Buzz
Many homeowners struggle with the black mildew that accumulates along bathtub and shower tiles. These damp environments are perfect for mildew spores to thrive. As a result, many wish to replace their old silicone caulking with new, mildew-resistant caulk [source: Carter]. While it can be a time-consuming job, it's simple enough for beginners to do on their own. Follow these steps to learn how to remove silicone caulking from your bathroom.
Here's what you'll need:
- Utility Knife
- Flour
- Water
- Protective Gloves
Here's the process to follow:
- Start by putting on gloves for safety. Use a knife or razor blade to carefully trim any loose or frayed silicone caulking. Spraying some water on the caulking will help soften and loosen it, making it easier to cut away [source: Carter].
- Once you've removed as much caulking as possible, create a paste by mixing flour and water. The exact amounts depend on how much caulking you're dealing with. Begin with a cup of flour and a few tablespoons of water. Adjust the mixture by adding more flour or water until you get a thick, binding consistency. Be sure to use white flour, not whole wheat, as whole wheat flour won't give the same thickness [source: Eakes].
- Apply the thick paste to the remaining silicone caulking using your finger.
- Allow the paste to dry and bond to the caulking.
- Rinse the paste off with water. This will also remove the silicone caulking, leaving you with a clean surface ready for new caulking [source: Eakes].
