How to Recaulk a Bathtub or Shower

I solved my bathroom mold and mildew problem with a permanent non-toxic solution. I installed a larger bathroom exhaust fan.

The new fan made a world of difference! My bathroom doesn’t smell like a locker room two days after I clean it like it used to.

The photo isn't out of focus. That's drywall dust and a 

shining example of why I should have worn a dust mask.

Unfortunately, the caulk around the shower is stained. I scrub it with hydrogen peroxide based bleach. It doesn’t help much. It still looks gross.

   You don’t know how embarrassing this is for me to show you. YUCK!!!

Removing the caulk and caulking, the shower with new caulk is the only solution.



How to Caulk a Shower or Bathtub 

You will need:

Caulk remover (optional)
Putty knife or six in one tool
Caulk (formulated for showers and tubs. Not all types of caulk are interchangeable. If you aren’t sure what type to buy, ask a store clerk to help you choose the type of caulk you need for your project.)
Caulk gun
Scissors
A finger
Rag or cloth

Do it!

1. If needed, apply the caulk remover (I like DAP caulk remover but you can use whatever brand floats your boat) to the caulk around your tub and/or shower. Wait the appropriate amount of time (check the directions on the caulk remover) to allow the caulk remover to loosen the soon to be old caulk.

    

I skipped this step because my caulk was peeling away and easily removed with a six in one tool.

 2. Use a putty knife or six in one to scrape and remove the caulk from around your shower or tub.

 I like to use a six in one tool because I live in a small house 

with limited storage space. I like tools that do more than one thing. 

I used the flat side of the six and one tool first.

I followed up with the pointed side to remove what I couldn't using the flat side of the six in one tool.

3. Clean the debris from your shower or tub.

Ew!

 I had mold that I didn’t want to seal in with new caulk. I cleaned the area with mold killing hydrogen peroxide and an old toothbrush. I let it dry completely before applying the new caulk.

4. Place the caulk in the caulk gun. Cut off the tip with the scissors.

 WARNING: Tubes of caulk have a plastic membrane inside the tube you have to puncture with before you use the caulk if you do not the caulk will explode out of the back of the tube. Guess how I know? Twice.

  My caulk gun has a puncturer (if that’s a real word) attached to the gun. If your caulk gun doesn’t have this, you can use a long nail or screw to puncture the protective membrane.

5. Run a bead of caulk around the tub or shower where the tile and tub or shower meets.

If you skip a spot don't worry. Plop a bit of caulk in the spot. You will tidy it up later.

Optional: Pose like a bad a$$ with the caulk gun to make your very own Wanted poster!

  Good. Bad. I’m the one with the (caulk) gun.  
Can you name the movie I sorta but not really am quoting from? 

6. Use the most expensive DIY tool in the world – your finger – to smooth the bead of caulk.

Spendy!

All smooth!

7. Use the rag to clean up errand caulk from the shower or bathtub or yourself if needed.

8. Wait the appropriate amount of time for the caulk to dry and cure (check the package for this information.)

 9. Rub a dub, dub in your newly caulked tub!






I'm not rub a dubbing in any tub unless it is full 

of dirty pond water. Period. End of story.

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