Silicone sealant is indispensable when installing new plumbing equipment in the bathroom, as well as for various types of repair work. Silicone-based sealing remedy perfectly protects surfaces from moisture, thanks to its special composition. The sealant forms a solid and at the same time an elastic coating, resistant to temperature drops and the effects of aggressive detergents. There are also special sanitary silicone sealants, which contains fungicidal additives, preventing the appearance of mold and fungus - these troubles are quite often occurring in conditions of high humidity. For use in the bathroom, it is recommended to purchase this specification of the sealant.
If it happened that on the surface treated with the sealing composition, the black mold was originated, it is necessary to immediately begin the fight against it. What measures should be taken, read in our current article.
Why does the mold appear on sealant?
The main reason for the appearance of mold on all types of surfaces is an excessive wet air indoor. Additional factors contributing to the active growth of mold may be the absence of a good ventilation system, insufficient walls, poor sealing of seams between panels.
If the mold appeared on the surface, which is treated with a silicone sealant containing fungicides, then the reason will most likely lift in low quality product. If you used a sealing remedy for a proven manufacturer, which you are sure that you should look for other reasons. For example, mold could appear as a result of unscrupulous work on sealing seams or due to the presence in the structure of the working surface of cracks and chips.
What is dangerous mold in the bathroom?
Mold is an amazing organism that can make a person benefit and harm. The type of mold that settles on the surfaces in our house belongs to the latest type. Therefore, if you discovered the first signs of spreading mold and a residential or in a non-residential room, get rid of it as soon as possible.
It is known that the mold applies with the help of disputes - microscopic particles that can freely fly around the house, in the midst of all new and new sections. Even if you managed to get rid of the main focus of mold, spreading around the apartment dispute, can cause the growing of new foci.
Article on the topic: Glue for linoleum: how to glue to the wooden floor, axon for natural, than to glue PVC metal
The harm that causes the mold to the human body becomes not immediately noticeable. Disputes that we breathe along with air can provoke quite serious respiratory diseases, nasopharynses, digestive system and other vital organs. Allergy and people with weakened immunity are exposed to increased danger.
Removal of mold from the surface
The way to combat mold, which appeared on silicone sealant depends on the scale of the problem and how long ago it appeared. A small plot of "fresh" mold can be simply washed away, and then process the surface with an antiseptic. If you have time to take action quickly, then most likely, mold will no longer return anymore. Otherwise, you will have to resort to a more radical method.
How to properly clean the silicone sealant from mold?
- Type in a small container with warm water and pour (fill it) to it any cleaning agent for the bathroom. Mix the solution well.
- Moisten the sponge in the resulting mixture, wipe the problem area. Carefully rinse mold from the surface.
- Wash the cleaning agent with plenty of clean water.
- Now the surface affected by mold should be disinfected so that the remaining disputes do not go to growth. For this, any disinfectant that you have at home, for example, bleaching.
- Apply bleach on silicone sealant. For the best effect, leave it for 12-14 minutes. After that, the sealant is not only disinfected, but will also shine white.
- Before climbing a disinfectant, read the surface with a sponge or brush well so that it penetrates into the microcrain and destroyed all the spores of mold.
- Then wash the bleach and wipe the silicone sealant dry.
What if mold returns?
It happens that after a while after removal, the mold appears in the same place again, and even thorough processing of the problem space does not help with effective means. In this case, the distribution focus should be seen not on the surface of silicone sealant, but under it. If so, then to get to the focus, the sealant layer will have to be removed.
- Remove the solar silicone sealant can only mechanically. Therefore, army with a small knife and start cutting the silicone sealant along the top and along the lower edge of the seam.
- By making cuts, picker the silicone layer from one end and pull out the frozen sealant from the seam. The old silicone sealant is best to immediately throw away, since the disputes of mold are firmly substantiated in its structure.
- Inside the seam, you most likely discover mold, fine garbage and other nasty. All this needs to be carefully cleaned with the same knife.
- Now the purified site needs to be disinfected for complete confidence that the mold will not appear again. One of the most effective means is the isopropyl alcohol. Fill it into the seam and leave for 20-30 minutes.
- After that, wash the seam with a dry cloth and leave for a day until complete drying. All this time is not allowed to use the bathroom.
- The dry surface should be treated with silicone sealant. Try to choose a high-quality sanitary sealant for a bathroom containing additives that prevent the appearance of mold.
- Insert a tuba with a sealant into a special pistol, cut the spout at the appropriate angle and evenly distribute the tool throughout the seam.
- In order for silicone to completely dry, it is necessary to wait another day.
Article on the topic: What should be the bedroom
Folk remedies
In the fight against mold, you can use folk recipes, many of which are much more efficient than expensive stores. Some of the numerous ways that hostesses are used to eliminate mold in the bathroom are presented below.
Sodium tetrabrate (in the people it is called "Bura") to dissolve in water in the ratio of 1 glass of the preparation by 2 ½ liter of water. Mocked in this solution old toothbrush and thoroughly wipe the place affected by mold. Then collect the residues of the solution with a clean dry cloth. It is not necessary to flush the solution, as it forms a protective layer against mold.
White table vinegar is effective, and, most importantly, an affordable means against mold in the bathroom. Places covered with mold are sufficient to sprinkle with undiluted vinegar through the sprayer, and after 60 minutes, wash the sponge moistened in the water. If necessary, repeat the procedure the next day. Vinegar has a sharp smell and his pairs can adversely affect well-being, so do not forget to air the bathroom every time after this procedure.
Hydrogen peroxide is probably in your first aid kit. This drug is indispensable not only for processing wounds, but also for sterilizing the plots affected by mold. Tablets of hydroperite should be dissolved in water according to the instructions, and the finished solution is applied undetected. It is better to work in gloves, since with long-term contact, hydrogen peroxide can damage the skin of the hands. It is not necessary to flush the solution, in a few minutes simply blunt the treated surface with a dry sponge or cloth.
Ordinary food soda also copes with the task of eliminating mold. It is absolutely safe for a person, it is worth a penny and find in the house for everyone. To prepare a cleaning agent, you need a quarter of a teaspoon of soda stir in 250 ml of warm water. The resulting solution is to go into a plot with mold with a rigid brush, then washed away. Secure the effect, repeating the operation again.
Article on the topic: How to choose curtains for living room in style and color
Essential oils are also pretty effective in the fight against mold. Especially effective tea tree oil, known not only by its pleasant aroma, but also good antiseptic properties. One teaspoon of essential oil needs to be dissolved in a glass of warm water and treat a problem in a solution. Flush the tool is not needed. After applying the solution, the intense smell of tea tree essential oil will be maintained, but after a couple of days it will destroy.
Prevention
After removing mold from silicone sealant, you need to take all precautions so that it does not appear again. The complex of preventive procedures includes:
- Equipment of the ventilation system. At the same time, remember that even the most powerful ventilation system will not cope with the task, if you do not provide a constant air flow in the bathroom (for example, through the gap in the door).
- Sealing plumbing equipment in the bathroom. All sources of high humidity must be eliminated, including the dripping faucet and condensate on the toilet tank.
- Wall insulation. If some of the walls of the room freezes in winter, it is necessary to provide it with additional waterproofing.
- Elimination of cracks in the walls, on the floor and on the ceiling. Mold Disputes can penetrate the bathroom from neighboring apartments even through microscopic gaps.
