The tile joints used to shine bright white all over the house, but now they are unsightly and even disgusting. Time to renew the silicone joints! Or not? Instead of resorting to renovation work straight away, you can try cleaning the joints and you don't even have to use aggressive cleaning agents. Instead, home remedies can also be used effectively, regardless of whether they are against mold or yellowing. We have a few tricks for you that you can use to clean silicone joints.
Remove mold from silicone joints
Do not take mold infestation lightly, as it can cause significant damage to your health. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon, especially in the shower, as moisture quickly builds up between the shower walls.
Would you likeMold in the showerTo remove it, it is best to use a special cleaner straight away (e.g. chlorine cleaner), because, unlike milder cleaning agents and household remedies, this can penetrate the silicone and thus remove the fungus from the inside. Work quickly and be sure to keep the window open, as the fumes from such chemical agents are also very harmful. Even after thatcleaning grout in the bathroomventilate the room.
If the infestation is already very advanced, even the special cleaner will no longer be able to help and you will not be able to clean the silicone joints. In this case you should replace the silicone joints.
Clean dirty tile joints with a steam cleaner
The use of hot steam is less harmful to the respiratory tract than chemical cleaners. There are special devices for this purpose that also have different attachments so that different joint widths can be treated. The high temperatures kill the mold spores. However, there is still a risk that you will inhale the spores during cleaning, which is why you should always keep an open window. Also be careful not to burn yourself!
Clean silicone joints with baking soda or baking powder
Mix one of these two kitchen ingredients and water into a thick paste, which you then brush onto the affected joints with an old toothbrush and allow to take effect. After about an hour (the paste should not dry out), wipe it offHome remedies for moldand covering with a wet cloth and dry with a dry one.
If the mold has penetrated a little deeper, you can also scrub the paste with the brush. If you notice that it has already dried before wiping, moisten it again with a little water before you start to remove it.
Microfiber cloth and dishwashing liquid to combat the first infestation
The quicker you act against mold infestation, the quicker you will get rid of it. So as soon as you notice the first dark spots, you should do something. In this case, it may be enough to mix dishwashing liquid with warm water. You can then use a microfiber cloth and this solution to clean the silicone grout, with the cloth serving to exfoliate the surface of the grout fill.
If the stains are a little more stubborn, you can use abrasive cleaner instead of dishwashing liquid. However, keep in mind that the joints will lose their shine in this way and the roughened surface can then become more easily affected by new mold. For this reason, abrasive agents (whether scouring agents, baking soda/baking powder or microfiber) should only be used if gentler agents have had no effect.
Clean yellowed silicone joints with vinegar
You can use vinegar if you want to clean yellow silicone joints as well as if there is dirt or slight mold. However, the agent attacks the silicone in too high a concentration, which is why you should always dilute it (in a ratio of 1:4). Then apply the solution with a cloth, let it work briefly and rinse it off again. Vinegar has a disinfecting effect andalso kills mold sporesand bacteria.
You can also use vinegar essence instead of table vinegar, but you can also dilute it with more water, as the essence is of course more concentrated.
When should silicone joints be repaired?
If all the remedies haven't helped, then your only option is to renew it. This involves scraping out the old joints, whereupon you or a tiler can do thisdraw new silicone jointscan.
You should then take preventative measures to at least delay further yellowing and mold growth. Ideally, you should dry the shower and tub after each use, especially the joints. Since this is not possible for many people due to time constraints, at least always rinse the surfaces with clear water to remove soap residue and other products used, as these make it easier for microorganisms to settle on the joints.
You should also clean the silicone joints regularly. For this purpose, products are offered that are intended to prevent mold formation. Always ventilate the damp room well and sufficiently after each use. Remove mold stains as soon as you notice them and don't let them penetrate deeper into the joint. This applies to silicone joints in the bathroom as well as in the kitchen or other rooms.
