The caulk around my bathtub has black mold growing on it. I have tried scrubbing with bleach but it keeps coming back. How do I get rid of it permanently?
Once mold has penetrated into the caulk, surface cleaning will never permanently remove it because the mold roots are embedded in the silicone. The only permanent fix is to remove all the old caulk and apply fresh caulk. Here is how. Use a caulk removal tool or a razor blade held at a shallow angle to cut and peel away all the old caulk. Get every bit of it off. Clean the surfaces with a 50/50 bleach and water solution and let it dry completely for 24 hours. Then apply new 100% silicone caulk (not latex). The key is using silicone because it is naturally mold-resistant. Apply it in a continuous bead, then smooth it with a wet finger or a caulk finishing tool. Do not use the shower for 24 hours to let it cure. To prevent mold from returning, ventilation is critical. Run the bathroom exhaust fan during showers and for 20 minutes after. If you do not have an exhaust fan, crack a window. Squeegee or wipe down the tub surround after each shower. Standing water is what feeds mold growth.
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