How to Remove Wet Caulking

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Removing a sloppy bead before it dries may prevent a tedious repair job down the line.

Getting the perfect bead of caulk isn't easy, and trying to smooth out a botched bead can be even harder. Often, it can be easier to remove the entire bead before it dries and start over again. Removing wet caulk can be a quick and relatively painless process, depending on what sort of caulk you're using and whether you picked up the proper cleaning materials ahead of time.

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Step 1

Remove the caulk using a putty knife or other flat-edged scraper. Scrape out as much caulk as possible, but don't take so long that the caulk begins to dry.

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Step 2

Scrub the caulk residue away using paper towels or disposable cloth rags. For latex caulk, the rags can be moistened with hot soapy water. For silicone, mineral spirits are required.

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Step 3

Wipe the area down with clean water to remove any residual soap or solvent. Dry the area using clean towels or rags in preparation for re-laying the bead of caulk.

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