How to Remove Caulk From the Tub

Family HandymanFamily HandymanUpdated: Sep. 02, 2021

Apply a caulk remover to simplify the job of removing old caulk from joints. It loosens the caulk so you can easily dig it out.

remove caulk from the tubFamily Handyman
Next Project
Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-50

Introduction

Simplify old, moldy caulk removal by applying special caulk remover over the caulk to soften it and break the bond. Then simply scrape the old caulk away.

Tools Required

  • Putty knife

Materials Required

  • Caulk remover

Project step-by-step (3)

Step 1

No need to go crazy

How to Remove Caulk From the TubStacey Newman/Shutterstock

Scraping out moldy caulk from around a bathtub is a tough, tedious job. And if you get too aggressive, you’ll chip a tile or mar the tub finish. Make the job a lot easier by first softening the caulk with a caulk remover (inexpensive at hardware stores).

Step 2

Apply the remover

remove caulk from the tubFamily Handyman

Spread a wide bead of caulk remover along the caulk line, covering it completely. Application is simple. Just squeeze the remover onto the caulk, making sure it covers the edges. Let it sit for several hours (or as directed on the package).. Click here for our favorite caulk remover from Amazon!

Step 3

Scrape out the caulk

remove caulk from the tubFamily Handyman

Then start scraping out the old caulk. The caulk remover works by destroying the bond between the caulk and the tub or tile, so that instead of chipping at the caulk with a razor blade, you just pull away big chunks of it with a putty knife. Most removers work on both silicone and acrylic latex caulks.

Clean off the residue with soap and water, let dry and then recaulk. Next, check out our 15 favorite caulking tips.

Originally Published: January 23, 2019