How To Remove Caulk - Ace Hardware

Watch as Ace's Home Expert, Lou Manfredini, shows you how to remove caulk from a tub or shower.

Products Featured:

Utility Knife

Plastic Flexible Putty Knife

Goo B Gone

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[lydialutz]

exactly what i needed. thanks! especially love that i can use a plastic putty knife. perfect.

[yvonnemariane]

THIS needs the tons of views I just saw a guide using a noisy multitool for this as THE answer THEN did a big wet soapy wash and said you were now good to caulk not mentioning to LET IT DRY FULLY.

[WASF]

For the stubborn caulk inside the gap, a dental scaler with a curved tip works

[joettaharris]

Excellent detailed step by step instructions!

[marybaehr]

I was able to do it with the help of this video. However, it went must faster once I ditched the utility knife and used a razor blade (the angle is better) and used a metal putty knife instead of the useless plastic one. Just be careful. As it was, it took three hours to remove and replace the caulk!

[gordonpotts]

Best caulk removal demo I, ve seen. T.u.

[mjonesflumian]

I use a nifty Stanley tool, that holds utility blades as a scraper. You just push in repeatedly into the corners on both planes. It removes the old nasty caulk, soap scum and other build-up, too. Just wipe down with denatured alcohol and let dry, and you are ready to re-caulk. The renewed surfaces need to be absolutely clean and dry for a good re-caulk.

[emilbus]

The good gone worked incredibly well for my shower. Wish I would have started with it!

[juliebyrd]

Do you need to weight the tub to remove it as well as putting it back in the case of fiberglass or acrylic? For older showers?

[Laika]

This video was just what I needed! Thank you!

[richardtate]

This was helpful, but I strongly recommend that you skip the masking tape. Application is time-consuming and if you pull the tape off too late, you will have a serious mess on your hands. I just re-caulked my shower and waited too long before removing the tape. Using a wet finger to smooth the new caulk is simple and easy.

i find that a grinder works just as well, you may have to replace a few tiles and resurface your tub, but when its all done, you'l have something to be real proud of

[albertoalvarez]

Hi so I had someone use black caulking on my yellow walls and countertop any thing I can do or am I going to have to paint over the walls?? I’m sure I can scrape them off my counter tops.

[atron]

Wouldn't one need to thoroughly clean the goo gone away, before re caulking??

[alexandrastratanphotographer]

i wonder if a heat gun would help the brittle stuff

[courtneycrouse]

When I remove the caulk, some of the paint layer from the (I assume) fiberglass tub has come off around the entire edge-prob about 3/8” avg from edge- What should I do in this case?

[rogerthat]

That's obviously latex caulking, because silicone will make you throw your tub out the window. Now make a video trying to remove 100% silicone which is what actually belongs in a shower/tub area. Good luck with that.

[NeonBoom]

I accidentally used an outdoor waterproof and weather resistant silicone sealant in my bathroom and want to ask if it will be okay? It stated it could be adhesive to all materials and is 7 times stronger. The bathroom sealant was 5 times stronger. Both are water proof. I don’t want to redo it because I did a good job at sealing it evenly. I feel like an idiot right now.

[roguerebel]

What if when you press on the bottom of the surround where it meets the tub, there is a certain amount of flex?
Can i use a heavy bead of silicone, or will the flex break the bond?
Please tell me i don't have to get the walls re-framed.

[cornbreadfedkirkpatrick]

Thanks for what about the dried you caulk that has turned an icky color?