How To Remove Caulking Around Bathtub

Scraping out moldy caulk from around a bathtub is a tough tedious job.

How to remove caulking around bathtub. Soap scum and other surface grime can inhibit the caulk s ability to adhere. Take the razor blade and carefully pry the old caulking off the tub. The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. If the caulk is loose or brittle remove as much as you can with a utility knife or caulk removal tool before using the remover solvent.

Simplify old moldy caulk removal by applying special caulk remover over the caulk to soften it and break the bond. Then simply scrape the old caulk away. Before you can re caulk the tub you need to remove the old stuff entirely it can be a time consuming task but it s. Caulking around your tub is a relatively simple process but after the job is done a full bathtub will tend to pull away from the wall or tiles due to the added weight.

Remove old caulk photo by david carmack. Spray a steady line of caulk remover chemical along the line of cracked caulk you plan to replace. Before applying new caulk around your bathtub shower or sink you must firsts remove the old caulk. New caulk doesn t stick to old caulk so if you fail to remove the old stuff the new caulk can t form a watertight seal leaving the potential for moisture to seep into areas where you don t want it.

Remove the softened caulk carefully using a putty knife to pull it gently out of the spaces between the tile and tub or sink. You should heat up small portions like 10 inches at a go. You can also use a special caulk remover tool or a utility knife to separate the caulk from the tub or sink. Keep the angle of the blade as low as possible and watch the caulking to see if it s being cut.

Once you soften the caulk it s easier to scrape it away from the wall or tile. These products can be messy to use so removing as much caulk as possible first will minimize the mess. Allow to completely air dry again patience before applying new caulk. I suggest you put the lowest dose of heat which will be effective in removing the caulk.

Mold causes unsightly blackening that can make the bathroom appear dirty even when you clean regularly and it can even cause health problems https www. If you re planning to re caulk a tiled shower or bathtub wall deep clean the tile before you remove the old caulk. Now you can use the caulk removal tool like the homax plastic caulk removal tool. Mold almost always poses a problem in the bathroom because of the moisture there but it s a particularly pernicious one when it grows behind bathtub caulking.