Safely remove black mold from bathroom shower myself?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks, and I just pulled back the silicone sealant around our master bathroom shower in our Jumeirah apartment to find a ton of black mold growing underneath. We run the exhaust fan, but with three kids taking showers, the room never fully dries out. What’s the safest way to remove this myself without exposing my family to more spores?
Posted by Zainab Al-Ahmad
Asked on April 13, 2026 10:20 am
Black mold under silicone sealant in Dubai bathrooms is extremely common due to the high humidity levels, even with exhaust fans running. The constant AC use creates significant condensation, which gets trapped in these sealed areas.

For a contained area like this, you can remove it yourself safely. First, ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening a window and keeping the exhaust fan on. Seal the bathroom door with a towel at the bottom to prevent spores from spreading to other rooms. Wear an N95 mask, goggles, and rubber gloves.

Avoid bleach, as it is mostly water and can feed mold regrowth deep within porous surfaces. Instead, use a dedicated EPA-approved mold remover or a concentrated white vinegar solution. Scrub the area with a stiff brush, but be prepared that the silicone sealant itself is likely permeated and will need to be completely removed and replaced to fully address the problem.

After cleaning, the underlying surface must be completely dry before applying new, high-quality mold-resistant silicone. For persistent family coughs, a professional inspection can identify if spores have spread into the AC system, which is a common issue here. A lab test can confirm the mold type, which is advised when health symptoms are present.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 7:40 pm