You will need to remove the bad caulk with a screw driver or you can buy a device to scrape it out. Then clean the area and let dry over night. Make sure it is good and dry. Then apply new caulk.
The only way I know is to cut it out, with a razor. There may be a caulk cutting tool. I've never used one. So I don't know how well they work. I've been a professional faux finish painter for years. I also hang wallpaper, garden,sew, and work full time job in fabric department.
try heating a small section with a blow dryer to make it even softer..you might try to take a small utility and cut it at the top and the bottom heat it and then try your tool..If you have an idea what kind of calk it is it might have a solvent for the left over crumbs but it also might damage surrounding surfaces.Its doing what its supposed to do..Stick and seal
Louise: Try using Lacquer thinner. I know it softens latex paint enough to allow you to scrape it off. After it is softened, use a narrow plastering trowel to lift it away from the edge of the tub. Use more lacquer thinner if it is not soft enough so you won't scrape the finish on the tub and tiles. Gail is also on the right track -- softening it will help a lot. Please post your success so others who have the same problem will know how to proceed. Good luck.
I just removed mine in the kitchen. I used a caulk remover first, which softened the caulk and made it much easier to remove. I also used a razor blade to cut along the edge.
There is a hard plastic V shaped tool you can get at the hardware store that works great. Go on you tube and type in bathtub caulk removal. It will show you how also.
I used a combination of the caulk softener (give it time!), razor and the plastic V. I had to replace the V with a flat head screwdriver because the V hurt my hand and didn't work as well as I had hoped. Oh, also, I have small bent head needle nose pliers because I make jewelry - that was very helpful. You could try regular needle nose pliers or find the jewelry making one for a few dollars at a craft store. My caulking was a hot mess. It took time and patience but was worth it. Put on some music and have fun!
As a Handyman I have replaced a lot of caulk. I use a wallpaper scraper (the kind with the replaceable blade). I use it to slice off the caulk. Run it along the wall and along the tub/shower floor into the corner until the caulk separates. Sometimes for hardened caulk I use it like a chisel. Also helps getting off nasty silicone caulk. Which, by the way, I do not use or recommend for tubs/showers. I use Tub & Tile caulk such as Kwik Seal or Polyseamseal. Unlike silicone, you can work it with a wet rag and you finger to get a nice clean bead.
I have been successful in taking a pointed ice pick to pry out the calk. Once you have removed a small piece of calk you should be able to insert the pointed tip of the ice pick behind some of the calk. Then just push it out. If you use a razor blade/cutter to score it you may not be able to remove the entire section of old calk however if you have a single edge blade you can scrape the edge along the top and/or bottom to help loosen the calk.
I read to run a strip of painter's tape along the wall and on the tub before removing and reapplying caulk it prevents scratching and make a neat finish joy
I used Krud Kutter House Wash with purple label to clean my shower stall and it dissolved/removed all my caulk! My mom told me to use it but she didn't tell me what color label to clean with.She had used a blue or green label, I can't remember now. I did not want to remove my caulk then, lol. I had to pull it out after this solution sat on it for a little bit. Maybe that will help you.
Acetone works too. And a razor blade. Be patient no to scratch it up. If there is any silicone caulk residue left, make sure you use silicone again. Tape it off with painters tape above and below. A little time consuming but worth it.
Use a utility knife, as Jim said, right up against each side of each surface. Push all the way to the opposite surface. You should be left with only a small area that may or may not need to be dug out (depending on it's condition) if still rubbery and smooth and no discoloration, leave it and recaulk; if not, dig it out. Regardless, all surfaces should be cleaned smooth (once again use that knife flat against the surface to scrape if needed) and dry before recaulking with a tub and tile caulk. This is not a fun process but well worth it. When you do recaulk use painters tape on each side, use a small bead and smooth with your wet finger, remove tape while caulk is still wet, and you will be left with a nice caulked joint. Good luck, you can do it!
@Pam I've used it too! It's called 3M Caulk Remover. I found it in the same aisle as the caulk. It was the only product that help me remove Silicone caulk.
