Why does the cauking around my bathtub always get moldy? I have tried different caukings and this always happens..
by
Jane A
+8
11 answers
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Mold needs three thing to occur ....water...warm temp...and food. The soap residues and skin cells present from day to day use provide the food. you can read a bit more about this life cycle in this article I wrote. http://www.networx.com/article/start-cleaning-tile-grout-more-easily Caulk is very much like grout in some ways. Where most folks run into trouble is where the caulk has pulled away from the wall or tub and provides a crevice that can never really get clean. In these cases the old caulk needs to be removed...the entire zone need to be sanitized and new caulk installed. Some of the newer caulks contain a mildewcide that can help.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 03, 2011
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i clean and paint apts. about 3 to 5 a DAY. the chaulk molds after awhile because it wears out. it is best to chaulk with a guarenteed mold resistant chaulk it cost about $8 a tube but will last forever!! my own tub was chaulked 6 years ago with the best chaulk out there and is still bright white..
Brenda D
on Oct 06, 2011
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Thank you for all the info,I will try the mold resistant caulk ASAP..
Jane A
on Oct 07, 2011
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Be sure to dry walls and tub edges if you remember after use. You will see this caulk at all the hardware stores and big box stores as well. It will have Microban on the label. Be sure to clean and dry the edges well before putting new caulk in.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 07, 2011
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Is removing the old caulk fairly easy to do? And what if the mold has affected some of the tile grout as well?
Karen
on Oct 08, 2011
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Caulk can be difficult to remove, but not really hard but time consuming. A good quality scraper, sharp knife, and elbow grease should do it. Once out using a good quality bath cleaner and stiff brush should handle any mold issues. If the grout is stained and you cannot remove it, A grout saw, which looks like a toothbrush with little saw blade on end can scrape out the grout in those areas. Once removed most big box stores now sell small pre-mixed tubs of grout that you apply to those missing areas that need it. Once dry caulk the tub.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 08, 2011
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Adding to the post previous: Caulking needs to be well maintained every year. It's best to use a 50% silicone / 50% water based caulking. These types of caulks are more resistant to mold. However, KMS is right, you should understand that mold can be more than surface mold. Make sure that the mold hasn't gone into the wood and inside the walls. This can become a health hazard over a period of time. Simply scrap out all the old caulking, use bleach to kill the mold beyond the cracks deep in the back of the tub, let it dry out for 24 hrs, and then caulk the tile / tub area using a sponge & water to roll back the excess caulk. C.R. Draves.com
CR Draves . com
on Oct 09, 2011
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I only have mold around the tub and surround area...I did get some good caulking today but haven't had time to redo the job as yet..Thanks for the info.
Jane A
on Oct 09, 2011
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Use only polyurethane caulking, available at The Depot and paint stores. It is a little tricky to make it look nice because it is so sticky; a soapy finger helps. Mildew eventually impregnates the material, but this process can be slowed down by regular cleaning. Best, Charles
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Oct 09, 2011
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JANE i am sorry i cant remember the name of the chaulk i bought that cost $8. but if you have the right chaulk you will be fine for years. the chaulk i got is resistant to mildew and mold. it wont even ever show up on it. yes chaulk is very hard to remove sometimes but is worth it to get it off. also the exhaust fan is the ut most importants it is the only thing that takes out the humidty after the shower is on. so if you are getting mold rethink your exhaust fan is it strong enough?
Brenda D
on Oct 10, 2011
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also if you did have cracks in the chaulk water can get behind the tub on walls to create mold.. keep sealed with the right chaulk.
Brenda D
on Oct 10, 2011
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