19/09/2026
WHY DOES THE SILICONE AROUND YOUR SHOWER GO BLACK?
It’s easy to think black silicone simply means it needs a better clean.
Often, that’s not the real problem.
Once mould gets established behind or underneath the silicone, cleaning the surface may only improve it temporarily. The sealant can look clean for a while, then the black staining returns.
There are also other reasons shower sealant can fail:
🔹 The old silicone has started to separate from the surface
🔹 Water is getting behind the seal
🔹 The surface wasn't properly cleaned and dried before application
🔹 Old mould contamination wasn't properly treated
🔹 The sealant has simply reached the end of its service life
A proper reseal isn't just a case of putting new silicone over the old one.
The old sealant needs to be completely removed, the surfaces thoroughly cleaned and treated, and everything properly prepared and dried before the new sanitary silicone is applied.
That preparation is what makes the difference between a quick cosmetic job and a proper restoration.
If your shower sealant is starting to blacken, peel or separate, don't just silicone over it.