Asked on Oct 15, 2017

Clean caulk on window outside

Tess Slimbaugh
by Tess Slimbaugh
I recently bought a condo that has pane windows bordering my door. The caulk has melted over the years and collects a lot of dirt and debris and seems impossible to remove . Other than Goo be gone and a knife, and I still can't get it all , I haven't found anything else. Looking for suggestions.
  7 answers
  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Oct 15, 2017

    If you want to just clean it, try the Heavy Duty Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Or see if you can cover the existing caulk with a new layer that you can wipe clean.

  • Marilla Waltrip Monroe Marilla Waltrip Monroe on Oct 15, 2017

    Looks like the whole window area could use a new coat of paint. Just wash it and paint over it. Caulk doesn't melt, but it does look like it was poorly done.

  • RondaRudy RondaRudy on Oct 15, 2017

    We had the same thing happen to our French doors at our former home. The factory-installed caulk (sealant) did, in fact, "melt" due to the intense sunlight that would beat down on that side of our house. The windows on our French doors were gas-insulated, double-paned ones, meaning that a layer of argon gas is sealed between the panes. When trying to address the melted sealant issue, you need to be careful that you don't disrupt the original sealant enough to break the factory seal. If the seal is broken, you will begin to notice condensation between the panes of glass. Then, you will have a much bigger problem to deal with. If you notice condensation, remember to check with the door manufacturer, company who installed them, and/or the builder as most of these types of doors come with a warranty which may cover repair or replacement for years after installation. Hope this helps!

  • Fauxgal Fauxgal on Oct 15, 2017

    Usually you have to use a razor knife/box cutter. Then you have to sand. You could electric sand with the edge. But cutting it out is the only way.

  • Roxaneg Roxaneg on Oct 15, 2017

    It depends on the caulk. Silicone caulk is cut out. Scrape, cut, scrape, cut and so on. You can also try DSR5 to remove silicone and siliconized caulk.


    Some caulks can be removed with a heat gun, but it has little effect on silicone. Mineral oil/baby oil can also remove some latex caulks by softening the caulk and making it easier to scrape away.

  • Patti Clutter Patti Clutter on Aug 12, 2019

    There are people that go door to door with some liquid product that cleans it right up...wish I could remember what it was called.

  • There is a tool for removing caulk. Check in your local home improvement store.