How to Remove Caulk in a Bathroom
The black and brown stuff that grows on the caulking around the fixtures in your bathroom, especially your bathtub or shower, is mold and mildew. This mold and mildew can have serious affects on your health, so when it starts to show up, it's a good idea to get rid of it. Sometimes bathroom cleaners can't get the job done, and the caulk will have to be removed and replaced with new to keep your bathroom pretty and as healthy as it can be. Removing caulking in your bathroom is simple, but tedious. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Knife, box cutter or razor blade
- Soap and water, alcohol or caulk remover
- Foam brush
- Rags
- Bleach
Instructions
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1
Cut into the caulk with a knife, box cutter or razor blade. Once you have freed up an end, try to pull it. Some of the caulk will just pull free from the surface.
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2
Scrape away the remaining caulk. Take care not to scratch too deeply against the tile or porcelain. Lubricating the wall with a spray of water will help prevent scratches on tile or porcelain. Water will also help soften the caulk up for easier removal.
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3
Clean away the remaining bits of caulking. Some caulks can be removed by just soaking them in water for a few days to soften them up enough to fall away. If water doesn't work, you can try rubbing alcohol, and if alcohol doesn't do the job, you can buy caulk remover from your local hardware store. Use a Q-Tip or cotton ball to apply to the surface, and a rag to rub the remaining caulk away. Caulking is tough to remove from surfaces, so it may take more than one application.
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4
Clean in and around the surfaces where the caulking was removed to remove all remaining mildew or other residue with a mixture of 1/3 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Use a foam brush to get all the way into the gap where the caulking was to ensure all mildew is gone.
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5
Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with plain water and dry all surfaces completely before applying any new caulking to the surfaces.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for a mildew proof caulk to replace your old caulking to prevent some future mildew. Leave open shower curtains or doors to let the bathtub dry out after use or dry your bathtub/shower after use to prevent water from lying on caulking. Clean your bathtub or shower regularly.
When using straight alcohol or caulk removers, keep the room well-ventilated and keep open flames away from the room. Do not use bleach with an ammonia-based bathroom cleaner. The combined fumes are poisonous.
