Black mould remains a persistent issue in British bathrooms, with countless householders finding it keeps returning despite cleaning efforts. While milder conditions might reduce condensation, mould hidden within bath sealant can continue to flourish without proper treatment. Specialists caution that many individuals are using the wrong products, allowing resilient marks and spores to persist. Thankfully, an affordable household staple priced at approximately £1 may help eliminate black mould and prevent its recurrence. The straightforward remedy is being praised as an efficient method to maintain bathroom sealant looking spotless for extended periods.
Why Mould Returns
Although many associate mould with colder months, bathrooms remain equally susceptible throughout summer, as elevated temperatures, steaming showers and inadequate ventilation create the humid conditions mould requires to thrive. Guy Chapman, a silicone seal specialist at United Silicones, explains that the underlying reason for persistent black mould is microscopic water infiltration beneath the sealant, something no amount of bleach can remedy. He explained: "Standard bathroom sealant looks solid, but over time it shrinks, stiffens and pulls away from the bath edge by fractions of a millimetre. Moisture gets trapped behind it, creating the perfect dark, damp environment for mould spores to grow. Once that happens, surface cleaning is pointless – the mould just keeps coming back." This indicates that once black marks appear, mould has already frequently established itself beneath the deteriorating sealant. Consequently, merely cleaning away surface stains might not address the root cause.
How to Fix the Problem
Instead of removing worn sealant or continuously tackling mould with aggressive cleaning agents, Guy suggests using a self-adhesive silicone bath strip, which can be purchased for as little as £1. He said: "This works because it doesn't rely on chemical resistance. Instead, it creates a physical barrier over the vulnerable joint, stopping water from reaching the damaged sealant underneath and preventing mould from taking hold." He further explained that silicone strips outlast conventional sealants because they don't shrink, split or deteriorate as readily over time. When installed, they establish a waterproof seal that keeps moisture at bay and stops mould developing beneath. Unlike conventional sealants, which set, age and break down, silicone strips maintain their flexibility permanently, even when regularly exposed to hot water. The outcome is a lasting remedy rather than an endless cleaning routine. Guy concluded: "For less than the cost of a coffee, you're stopping mould at the structural level. It's one of the simplest preventative fixes in the home, and one of the most effective."
How to Use It
After cleaning, allow the bath edge to dry thoroughly for at least 12 hours, as any remaining moisture can compromise the strip's adhesion. Instead of stripping out the existing sealant, press the silicone strip directly over it, pressing firmly along the joint to create an unbroken waterproof seal.
