How to Remove Caulk
Do you have old, moldy, cracked caulk in your kitchen or bathroom? Here's how you can remove it in just a few easy steps.
Up next in Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling (10 videos)
Spruce up your kitchen and bathroom with the easy and affordable renovation ideas in these videos.
You Will Need
- A caulk remover
- A utility knife or razor blade
- Needle-nose pliers
- A 5-in-1 tool
- Bleach
- A sponge
- Rag
- Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
Steps
-
Step 1
Apply caulk remover
Apply caulk remover to soften the existing caulk.
-
Use isopropyl alcohol to soften water-based acrylic caulk. It's flammable so be careful.
-
Step 2
Cut caulk
Slice into the caulk with the utility knife or razor blade.
-
Wear gloves to protect your hands.
-
Step 3
Pull off caulk
Pull off the remaining caulk with the needle-nose pliers.
-
Step 4
Scrape
Work slowly and carefully to scrape off any remaining caulk with the 5-in-1 tool.
-
Step 5
Clean surface
Clean the area with a solution of ⅓ cup bleach per gallon of water to remove any mold or mildew on the surface. Scrub away any soap residue.
-
Step 6
Rinse
Rinse the area thoroughly.
-
Step 7
Dry
Wipe the area with a clean rag and let it air dry.
-
Did you know? An abundance of airborne mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, and lead to infections.
