Asked on Aug 28, 2014

Easy way to remove caulking from shower

Linda
by Linda
Easy way to remove caulking from shower
  5 answers
  • Use a high heat hair dryer or a heat gun to soften the caulk. Then a putty knife to scrape out. Works like a charm.
  • Renee Renee on Sep 02, 2014
    How long do you recommend leaving it off before you re caulk? Ours was badly done and there is mildew in it that I'll have to clean out.
  • Simply use the dryer and scrape it out. Then clean using a stiff brush or perhaps a toothbrush with some bath and tile cleaner to the mildew is gone. Then using the dryer once again make sure its dry. Then caulk away!
  • Renee Renee on Sep 03, 2014
    Super! Thanks. We had been told we had to clean with bleach then follow up with rubbing alcohol to remove all traces of the caulk and then let it set for 24 hours to dry completely before we could apply more caulk. UGH! Letting the caulk itself dry is going to be hard enough.
  • Bleach is not the product to use. It does not kill all types of mold It really only takes the color out of it. The bleach solution needed to kill mold is much stronger then you can purchase over the counter. A good mold and mildew cleaner for bathrooms is all that is needed. A sharp razor blade will remove the surface caulk that could possibly be visible once you tool out the new stuff. Do not worry all that much with slivers that will be covered over by the new. Not worth the effort. Plus if its sticking that well as not to easily pull off, It will provide a better bonding surface for the new caulk to adhere to. A hair dryer will make quick work of the drying process during cleaning. I would not suggest that you use it on the caulk however. It needs to properly cure. As far as time in which to use the shower once caulked. Most can be used in four or five hours. Just be careful not to allow to much spray on the surface. Most caulk skins over in about 10 min. If your desperate yet concerned. Use blue masking tape and a 12 inch wide piece of plastic and tape it so the plastic drapes over the top of the edge where the caulk was applied . This will prevent any water from splashing onto the new caulk and allow you that extra time so it dries completely.