Black mould!!!?

Question

How do you get rid of black mould in the shower? we have taken off the silicone sealant and redone but it keeps coming back in the corners especially. Is there anything we can do to get rid of it permanantly?

Answer 1

Try a week solution of bleach and water.

Answer 2

First off you should know that not all black mold is "asperigillus niger" or "stachybotrys chartarum" which are the two principle types people consider pathogens. I'm not saying that what you have is or is not a pathogenic strain but the odds are in your favor that it is not.

Bottom line, quickly, you have to remove all the infested sealant, clean the area with bleach, air dry it for at least 24 hours and then reseal it with new silicon sealant.

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Now, as for what's happened. The silicon sealant is sterile and doesn't contain anything that would prevent or inhibit the growth of mold. Over time, normal wear & tear through use and cleaning will create a bunch of cracks and micro-pockets within the sealant that are perfect hiding places for mold spores until they germinate.

Another possibility is that contamination is coming from behind the wall and is burrowing through the silicon sealant to reach the light and humidity found your the bathroom. You might want to look into that when you're replacing the sealant...

Answer 3

It will keep coming back no mater what you do as the showers clearly a damp spot - i recommed regrouting with an anti-mould silicone - see link 1 - they are very good and not expensive - also pop a damp bag in there during the day - there is one on ebay - see link 2 - they are GREAT - it will absorb the condensation and damp . Keep a window open while showering if its not too cold - this stops the damp air clinging to the walls - tiles etc. Goodluck :)

Answer 4

we had exactly the same problem and done what you did with the sealant....we finally got over the prob by fitting a good air extraction unit,also,keep a bit of shammy leather handy to give a quick wipe after your shower.make sure you use the right sealant as well.i picked up the wrong type and it yellowed in days......happy showering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

When you re-caulk the shower, use a caulk that contains microban. It only cost a little more and the stuff is truly professional grade. You can get it at most Home Depots.

Joe pretty much nailed it as far as everything else goes.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, it is most likely growing from the inside out.... If you remove the wall covering, I'd be willing to bet you'll find a significant amount growing on the inside of the walls...... Removing the wall covering and bio-cide is the only way you'll get rid of it all...... The other unfortunate thing is that "black mold" is also referred to as "killer mold" as it has high potential of causing serious health problems. If you have children or elderly people in the house you need to do something...... Hypo isn't going to resolve your problem.

Answer 7

A solution of vinegar is good, but there is a product called "no more mould" which is better as it doesn't leave the shower smelling like the chippy.

Answer 8

hi, i dont know of a permanant way of getting rid of it. but there is a good product called dettox mould and milldew remover which comes in spray form.

Answer 9

cillit bang put it in your corners neat then just leave it there when ever you get shower an clean it just keep replacing it an that should solve the problem .

Answer 10

You need better ventilation, do you have an extractor fan near the shower cubicle?