear. Mold on silicone is a common issue many homeowners face. It thrives in warm, humid environments like showers. Not knowing how to deal with this problem can lead to anxiety and confusion.
In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies for preventing mold in your shower. We’ll also provide tips for cleaning mold in shower areas, ensuring your sanctuary remains inviting and hygienic.
At Calahan BKS, the silicone we use is inorganic; however, mold can appear on the surface of the silicone if there isn’t proper ventilation. Mold in a shower needs three things to grow: heat, moisture, and a food source. The heat and moisture come from the shower itself, and the food source comes from either hard water deposits, body oils, or soap buildup.
Mold can grow in warm, humid areas
In short, mold can grow on silicone in warm, humid, poorly ventilated areas when organic residues (soap scum, body oils, or hard-water deposits) provide a food source. Early growth appears as a pink/orange film that can be removed with vinegar and a plastic-bristle brush; once it turns black and adheres, it’s harder to clean. Prevention centers on good ventilation and routine cleaning/disinfection; fungicidal silicones help but their effect wanes over time. If mold penetrates the sealant (secondary attack), remove and replace the joint after treating the area with an anti-fungal spray; otherwise use recommended cleaners and repellents to remove buildup and inhibit re-adhesion.
Cleaning mold in shower
A good cleaner to remove any possible food source would be either white vinegar, CLR Kitchen & Bath spray, Kaboom, or Eliminate. Depending on how heavy a buildup there is, it may need to soak on the surface for a bit, then the aid of a plastic scraper, or plastic plastic-bristle scrub brush will help remove those food sources. After that, using the Repel cleaner will help prevent any minerals, soaps, or body oils from re-adhering.
If you have Onyx in your shower, we suggest using Clorox Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover as well. Bleach will not hurt the onyx at all. We have heard many good experiences trying this cleaning method. Spray on and let soak overnight!
HOW MOLD GROWS ON SILICONE TUTORIAL HERE
Q&A
Question: If silicone is inorganic, why can mold still grow on it?
Short answer: Mold doesn’t feed on the silicone itself—it grows on residues on the surface. In warm, humid, poorly ventilated areas, organic deposits like soap scum, body oils, and even hard-water build-up provide the “food” mold needs. Showers supply the other two requirements—heat and moisture—so spores that land on a silicone joint can colonize the residue and appear as spots or films.
Question: What are the early signs of mold on silicone, and how should I clean it at each stage?
Short answer: Early growth often looks like a pink/orange film and is usually easy to remove with white vinegar and a plastic-bristle brush. As the colony attaches and matures, it turns black and becomes harder to remove. At that point, stronger cleaners and longer dwell times may be needed; if it has penetrated the sealant (see “secondary attack” below), the joint must be replaced.
Question: Which cleaners are recommended, and are bleach products safe on onyx?
Short answer: To remove the food source, use white vinegar, CLR Kitchen & Bath spray, Kaboom, or Eliminate. Let the cleaner dwell as needed, then agitate with a plastic scraper or plastic-bristle brush. After cleaning, use a Repel cleaner to help prevent minerals, soaps, and oils from re-adhering. For mold/mildew specifically, Clorox Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover is recommended; bleach will not harm onyx, and you can spray it on and let it soak overnight. Note: while vinegar is effective for early films, routine care is best done with neutral or alkaline cleaners, as advised in the prevention guidelines.
Question: What’s the difference between a primary and secondary mold attack on sealant, and what should I do?
Short answer: A primary attack is mold growing on the organic deposits sitting on the sealant surface; treat it with thorough cleaning and an anti-fungal spray (e.g., Maxisil Mould Remover). A secondary attack means the mold has begun breaking down and entering the sealant itself; in this case, remove the sealant completely, treat the joint area with an anti-fungal spray to kill residual spores, and then re-seal.
Question: How can I prevent mold from returning, and do fungicidal silicones solve the problem?
Short answer: Prevention focuses on ventilation and routine maintenance: improve airflow, keep the area dry when possible, clean regularly, and disinfect elastic joints at intervals (e.g., weekly). Fungicidal silicones (Maxisil A, P, N) help reduce mold growth, but their effect wanes over time because the additives can be consumed; they are not a substitute for good ventilation and regular cleaning. Spores are ubiquitous, so ongoing care is essential.
