Is urgent mold under shower sealant a DIY fix?« Back to Previous Page
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Our bathroom in our Jumeirah apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black and green fuzzy mold growing underneath it. We run the exhaust fan, but the humidity has been brutal lately. How urgent is it to get this professionally cleaned, or can I handle it myself with a trip to ACE Hardware?
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It depends on the extent. If the mold is only on the surface of the silicone and the underlying grout or wall is still intact and hard, a DIY approach can work. For a surface-level issue, a dedicated bathroom mold remover from a hardware store, along with a stiff brush, can be effective. The key is to address the humidity source; running the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower is critical in Dubai's climate.
However, if the mold is growing underneath the sealant, has caused the sealant to separate from the wall, or if you see discoloration on the tiles or wall (indicating possible water damage behind), it's a more serious issue. This suggests moisture has penetrated the waterproofing barrier. In such cases, a professional inspection is urgent. They can assess if the wall cavity is affected, which requires remediation beyond simple cleaning to prevent structural damage and persistent health issues. A company with a microbiology lab can also identify the species, which is important for determining the right remediation protocol. For a lasting fix, any remediation must be followed by reapplying high-quality, mold-resistant silicone sealant to prevent rapid recurrence. Given the constant high humidity and AC use, which creates condensation, this is a common problem here that often needs more than a surface clean. |
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