You scrub, you spray, you bleach—but the black mould in your shower silicone just keeps coming back. Sound familiar?
Mouldy silicone isn’t just unsightly—it can also pose health risks and signal deeper moisture issues in your bathroom. Here’s why it happens, what it means, and how to fix it for good.
Why does silicone get mouldy?
Silicone is used to seal joints in your shower—like where the walls meet the base or in the corners. Over time, this sealant is exposed to constant moisture, steam, soap scum, and body oils, creating the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive.
If your bathroom has poor ventilation or the silicone is old and deteriorating, mould spores settle into the material and begin to grow beneath the surface. Once it takes hold, no amount of surface cleaner will truly fix the issue.
Common causes of mouldy silicone
🧼 Old or worn silicone
Sealant naturally breaks down over time. Cracks and gaps let water and bacteria in, giving mould a place to hide and spread.
🌫️ Poor ventilation
Steam lingers after hot showers? That moisture buildup speeds up mould growth, especially in hard-to-dry corners.
💦 Trapped moisture beneath the sealant
If the silicone wasn’t applied correctly, or if it’s been layered over old sealant, moisture can become trapped behind it—feeding mould from the inside out.
🛠️ Silicone applied over existing mould
We see this often with quick DIY fixes. If you seal over mould without removing it, you’re simply covering up the problem—not solving it.
How to stop mould from coming back
✅ Remove the old silicone completely
This is the most important step. If you don’t remove the mouldy silicone, it will continue to grow underneath any new layer you apply.
👉 We offer expert silicone removal from tiles, without damaging your surfaces.
✅ Clean and disinfect the area
After removing the old sealant, the area must be cleaned thoroughly to remove mould spores, soap scum, and residue.
✅ Use mould-resistant silicone
Not all silicone is created equal. Professionals use sanitary-grade, anti-fungal silicone specifically designed for wet areas.
✅ Improve ventilation
Use an exhaust fan, open a window, or leave the shower door open after use to let moisture escape and reduce humidity.
✅ Keep it dry between showers
A quick wipe-down of shower walls and joints after use can make a huge difference in preventing future mould growth.
Want to ditch the mould for good?
At Leaking Showers Sealed, we specialise in removing old, mouldy silicone and resealing your shower with long-lasting, professional-grade materials. No tile removal needed—just a clean, sealed, mould-free finish.
👉 Book your resealing service today and enjoy a shower that looks clean—and stays clean.
