If your bathtub is looking dingy and discolored because of old caulk, no amount of cleaning will restore it back to new again. Old caulking around your bathtub begins to crack open, which produces a breeding ground for mildew, mold, and bacteria. Replacing the caulk in your bathroom is a fairly easy weekend do-it-yourself project that can make your bathroom feel completely new.
Removing Old Caulk
First, you’ll have to remove the old, brittle caulk in order to put new caulk down. You will need a putty knife to scrape the old caulk and pull it away. Once you remove the old stuff, clean the newly exposed areas and the tiling or tub around it with bleach. This will help prevent new mold and mildew from forming. Make sure the area is completely dry before you start applying any new caulk.
Caulking Anew
To apply new caulk, you will need a caulking gun and a tube of white caulk. Before you begin applying new caulk, there a few rules you need to follow in order to ensure your job looks great.
Make sure you cut the tip of the caulking tube at a 45-degree angle to ensure the right amount of caulk will be distributed as you pull.
It’s best to pull your caulking gun toward you instead of pushing it away. This means you will point the tip of the gun at the furthest point from you and drag the gun towards your body as you squeeze.
Clean the tip with a paper towel or old washcloth between each line to make sure your job looks clean and not messy.
Place painter’s tape on either side of the area you will be caulking first in order to keep caulk off the bathroom tiles or shower walls.
Hold the gun securely and apply a steady pressure as you apply the caulk. Try to caulk at the same pace over the entire line to keep the caulk the same size all the way down. Don’t stop caulking until you have reached the end of the line you’re working on so you don’t break the seam. Once you’ve finished each line, let it dry completely before pulling off the tape.
Finishing Up
Once the caulk is completely dry and the tape has been removed, you should have clean caulk lines and your tub should look much better because of it. This is an easy project that should only take you a few hours, but the results will last quite awhile and definitely improve the look of your bathroom.
