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Bathroom · Mould

Black mould on shower sealant and grout: clean it or replace it?

A mould spray can clear mould on the surface of tiles, grout and silicone. If it has grown into the sealant, replacing the sealant is often the only fix.

Quick answer

  1. !Gloves, a face mask and an open window.
  2. 1Is it on the sealant or in it?
  3. 2Spray, wait, rinse (surface mould)
  4. 3Replace the sealant (mould in or under it)
  5. 4Dry and ventilate so it doesn't come back

Match your situation

Your situationTry this
Black marks on tiles or groutA mould spray made for tiles and grout (step 2). [1]
Black spots on silicone that won't shiftThe mould is likely in or under the sealant. Replace it (step 3). [2]
Mould on the ceilingHG doesn't recommend its mould removers on ceilings, as they can weaken how paint and plaster bond. [1]
Wood or a fridge sealHG mould spray isn't suitable for wood or fridge rubber seals. [1]
A large area, or it keeps coming backYou may need a professional, and to find the cause of the damp. [3]
You rent your homeTell your landlord. Government guidance says landlords should tackle the underlying causes, not just the surface mould. [4]

What you need

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Step1

Is it on the sealant or in it?

Mould on sealant usually comes from moisture and surfaces not drying out. [2]

HG's note: if the mould is in or under the sealant, its products can't remove it, and replacing the sealant is often the only solution. [2] If you've cleaned it properly and the black spots are still there, that's the likely reason.

Step2

Spray, wait, rinse

Surface mould
  • Spray from 3–5 cm
  • Leave 30 min

HG's method for its mould spray (tiles, grout, silicone joints, plaster): [1]

  1. Open a window and put on gloves.
  2. Spray the surface from 3 to 5 cm away.
  3. Leave it to work for 30 minutes.
  4. Clean off with water and a sponge.

It bleaches

HG's mould spray has a bleaching effect. Test it first on a hidden spot if you're unsure, and read the label. [1]

Don't mix products

Never mix bleach-based cleaners with other cleaners, especially ammonia: the fumes are hazardous. [5] HG also advises against household remedies, which have no official approval for removing mould. [2]

Step3

Replace the sealant

Mould in or under it

If the mould has got into the sealant, cleaning won't fix it: replacing the sealant is often the only solution. [2]

If you rent, tell your landlord. Government guidance says landlords should remove the mould, using a qualified professional where appropriate, and tackle the underlying cause. [4]

Step4

Dry and ventilate so it doesn't come back

  1. Ventilate well during and after a shower so the moisture goes quickly. [2]
  2. Dry wet surfaces and sealant joints regularly. [2]
  3. Clean the sealant and the area around it regularly so dirt doesn't build up. [2]
  4. Find out why there's too much moisture. Removing surface mould alone won't stop it coming back. [3][4]

Sources

  1. HG UK: HG mould spray (how to use, FAQs)
  2. HG UK: How to remove mould from sealant
  3. NHS inform: Damp and mould indoors
  4. GOV.UK: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home
  5. American Cleaning Institute: Stain removal guide (never mix bleach and ammonia)

Answers a common question about black mould on shower sealant (a related post on X). Checked 22 Oct 2026.

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