Every six months I strip out the old silicone and re- do it, but the black marks keep coming back!!! Any tips?
2007-02-23 04:37:36 · 19 answers · asked by ugly_betty_1 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
On the basis that your shower is tiled or has another suitable wall covering, the marks you are referring to are mildew, and changing the silicone will do nothing as you need to improve ventilation to the room. You may need to install a ventilation brick or Ventaxia (both of which are not expensive).
Once you have done this, add some bleach to some hot soapy water and scrub your shower out. If you must change the silicone again, use one which is made specifically for showers such as the Unibond High Performance and get a Pro to reseal your shower properly once and for all.
I hope this helps.
2007-02-23 09:50:27 · answer #1 · answered by Nelly35 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Use only pure silicone sealant. If it has the term "latex" or similar it is the wrong type. Pure silicone does not mold or mildew, the soap scum adhering to it does.
What works the best is to take an old rag or sock, pour chlorine bleach on it and lay it over the moldy area. In about half an hour the mold is gone. Rinse well.
This may need to be repeated every six months or so, but there is no scrubbing or recalking necessary.
2007-02-23 05:24:28 · answer #2 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wipe the silicone dry after a shower. Spray with bleach or you can fork out for mould cleaner, they both work, at least once a week. When you redo the silicone, make sure you use the anti mould one one for baths and showers. Some are not mould proof. Do not replace your silicone with grout. Baths and showers move and very quickly you will find the joint leaks.
2007-02-23 04:51:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy 100% silicone caulk, that is labeled a mildew resistant. When you go to caulk make sure you have ALL of the old caulk and hard water deposits off the surface, and it is clean and DRY. After your done it must cure for at least 24hrs. If you get any mildew, use bleach or a bleach based cleaner, it will kill any mold. A good caulk job will last for years.
2007-02-23 04:58:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once its moldy, your done for. The trick is to keep it from ever getting moldy. Keep a spray bottle of bleach and a little water in your bathroom and spray the silicone about once a week. Once the mold penetrates the silicone, I have found it never goes away. Diligence!
2007-02-23 04:44:24 · answer #5 · answered by Joan H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes-there is now silicone silastic caulking which has ingredients that won't allow mold growth-read the silicone tubes at your hardware store-should say anti mold on it-used it on my shower works great-its been over two years
PS-until your ready to caulk again try wiping the caulk with bleach to kill the mold
2007-02-23 08:08:58 · answer #6 · answered by Allen L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try one of those new scrubbing bubbles shower maids. After each shower, simply press the button and it sprays the shower (and tub) down. You can get the whole kit 1 machine with 4 refills at places like Costco or BJ's for about $24.99. They also stock the 4 bottle refills for $19.99.
2007-02-23 04:48:19 · answer #7 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
-------you need a mildew resistant caulk, like the tub and tile--------
---Painter's caulk: Inexpensive latex caulk is often used by painters to plug holes and cracks prior to painting. It can also be used to provide a smooth joint in a corner where textured materials meet. This allows the painter to paint a very straight line in the corner when using contrasting paint colors.
---Acrylic latex: Paintable, acrylic fortified caulk for both interior and exterior applications. Cleans up with water.
---Siliconized latex: Very durable, latex caulk with silicone. Available in colors and cleans up with water.
---100% silicone: Silicone caulk is great for non-porous substances. It is the best choice for sealing ceramic tile, glass and metal surfaces, but is less appropriate for porous surfaces like wood and masonry. Silicone caulk remains flexible and is impervious to water. It cannot be painted and must be cleaned up with solvent. It also has a sharp odor when curing. Requires adequate ventilation. Usually available in either clear or white.
---Tub and tile: Acrylic sealant gives a flexible, watertight seal. It is mildew resistant with water cleanup.
---100% silicone kitchen and bath sealant: Has the same characteristics as plain 100% silicone sealant.
---Gutter and foundation sealant (Butyl Rubber): Can be used on metal, wood or concrete. Appropriate for use in areas which experience extreme temperature variations. Requires solvent clean-up. It is often used on metal flashing and around skylights.
---Roof repair caulk: Convenient butyl rubber/asphalt formulation for sealing flashing, roofing, skylights, etc. Cleans up with mineral spirits.
---Adhesive caulk: Used as an adhesive during the installation of sinks, countertops, etc. Dries harder than other caulks, but is less flexible.
---Concrete and mortar repair: Retains some elasticity to remain in cracks in mortar and concrete. Cleans up with water.
2007-02-23 04:50:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dettol Mould and Mildew Remover works a treat. Just use every week or so.
2007-02-23 04:45:33 · answer #9 · answered by trixi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
use an anti fungal silicone avalable in all tile stores
2007-02-24 06:46:57 · answer #10 · answered by Top of the morning to you 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