How to Remove Silicone Caulking From a Tub

Silicone caulk helps prevent bathwater from damaging your walls or floors.

Applying caulk around a bathtub prevents moisture from seeping behind the walls and floors and also deters mildew buildup. Over time, bathtub caulking may become dirty and moldy and may peel beyond the point of simply cleaning or repairing it. If this is the case, then it may be necessary to remove the caulk from the tub and replace it with new caulk. Silicone caulk is not the easiest to remove, but with the proper tools and products you can successfully remove and replace it.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade or utility knife
• Hair dryer
• White flour
• Water
• Wet rag
• Commercial product to soften caulk
• Rubber gloves
• Protective eyewear

Instructions

1. Scrape as much of the old caulk off of the surface as possible. Work slowly, using a razor blade or utility knife to cut the caulking from between the tub and the tiles. Slice through the caulk to separate it from any surfaces to which it is adhered. Apply heat from a hair dryer to sections of the caulk to soften it and make it easier to remove.

2. Use your fingers to pull off the caulk once you've begun to separate it. Hold the razor or knife at a low angle to shave off excess caulk. Do this very carefully so you don't scratch or damage the tub or tile surface.

3. Mix a thick white flour and water paste, in a bowl. Use your finger to rub the paste onto the silicone caulk that remains on the tub. Press firmly with your finger to roll the remaining caulk off of the tub. The flour dough will roll the caulk into itself and make it easier to remove. Rinse the dough off of the surface with a wet rag.

References

• Ask the Builder
• Ask Jon Eakes
• Home Remodeling Help Guide