I had a similar problem with our tub. Looked like there were 3 layers of caulk, some very hard and even grout. Took me many hours over the course of several days to remove everything so I'd have a clean surface for re-grouting. Used denatured alcohol to soften, but it still took a lot of elbow grease and trials of various tools to find what worked best. Filled the tub with water at one point, but it didn't make enough of a difference and made reaching some edges too hard on my back. Did most work sitting in the tub and had a vacuum cleaner handy to clean up so I wouldn't track all those small pieces and our cats wouldn't eat the longer pieces.
Hopefully next time we need to re-caulk it will be easier, since I took the time to do it right this time.
Edited to add that I bought a caulk kit with tools for spreading the caulk and a plastic tool for removing caulk. The removal tool was worthless unless the caulk was soft and pliable (worked great on our patio door where my husband caulked a few years ago). Found that a wet finger worked best for spreading new caulk.
Most paint stores sell paint can openers. They are made of a strong metal and look like a beer bottle opener or large key, but the end of it is flat. I used it to scrape the tub caulk and it worked great.
we JUST took out our old shower doors......Believe me when I say we had caulking! Tried goo off...and tried the 7 way tool..finally struck me to use rubbing alcohol....and then we used the alcohol with fine steel wool. Worked like a charm! Done in no time :-)
Scrape along the edges with a razor blade scraper. This gets every single piece of caulk, grout, mildew or soap scum that was there- gone in 1 step. There's all kinds & sizes of razor blade scrapers so just go to the hardware store & see what suits your need this time. Grab an extra one or 2 and extra razor blades, you'll be hooked- most useful tool you can have outside of a hammer ...🛠
I would recommend using a plastic scraper as to not scratch or damage your tile. You can pick up a removal and application tool for under $10 at Lowes. Let me know if you want me to locate a link for it.
You can use a utility knife or putty knife, slicing through the caulk and peeling it away. For multiple layers of caulk, needle-nosed pliers might work best. There are also specialized caulk removal tools designed to tear away caulk cleanly.
Hi Abby, I use a scraper razor, gently run is along both sides of the caulking to loosen it and peel it away, use the razor flat to scrape residual caulking off the surface, hope this helps you out.
Removing caulk from tile can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it can be done safely without damaging the tiles. Here’s how you can remove it effectively:
1. Use a Caulk Removal Tool or Utility Knife
Cut the Caulk: Use a utility knife or caulk removal tool (a plastic scraper works best) to carefully cut along the edges of the caulk. This helps to loosen the caulk from the tile and grout.
Be Gentle: Avoid using excessive force to prevent scratching the tile surface.
Peel the Caulk: Once you’ve loosened the edges, use your fingers or a plastic scraper to gently peel off the caulk.
2. Apply Caulk Remover (For Stubborn Caulk)
Use a commercial caulk remover, such as WD-40 or a product designed specifically for removing caulk (e.g., CitraSolv or Krud Kutter).
Spray the remover onto the caulk and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. This softens the caulk, making it easier to scrape off.
Scrape off the Caulk: After the caulk has softened, use a plastic scraper to remove it. Wipe away the residue.
3. Use a Hairdryer (For Softening Caulk)
Heat the Caulk: Set a hairdryer to a high heat setting and direct the air at the caulk for 3–5 minutes to soften it.
Peel Away: Once the caulk is softened, use a plastic scraper or utility knife to gently peel it off the tile.
4. Clean Residue with Vinegar (For Final Cleaning)
Once the caulk is removed, there may be some residual adhesive or grime left on the tile or grout.
Mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water in a spray bottle.
Spray the area and let it sit for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to clean off any remaining residue.
5. Use Rubbing Alcohol (For Grout Areas)
If there’s any caulk residue in the grout lines, use rubbing alcohol to clean it up.
Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and scrub the area gently.
6. Final Wipe Down
Once all the caulk and residue are removed, wipe the tile down with a damp cloth to ensure the area is clean.
Dry the area with a soft towel to prevent any water marks.
What to Avoid:
❌ Abrasive scrubbers (e.g., steel wool) that can scratch the tile surface.
