New shower advice please...

[JoeJoe]

After 11 years or so, our shower is in need of replacing as it is in a bit of a state.

We currently have tiled walls, and a 90cm quadrant cubicle - something that looks pretty similar to this:

Over the years I have had to replace the silicone around the edges every

3 years or so, and also revisit some of the grouting as, despite all our efforts, mould always seem to find it way back.

The bathroom is quite large (approx 3.5m x 3.5m), with a 6" fan, and we tend to keep a window open when showering. Only explanation for this that I can think of is that the shower is used very often - 5-6 times/day, both in the mornings and the evenings.

We are now looking at a 90cm x 120cm cubicle, and ideally some system that minimises the chance of mould reoccurring. My thought was to go for some sort of acrylic panelling on the walls, something similar to what you find in most US hotels.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Do the joins between the panels, and the panels and the shower tray still require to be sealed using silicone? Is there a system that does not require that?

Any recommendation regarding these/or a better system?

Many thanks in advance.

[Peter Parry]

The way to stop mould is to get rid of the moisture. Most bathroom/ shower fans, especially older ones, make a lot of noise for a relatively short time but don't achieve much. Having a very low power fan running 24 hours day will control moisture and minimise mould growth. Low power fans (less than 5W) are far more common now than they used to be for example

[tabbypurr]

the world's easiest problem to solve.

near the bottom of the page.

NT

[JoeJoe]

Are yo9u referring to this "It is possible to clean black mould off silicone sealant. Apply folded toilet paper and bleach, and leave in place overnight. Badly blackened silicone takes around 4 applications to look more or less like new."?

Never heard of this...

[tabbypurr]

Yes. The other option is put thick bleach on. It brings it up like new, but does take several goes the first time.

NT

[DerbyBorn]

The worse thing is to use a Green Scourer as it introduces micro scratches that gives the mould somewhere to root.

[JoeJoe]

Cheers for that. A bit late for this one, but will be useful in the future.

[JoeJoe]

Oops! Now you are telling me... ;-)

[DerbyBorn]

JoeJoe wrote in news: [e-mail]:

Arrgghh! And don't use saliva to wet your finger when smoothing the silicone.

[Mr Pounder Esquire]

I had to replace the "professionally" applied silicone around the bath - shower over the bath. I removed all traces of the old silicone and used meths to clean the area. Used a hair drier to dry the area and did not have a bath or shower. The silicone I used cost ?3.60 per tube. Do NOT stick your finger in mouth to smooth the silicone, this introduces moisture and bacteria. I used one of these:

I filled the bath 3/4 full and did not drain for 24 hours. This before appling the silicone. This was six years ago. The silicone is still brilliant white, no mould and no cracks. Okay, I probably smelt like a Muslime, but it was worth it.

[DerbyBorn]

My silicone is looking great after about 15 years - however, the bath is rock solid, Never a trace of mould. Only use liquid "soaps" in shower. Occassional wipe down the tiles with Domestos to bleach the grout.