Your bathroom might be sparkling clean, but if your clear caulk appears moldy, it really isn’t. Mold can cause a whole host of issues, from making your bathroom look dingy and causing it to have a musty odor, to making people that have allergy problems suffer. That’s why it’s important to give your clear caulk a good scrubbing when you notice any discoloration – black, brown, green or white stains along the caulked areas are telltale signs that there is mold growth.
The reason you’ll want to tackle mold right away when you first notice it is because that, unlike dirt, mold is a living thing. It will continue to grow and creep into crevices and cracks that are difficult to clean. Also, if left to spread, it eventually will get under your clear caulk – and then the only thing you can do to be rid of it is remove the caulk and replace it.
How can you clean the mold from your clear caulking? It can be easily accomplished in a few simple steps. First of all, you’ll need some type of bathroom mold and mildew spray cleaner. Because the chemicals can be harsh in these cleaners, you’ll want to wear protective gloves and ensure your space is well ventilated. You’ll want to start by thoroughly spraying down all the moldy areas with the cleaner, ensuring that every bit of mold growth is saturated.
Next, you’ll want to leave the cleaner on your clear caulk for half an hour. Open bathroom windows and make sure the area is properly ventilated. You’ll want to leave the room and shut the door, especially if you have kids or pets roaming around the house, too. (Just FYI, an half-hour should be safe, but do check the label on your cleaner and follow instructions.)
When the half-hour is up, wet an old toothbrush (don’t ever use it to brush your teeth again!) and scrub the moldy areas of the clear caulk. After scrubbing, wipe the surface with a damp sponge. If there is any mold or mildew remaining, you can repeat the process over again. If the stains remain after a second round, this might mean that the mold has crept under the clear caulk, and you’ll probably need to remove the existing caulk and replace it.
Before you take on that re-caulking project on your own, turn to the experts at Fahy Kitchens & Baths. Give us a call at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.