❌ Too much pressure when using a utility knife, as it can damage the tile or grout.
Hi Abby, hope this helps you. To remove caulk from tile, first, use a caulk remover solvent or heat to soften the caulk, then use a utility knife or putty knife to scrape it away, and finally, clean up any residue with a solvent or rubbing alcohol.
o remove caulk from tile, first soften the caulk with a caulk remover or rubbing alcohol, then use a utility knife or razor scraper to cut and remove the caulk, and finally clean the area with a mild detergent and water
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You will need to remove the bad caulk with a screw driver or you can buy a device to scrape it out. Then clean the area and let dry over night. Make sure it is good and dry. Then apply new caulk.
Use a butter knife it works great get the end started and pull
I have successfully used (gently!) a razor blade.
The only way I know is to cut it out, with a razor. There may be a caulk cutting tool. I've never used one. So I don't know how well they work. I've been a professional faux finish painter for years. I also hang wallpaper, garden,sew, and work full time job in fabric department.
Bought a caulk remover tool from Home Depot, it worked perfectly, any residuals were scraped off with a single edge razor.
I would recommend using a plastic scraper as to not scratch or damage your tile. You can pick up a removal and application tool for under $10 at Lowes. Let me know if you want me to locate a link for it.
You can use a caulk remover first, which softened the caulk a razor blade or butter knife to cut along the edge.
Here's a tool:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Allway-Tools-3-in-1-Caulk-Tool-with-Stainless-Steel-Caulk-Remover-CT31HD/202251544
Hi Abby, hope this helps you out,
https://ctasc.com/expert-answers/how-to-remove-silicone-residue-from-ceramic-tile/
You can use a utility knife or putty knife, slicing through the caulk and peeling it away. For multiple layers of caulk, needle-nosed pliers might work best. There are also specialized caulk removal tools designed to tear away caulk cleanly.
Hi Abby, I use a scraper razor, gently run is along both sides of the caulking to loosen it and peel it away, use the razor flat to scrape residual caulking off the surface, hope this helps you out.
scrab it off
Anything that will dig in and you can lever up should do it. A Dremel would be good.
use a scraper to remove it after all dries out
You can use a metal scraper or a razor blade with a safety handle.
Use a Dremel machine.
A 3 in 1 caulk tool will do the job. Check in your local hardware or home improvement store.
Use a Dremel!
Use a Dremmel!
They make a tool for that.
https://amzn.to/3uVV87h
Use either a screwdriver or a nine in one tool. You may need an exact knife to start removing the caulk.
Removing caulk from tile can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it can be done safely without damaging the tiles. Here’s how you can remove it effectively:
1. Use a Caulk Removal Tool or Utility Knife
2. Apply Caulk Remover (For Stubborn Caulk)
3. Use a Hairdryer (For Softening Caulk)
4. Clean Residue with Vinegar (For Final Cleaning)
5. Use Rubbing Alcohol (For Grout Areas)
6. Final Wipe Down
What to Avoid:
❌ Abrasive scrubbers (e.g., steel wool) that can scratch the tile surface.
❌ Too much pressure when using a utility knife, as it can damage the tile or grout.
I’d use a razor blade or utility knife to scrape and tidy things up.
Hi Abby, hope this helps you. To remove caulk from tile, first, use a caulk remover solvent or heat to soften the caulk, then use a utility knife or putty knife to scrape it away, and finally, clean up any residue with a solvent or rubbing alcohol.
o remove caulk from tile, first soften the caulk with a caulk remover or rubbing alcohol, then use a utility knife or razor scraper to cut and remove the caulk, and finally clean the area with a mild detergent and water
they make metal picks and you can buy them at Home Depot
There are many tools sold at Home Depot for this...similar to a paint scrapper. They come in many sizes and are super helpful! https://bit.ly/45pGq8n
Hello Abby: This site has a ton of ideas. The first is about a bathtub, but the ones below are for other areas. Check them out:
how to remove caulk from the outside of a bathtub home depot - Visicom Video Search Results