Job advice

Preventing mould: dry the sealant joints

Preventing mould: dry the sealant joints

Mould growth on sealants in bathrooms, etc is a known phenomenon as indicated by the black spots that appear. This growth is because circumstances in, for example, the bathroom are ideal for this to happen. High humidity and good breeding grounds are created because of soap residues and things like high temperature and often darkness.

To prevent these problems, sealants for the bathroom contain so-called fungicides that combat the mould growth. These substances are pulled to the outside of the sealant joint and are, in a manner of speaking, consumed. This means that after a certain period, the anti-fungal properties of the sealant become worn out.

The more frequently a sealant becomes ‘loaded’, the earlier the anti-fungal properties cease to function. This period of operation can vary between a few months and a number of years. To achieve the longest possible period, we advise the following:

1. Ensure that no water can remain on the sealant joint.
2. Clean the sealant joint after showering or bathing using a small quantity of a non-aggressive cleaning agent and then dry immediately.
3. Ventilate the area as well as possible.