Can't keep kitchen silicone caulk clean

[Carolinamidwife]

So, we have granite counters with (I don't know the correct term) the sink set into the counters. There is a ledge all around the sink about 1/2" lower than the top of the counter and that is where the stainless steel sink meets the counter... if that makes any sense at all.

Anyhoo, the original owners had caulked the sink with clear silicone caulk. After about 3 months of living here I realized itwas getting moldy and twice I have (painstakingly) scraped it out and re-caulked it and each time within about 3 months the mold is back and once it's under there there is no getting out out.

What can I do?

[freestyler]

I can't keep ours mold-free either! But every three months?? That's a bit often to be replacing the caulk. I think the proper term is caulk---grout is between tiles. Anyway, you might try buying another kind of caulk. Ask in the hardware store what kind professionals use. Also, what really helped me was: After you remove the old stuff, TOTALLY clean, de-grease and dry the area, and let it air-dry for another few hours. You want to have ZERO moisture under the new stuff. Which means not using your kitchen sink for a while. Cook in advance and use paper plates, or whatever.

After you apply the new stuff (or have someone apply it for you and watch how they do it, in case maybe you're leaving gaps somewhere or something)...after you apply the new stuff, let it dry completely for 24 hours, no sink use. And then when you do use the sink again, be sure to wipe down the area when you're done so that moisture does not accumulate. I still have to re-caulk every year, but it's not as bad as what you're describing. Mold sucks. We're having a mold problem in our upstairs bathroom. Good luck to you!

[Carolinamidwife]

Yes! Caulk! I knew grout didn't sound right, lol.

I have been doing it myself which, I am sure, accounts for some of the moisture. I'll scrape it out (which is hellish) and try your tips... I know no one but me will dry the sink off after use so it will either have to stay mold free or I'll be re-doing it once a year.

[newbymom05]

I had a professional caulk our shower and it's grotty moldy. It's really disgusting and I'm too lazy to scrape it out. Anyway, my lame point is that I don't think it's the type of caulk, it's just the caulk itself in a wet area.

[Carolinamidwife]

And this area will always be wet. Due to the design of the sink, which is supposed to be some kind of expensive fancy way of setting the sink (my butt), there will always be water there.