Problem with white silicon seal - parts of it have turned pink! - Tile Advice

[bayswater-rose]

Hi Macten,
Thanks for your suggestion for using diluted bleach on the silicon. What concentration do you reckon that I should use, and should I rinse it off afterwards? Best wishes, Bayswater-rose

 

[AliGage]

Might be worthwhile checking how well it's doing with a smoke match. You can get these from pretty much any DIY store or plumbing supplier.
Might have to bite the bullet, invest in a good quality sealant and redo it. Ensure it contains Microban as Mr Benton suggested.

 

[macten]

So long as your tiles aren't acid sensitive (natural stone) then I would rub some neat bleach on to it, let it dwell for 5 mins and then rinse off well. I doubt it will touch it to be honest (certainly doesn't work on shower screen seals) but neat bleach gets my silicone looking like new if it's looking as bit dull. If you have no joy then get the builders to remove and replace with a good quality sanitary silicone with anti-mould properties like BAL or Mapei. Don't let the builders smooth it in with spit on their finger - this can impregnate the bead with bacteria that will then bloom from the inside out. Not having a window can really make it more difficult to control - extractors can only do so much and soon get overwhelmed. Problem with bacterias and moulds in bathrooms is that they live off the phosphates found in soap and the bodyfats that the soaps/shower gels remove off you. If you have a radiator in the bathroom then make sure it's on as the real problem is when the water vapour condenses on cold surfaces leaving puddles.

 

[AliGage]

................Don't let the builders smooth it in with spit on their finger - this can impregnate the bead with bacteria that will then bloom from the inside out...........

It's suprising how the simplest of steps/methods or practice can prevent problems. Hands are tools too, keep tools clean!

 

[doug boardley]

I've found this cleans up stained silicon

HG Mould Remover in shower cleaners at the home of creative kitchenware, Lakeland

 

[scientist]

Serratia Marcescens!
It's actually an airbourne bacterium but because this bacteria contains mould it is common in bathrooms. I would try diluted bleach on the silicone or remove. Often see it on shower screen seals - they turn pink and you have to replace them.

This bacteria does not contain mold.

 

[scientist]

Cheers Allister,

See it all the time when I'm ripping out customers' bathrooms - there is a mould out there that is a pale pink but the real bright pink stuff that looks like it wouldn't appear naturally is the bacteria. To be honest I think the only solution is to remove and reseal with bal or mapei silicone. I have to change my shower screen seals every year due to the dreaded pink but my silicone is fine. Only tip is keep window open and extractor on during and after shower and get in the habit of wiping down when you're done.

Opening windows may be letting in bacteria from outside. Follow the cleaning protocols and rinse and dry shower after each use. Yes, leave the exhaust fan on. You can turn on a cordless fan, like a Ryobi fan, in there for a couple of hours and the shower stall will really be dry!