If old caulk starts growing mold, it can take a long time to remove and replace it.This may not be necessary to get rid of your mold problem.If you want to clean the caulk first, use ammonia or bleach instead of mixing the two chemicals.These are proven mold killers up to a certain point, but as harsh as they are, other non-toxic household items can often do an even better job.
Step 1: Go around the area.
Ammonia can have harmful effects when breathed in.The air circulation can be improved.To get the air moving, open windows and doors, switch on exhaust fans, and set up other fans.
Step 2: It's a good idea to wear a respiratory protection device.
Chances are that you don't have a lot of options for improving the flow of air in the bathroom.If this is the case, be sure to wear a respiratory protection device.A plain paper face mask will not protect you from ammonia fumes.The activated charcoal is designed to absorb ammonia.Hardware stores can help you find the right respirator, and you can find more information online.
Step 3: Make your solution.
If you are mixing this somewhere other than the area that needs cleaning, you need to improve the air quality in that area.You can either mix ammonia and water directly in a spray bottle or another container, or you can use a funnel.
Step 4: Put on spray and scrub.
The solution should be squirted over the caulk.It will take five to ten minutes to kill the mold.The caulk should be scrubbed with a small brush.When the caulk is done, wipe it down with a cloth or paper towel.
Step 5: Make sure to repeat and evaluate.
If the first application did not kill or remove the mold, try again.If you can't seem to do anything, use another cleaner.Ammonia can be an effective mold killer with non-porous surfaces, but often has difficulty with porous ones like caulk.
Step 6: If the problem comes back, use another cleaner.
caulk may look clean after being scrubbed and wiped down, but mold may still be present.If it reappears soon after your attempt with ammonia, you should treat it as a sign that the mold's roots are too deep in the caulk for the ammonia to reach it effectively.It's time to move on to another solution.
Step 7: Expect the same things.
The area should be kept as it would be when using ammonia.Chlorinated bleach has the same problem with porous surfaces.If you don't have ammonia on hand, consider bleach as an alternative.If you have already tried ammonia, skip the bleach since it won't do any better.Toxic fumes are created when bleach and ammonia are mixed.If you have already sprayed the caulk with ammonia, don't use bleach.
Step 8: Make a solution.
Take 1 cup of bleach and put it in a container.It should be put into a gallon of water.Wait until it is evenly mixed.
Step 9: Light mold can be scrubbed with a soaked sponge.
If you have a light mold problem, grab a fresh sponge.Put it in your solution and squeeze it out.You can scrub the caulk with that.
Step 10: Before scrubbing, spray more serious problems.
If a quick scrub with a soaked sponge doesn't do the job by itself, fill a spray bottle with your solution.Give the caulk five or ten minutes to cure.You can wipe it down with a sponge.
Step 11: You can repeat it with a cleaning brush.
If the sponge is not cutting it, spray the caulk again.Give the bleach time to kill the mold.Use a bristled cleaning brush to scrub again.
Step 12: Cotton coils can be used to treat deep seated problems.
If the bleach isn't enough to reach the mold's roots, switch to cotton coils.These should be in your solution.Push them into your caulk line with a Q-tip.The caulk can absorb as much bleach as possible if they are left overnight.In the morning, scrub it down.
Step 13: Once cleaned, spray the caulk again.
The caulk should be wiped down with a cloth or paper towel.After spraying the area with your solution, let it be.Keeping this active agent in place will prevent new mold from growing.
Step 14: 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used.
Make sure it has a concentration of 3% by checking the ingredients.Simply fill a spray bottle with the stuff and spray the caulk.Give the cleaner ten minutes to get to work, and then scrub the caulk with a sponge, brush, or both.When done, wipe the area clean.
Step 15: Go with it.
You don't need fancy varieties of white distilled vinegar in the pantry.Take the spray bottle and soak the caulk.After soaking it for one hour, wipe the mold away with a sponge and rinse with water.
Step 16: Baking soda can be used with water.
Take a small amount of baking soda.Put this in a spray bottle.Shake the bottle with water.After spraying the area, wipe it clean with a sponge or brush.If mold is growing back, rinse the caulk line with water and spray again.
Step 17: Try a solution made of water and borax.
Add 1 cup of borax to a gallon of water.Either soak a sponge in the solution or fill a spray bottle and mist the caulk.Then wipe it clean with a brush.