How to Remove Caulk From a Bath Tub

Mildew is common in bathrooms because it thrives in moisture. Bath tubs and showers are the perfect environment for mildew to flourish. Often the water from daily showering will accumulate around the places where caulk is applied in a shower area or bath tub. Additionally, many body care products that are present in this pooled water contain ingredients that feed mold spores.

Caulk can easily become unsightly on a bath tub due the high moisture that is present in this area of a home. Removing old caulk is somewhat tedious. But once this job is done, the caulk can be replaced with mildew-proof caulk that will make mildew problems on caulk a thing of the past.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Utility knife or razor blade Leather gloves Needle nose pliers Clean paint brush Clean cloth Scrubbing brush Bleach Mildew-proof caulk

1. Manually scrape as much of the old caulk off of the surface. This can be accomplished with either a utility knife or a razor blade. Wearing leather gloves will offer good protection during this step.

2. Using warm water may help to lubricate and soften the caulk as it is scraped away. Water will also help to protect the surface of the bath tub from scratches.

3. Use a needle nose pliers to pull away the caulk as it is loosened. Use the clean paint brush to brush away debris as the caulk is removed.

4. If the original caulk was water-based, soak it completely with rags saturated in water. Do this for several days. If this is not effective, often soaking acrylic caulks with isopropyl alcohol helps with removal.

5. If the original caulk was silicone-based, understand that these are very difficult to remove. Several applications of strong compounds like sodium or potassium hydroxide will soften silicone caulk. Extreme care must be taken with these chemicals, however. Oven cleaners may also effectively remove silicone caulk. However, many of these chemicals will dull plastic laminate, acrylic and fiberglass bath tubs; this work must be done very carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding area.

6. When all of the caulk is removed, clean the surface of the bath tub so that it is free of mildew. It is very important not to use bathroom cleaners that contain ammonia before using any products that contain bleach. Bleach and ammonia create a poisonous gas when mixed.
   Apply a mixture of 1/3 cup bleach mixed with 1 gallon of warm water. Rub the solution into the area with the scrubbing brush. Rinse well and dry the surface completely with the clean cloth.

7. Once the old caulk is removed and the area is clean and dry, apply a new mildew-proof caulk to the bath tub. These caulks contain chemicals that prevent mildew spores from forming and multiplying in the bath tub area.

Tips & Warnings

• Take steps to prevent mildew growth in bath tub areas by cleaning frequently. Rinsing all surfaces with plain water will remove mildew and prevent it from multiplying. Keep doors and curtains open after bathing to hasten the drying of the bath tub area.