Silicone Caulk Cleanup & Removal

Removing and cleaning up silicone caulk is not difficult. It's important to get rid of the old stuff before re-caulking. Old caulk will eventually crack and loosen, allowing water to get into a joint and cause damage.

Considerations

Remove and clean out all the old silicone caulk before laying any new caulk. New silicone caulk will not stick to the old stuff, so the joint will start leaking more quickly, according to Acme How To.

Removal

A sharp razor or utility knife is effective for removing silicone caulk. Cut away the old caulk from the tile, remove the larger pieces, and shave off the remaining caulk. Care should be taken not to scratch the tile.

Cleanup

The area should be cleaned off with rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of grime, soap scum, and deposits. Vacuuming also helps, and a mildew killer or chlorine solution may be necessary for some areas. The area should be completely dry before re-caulking. A fan or heater will aid drying if there is moisture behind the tile.

References

• Acme Parts: How to Caulk