The ultimate goal of tackling mold in caulk is to ensure all of the contamination is gone. Any particles left behind, even dead mold, lead to continued exposure and potential adverse health reactions for those living inside. That’s why you should never use bleach to handle this indoor contaminant. 

With mold’s ability to grow roots called hyphae, the key is to use products and procedures that pull the fungus up by these roots so that the entire contamination is removed. Steps should also be taken to remove other contaminants like mycotoxins and bacteria, which may be present as well and are particularly difficult to remove. 

Steps for remediating mold in caulk include: 

• Put on your protective gear (masks and gloves)

• Fill a spray bottle with 8% hydrogen peroxide

• Spray the surface and let the hydrogen peroxide sit for at least 10 minutes

• Wipe it away with a microfiber towel

• Complete the process at least three times to ensure mycotoxins and bacteria (if present) are removed

If the mold comes back immediately, it’s best to start from scratch and recaulk. Remove the caulk, clean using the steps above, and then re-caulk the area. That way, any hard-to-reach particles are removed completely. 

For more information on removing mold from caulk, what to do if the mold comes right back again, and how to prevent it from occurring in the first place, check out this blog post.