How to Remove Silicone From a Bathtub

Whether the silicone caulk in your bathtub is old or new, sloppy or well-done, removing it can be tedious. It's often necessary, though, especially if it's cracked or becoming mildewed. To replace the silicone caulk, it's essential to remove all traces of the silicone, so that you can get a smooth bead and a good seal with the new silicone. You need a few household tools and a lot of patience to remove the silicone from a bathtub.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Putty knife
• Box cutter or razor blade
• Rubbing alcohol
• Rag

1. Cut away the seal between the silicone and the bathtub using a box cutter or razor blade. Cut along the bottom and along the top, loosening the silicone.

2. Cut through the silicone near one end of the tub.

3. Pry the edge of the silicone that you just cut through up and away from the tub, using a putty knife.

4. Pull the silicone caulking away from the tub by gripping it firmly in your hand and gently pulling. Use the razor blade or putty knife to loosen the silicone as you go. Very likely, only part of the silicone will come up as you pull. This is normal.

5. Scrape away any remaining silicone, using the box cutter or razor blade. Remove as much of the silicone caulking as you can.

6. Moisten a corner of the rag with rubbing alcohol.

7. Rub away any remaining silicone with rubbing alcohol.

Tips & Warnings

• Work slowly, removing as much of the silicone as you can by pulling. It takes less time to pull it away slowly than it does to scrape it away afterward.
• Don't scratch the tub with the box cutter or putty knife. Use them gently and carefully.

Resources

• Handymanwire.com: Removing silicone