How to Recaulk a Shower Stall

Caulk inside your shower stall that is cracking or becoming discolored requires replacement. The caulk seals the edges of the shower stall and prevents water from seeping onto your bathroom walls and floor. Recaulking a shower stall is the same process as recaulking a bathtub. When caulking the shower stall, use a caulk that is labeled for kitchens and baths. These caulks have inhibitors that help to prevent the growth of mildew. All the materials you need are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet
• Utility knife
• Plastic putty knife
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cloth
• Spray mildew cleaner
• Silicone bathtub caulk
• Caulking gun

Instructions

1. Place a sheet in the bottom of the shower stall. The sheet protects the finish on the shower stall floor while you are working inside and also collects the caulk debris when removing the old caulk.

2. Cut along the two outer edges of the old caulk with a utility knife. Remember to get the caulk above the shower stall, in the inside corners and around the bottom of the shower stall. Start at one end of each caulk line and peel off as much as possible with your fingers.

3. Scrape off any residual caulk that did not remove when peeling with a plastic putty knife. Using a plastic putty knife prevents scratching the finish of your shower stall. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol on a cloth to remove the caulk residue and soap scum. If you have an issue with mildew, spray a mildew cleaner and allow it to dry overnight.

4. Apply a thin bead of silicone bathtub caulk to the shower stall with a caulking gun. Start at the top of the shower stall and the inside corners, working your way out of the shower stall.

5. Wet the tip of your index finger with water and run your fingertip across the caulk to flatten the bead and give the caulk a uniform appearance. Allow the caulk to cure for 24 hours before using the shower stall.

Tips & Warnings

• When you cut the tip of the caulk tube, cut at the first line on the tip. This helps you keep control of the amount of caulk you use.

References

• Calfinder: How To Replace Bathroom Caulk
• Home Addition Plus: Caulking a Bathtub or Shower Stall