How to Remove Old Caulk From a Bathtub

Give your bathroom a facelife by removing stained or mildewed caulk.

Bathtubs are sealed with caulk to create a waterproof seal around the tub and prevent water damage to the wall and floor. Sometimes this caulk can become discolored or mildewed with age. Old caulk can peel or chip away and should be replaced before water seeps in and causes mold or other problems to your bathroom walls. Before you can apply a new ring of caulk, you will need to remove the existing caulk.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk remover
• Utility knife
• Needlenose pliers
• Bleach
• Sponge paint brush

Instructions

1. Apply a caulk remover. You can find this in the plumbing section of your home improvement or hardware store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the brand that you purchase.

2. Loosen the caulk with a utility knife. Carefully slice through the softened caulk, careful not to damage the shower or tub. Slice along the top and bottom of the caulk ribbon. You may be able to get a grip on the caulk at this point and simply pull off much of it.

3. Use pliers to pull off stubborn caulk. Grab the caulk with pliers and gently peel the caulk away from the tub and wall surface. You may also use a small scraper or the hooked end of a painter's tool to remove large pieces of caulk.

4. Clean the surface. Use a bathroom cleaner to clean the tub and wall areas where the caulk was. This will remove any leftover adhesive and caulk remainders. Use a bleach and water solution (1/3 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water) to kill any mildew in the area. Now your surface is ready for new caulk.

References

• How to Remove Caulk from a Bathtub
• Recaulking a bathtub