How to Replace Caulk in Bathrooms
- 1). Cut away the old caulk from within the joint, using a utility knife with a fresh blade. Work slowly, pulling the knife short distances. Take care to cut away the caulk without scratching the tub, tile or threshold nearby. When the blade ceases to cut easily through the caulk, replace it with a new blade.
- 2). Clean the joint where the caulk was removed, using a cleaner designed to kill mold and mildew. Rinse the area well. Allow it to dry completely for a minimum of 12 hours. Failure to let this area dry before filling it with fresh caulk could lead to additional mildew growth.
- 3). Cut the tip off the tube of caulk with the utility knife. Insert the tip of the caulk tube into the front end of the caulk gun. Push the body of the caulk tube up into the gun, and fit the plunger at the back of the gun into the depressed area at the bottom of the caulk tube.
- 4). Place the tip of the caulk tube into the open joint and very slowly squeeze the trigger on the caulk gun. Move the gun slowly along the joint as you squeeze, so that a thin bead of caulk fills the gap.
- 5). Moisten your fingertips with water and press a finger into the fresh bead of caulk. Pull your finger along the caulk, smoothing it out and pressing it to the edges of the joint. Moisten your fingers again whenever you feel the caulk beginning to stick to them. Let the caulk set up overnight before exposing the area to moisture.
