Am I alone or is it a common problem that mold (mildew?) appears esp. near the bottom of a tiled shower stall very quickly ? THis mold does not come out with stuff like TIlex since it becomes impregnated into the caulk.
2006-07-28 07:56:30 · 8 answers · asked by artycrafty 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Even if you seal with a great caulk or grout you'll still get mold and mildew until you take care of the humidity problem in your bathroom. You need ventilation.
Install a fan, open a window, whatever, to get the air moving in there. When you're done with your bath or shower, wipe down the tiles with a squeegee or dry with a towel to help get rid of the moisture build-up that helps cause mold and mildew.
2006-07-28 08:28:05 · answer #1 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We tried the caulk that is mold & mildew resistant and it did not work very well for very long. It is a very common problem, especially if you have a shower enclosure. I've seen it in my rentals and in my interior design business. And, you are right the mildew actually becomes a part of the caulk.
One way to solve the problem is to grout the area where water collects, particularly where the walls meet the floor. Then you can use any product like Tilex, DampRid, even straight bleach and it will keep the mold & mildew in check. I really prefer the DampRid mold & mildew remover and protectorant. It not only kills the existing mold/mildew, but it leaves a protectorant that inhibits future growth in areas where humidity and moisture are constantly present.
2006-07-28 08:46:43 · answer #2 · answered by eskie lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Urethane caulk is the answer. I like the Pro Series Quad, about $4.25 tube at Lowe's. The white seems to work the best.
Make certain that all loose material, old caulk, soap scum & mildew are gone, and the surface is completely dry. Clean the surface with acetone or mineral spirits to get a good chemical bond. Lay in a nice thick bead with your caulking gun and smooth it in with your finger. Wet your finger to keep the caulk from sticking to it. You have a bit longer to work this caulk than latex, so take your time and get a nice, well-bonded concave surface in that corner so water runs off vs. collecting. You'll need mineral spirits for clean-up. This is not a water-based product.
Organisms don't like the urethane, and will not grow in it. If you do a good job on the surface prep, and really get a nice bond with the caulk, it can be a lifetime installation.
One final note: Silicone caulk is the most frequently used product in showers and tubs, but it is not the best. Silicone, because of its molecular structure, is great for bonding to glass, and works well with glass shower doors and aquariums. I have found it to be a substandard product for the application that you describe.
2006-07-28 09:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by Elwood Blues 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dow Corning makes a silicone sealant called Dow 786 ( Mildew resistant) it works pretty well. Be cautious NOT to use latex bathroom caulk from Lowes or Home Depot- it will melt.
2006-07-28 10:09:46 · answer #4 · answered by biz owner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
caulk is not the answear to the problem .this is grout and you need to clean it and seal it .go to your home depot and have them provide you with the products you need in the tile and grout area .
2006-07-28 08:04:53 · answer #5 · answered by playtoofast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
silicone bath, tub & tile caulk
2006-07-28 08:04:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parsonel has the correct answer! you need to remove the problem causer first and that is the humidity!! his suggestions are right on,, ventilate!!!
2006-07-28 09:31:46 · answer #7 · answered by fuzzykjun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to vent bathroom better.
2006-07-28 13:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by cannondalerick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