Hey everyone! I'm looking to replace the moldy and cracked caulk around my bathtub, but I've never tackled this project before. What's the easiest and cleanest way to remove the old caulk? Also, what type of caulk do you recommend for redoing it? Any advice would be appreciated!
4 Answers
I usually replace my bathtub caulk every couple of years since it gets really moldy where I live. For removal, I find that pinching it with my fingernails works well to rip out most of it, kind of like pulling apart string cheese. For any leftovers, a plastic scraping tool does the trick, and sometimes I’ll finish with a razor tool. A good scrub afterwards will help too!
A solid approach is to apply some elbow grease and be careful not to damage the tub or tiles. A good quality bathroom caulk is essential, and I'd recommend using masking tape to get clean lines when you’re applying new caulk. There’s also tons of helpful videos on YouTube that show the process step-by-step.
I scrape the old caulk with a painter's tool first, then use at least 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean the surfaces before re-applying the new caulk. A handy tip is to fill the tub before you caulk – the weight helps widen the gap a bit and allows for better sealing when you add the new caulk.
You might want to pick up a diamond encrusted grout removal tool from your hardware store – they work really well for getting that old caulk out. Just a heads up, it could scratch the finish on your tub or tiles, so go slow and steady!