What is the easiest way to get caulk off a bath tub?

Question

So, I'm a renter. Had this great idea to re-caulk the bathtub because the current caulk is extremely grimy. My landlord would take about 5 years to do it and I like home improvementish things. To make a long story short, I went to Home Depot, called my dad for advice, picked up the supplies and went to work. I'm an idiot, and when I started using the razor blade to scrape it off, I cut the sh** out of my leg and now have 10 stitches! I came home and I'm scared to start again. Am I using the wrong tool? Is there any solution that would loosen the caulk? PLEASE help!

Answer 1

they make a silicone caulk remover, but takes 24 hrs or so for it to work.....look in the section where u got the caulk or ask for help, small brown jar, brush it on and let it set, about 24 hrs I think....how did u cut your leg , no need to move the razor blade that fast.....slow and steady

Answer 2

the scraper blade you are using to scrape off the caulk, most likely, is the right thing to use.  scrape gentlt and the caulk will peel right off.  be careful not to cut your leg (or any other body part) again :).  use short stroke to scrape instead of forceful pushes with the razor.

Answer 3

There is no practical fluid that I know of that will remove the caulk.  I, also, use a razor blade to remove the caulk.  I like a 'box cutter' blade with heavy leather gloves.  Sometimes I'll use pliers to hold the blade.  Be careful to not damage the surface.  Even porcelain can be damaged.  The product, 'Goof Off', may be effective in small areas.  It comes in a small tin can at most hardware stores.  If you must pull the blade toward you (sometimes I do), use a board to protect yourself in the future.  Good luck.

Answer 4

Take a hair dryer and use it to warm up the old caulk.  This will soften it and make it much easier to remove.  Caulk that seems hard as a rock will soften enough to scrape or dig it out easily.  This also works well on old hardened window putty... just warm it up.  When I do this I don't use a razor blade; you can get a 1" putty knife with a sharpened edge that works just fine.  A razor blade is just too hard to hold on to.

Answer 5

A razor blade is about the best tool for the job; it’s sharp (you found that out) and THIN, so it slides between the caulk and the tub surface easily.

If you want to try something that has a little more backbone, and offers a little more control, try a small floor scraper (also sold at Home Depot in the paint section). This tool has a large steel handle and uses large, double edged razor blades mounted in a head that is mounted at about 100 degrees from the handle. It will slide right along with you pushing from behind. It works just as well along the wall tile, and you can still stay behind the blade if it slips.

If the shower was caulked with silicone caulk; the residue can be removed using acetone (keep the bathroom well ventilated).

If you re-caulk with silicone, smooth it by dipping your finger in Denatured Alcohol first, then running your finger along the joint. The alcohol keeps the silicone from sticking to your fingers.

A better product to use to caulk tub & shower surrounds is "Poly-Seam-Seal"; it is a latex based caulk. It comes in many different colors (including "clear"), and you can simply dip your finger in water (or use a wet rag) to tool the joint.

This product will not allow mildew to grow nearly as fast as it will when using silicone caulk.

Answer 6

There's fluid you can buy