How to re-caulk your bathtub in five simple steps

Is the caulk around your bathtub crumbling or showing signs of unsightly mould? If so, it’s time to re-caulk! While it’s always recommended to entrust any plumbing work to a professional, repairing the caulk around your tub is a relatively simple task that you can easily do yourself. Just follow these five foolproof steps.

1. REMOVE WORN-OUT CAULK

With the help of a utility knife, make an incision in the middle of the damaged caulk to make it easier to remove. Next, use a scraper or flat-head screwdriver to scrape the remaining sealant free, if necessary.

2. CLEAN THE SURFACE

Wash the area you just finished scraping with a sponge soaked in white vinegar. Make sure to remove all traces of dirt and mould, and then use a cloth or rag to wipe down the surface. This last step is particularly important to ensure the new caulk adheres properly.

3. GET YOUR DUCT TAPE HANDY

Border off the area where you’ll apply the new caulk with duct tape, much like when you trim a room for painting. It might take a few extra minutes, but the final result will be much cleaner.

4. APPLY THE NEW CAULK

Apply the caulk with a caulking gun, ideally in a single stroke while maintaining constant pressure. Next, dip your thumb in soapy water and go over the new caulk to make it nice and watertight.

5. REMOVE THE DUCT TAPE

Wait at least 24 hours before removing the duct tape and taking a bath. If the caulk overflowed, carefully cut away the excess with a utility knife.