How to safely remove silicone in my shower.
by
Katsaenz
+2
I have a mold issue in my tile shower. I HATE IT of course. I had a thought that if I get the mold out from behind the silicone I could use that Spray Seal clear the seal all the tile from the water. I have tried bleach, all kinds of cleaners, I even tried Coke. We rent so I don't want to damage the tile removing the silicone.
I am not sure why, but that shower seems to have issues with mold. I can clean the shower head, sparkling, then in a few days it is back.
Thank you for your suggestions.
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If yu have cleaned the mold and it comes back in just a few days, it may be a sign of a bigger problem...like moisture BEHIND the tile or inside the walls of the shower. I would contact the owner and explain the issue. It should be their responsibility to take care of an issue like that since it will probably involve tearing out a wall to resolve the problem. Mold is a health and safety issue, and there are probably laws in your town that will support you if your owner doesn't take care of the issue in a timely manner.
The mold environment an also be the result of not using/or not having an overhead fan. My 40s bathroom doesn't have a fan, so I use a very small heater in there after I shower.
You can get a silicon caulk solvent to remove it, and its very easy to recaulk with a silicon caulk with a mildewcide in it. Have a problem with a straight line, use blue painters tape, and don't cut the tip off too far down ... you can always nip a bit more off but you can add it back on.
Make sure to remove the caulk with a plastic caulk remover, then clean well with vinegar, rinse, and let dry. Make sure the caulk you use is for bathrooms and is mould resistant. If there is a big gap between the tile and tub or floor you can use a foam back rod, before putting the caulk in.
http://www.hp-nw.com/tile.htm
When you have finished caulking let it dry all day and night. Wash your waslls and ceiling with vinegar, water and soap to kill mould spores.
If it is like most rentals there isn't enough air circulation: no window/fan. If you have a fan, leave it on for at least 30 minutes after a shower. If you have a window, leave it open at least a crack. After the last person showers, squeegee your glass doors and floor or give your shower curtain a good shake, and as soon as it is dry, leave it open. Wash your shower curtain every couple of weeks with towels in the machine on gentle, with detergent and vinegar. If it is plastic avoid the dryer.
Good luck, it's a pain but it does get better.
there was at one time a tool that would scrape the silicone caulk off in strips. plastic, red, special tip. that was in the late 1980's i suspect some version may be hanging out near the big box diy store caulking isle.
I was going to say the same thing Michele said. It's the responsibility of the owner if the problem keeps coming back after you've cleaned it. Mold in the walls is not safe for you. Contact the owner so that he can send in a contractor to find the real problem.