That dark grimy build-up in the corners and edges of your shower or along the back of your sink? It’s not just build-up—it’s probably mold. We’ll show you how to remove mold from caulk or how to replace your caulking if it’s completely ruined.
Safety
Bleach can be used to kill mold on nonporous surfaces, such as caulk. If you clean mold and mildew with bleach, be sure to protect yourself. Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Also, we recommend using caution around mold. Read more about our mold safety tips.
Remove Mold from Caulk
First wash the caulking with a sponge and basic warm soapy water to get rid of the loose gunk. Once it’s cleaned of build-up, rinse the surface with clean water. Then spray a solution of diluted bleach onto the caulking. Let this sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush using a circular motion. Rinse with cold water again to remove the bleach. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
How to Replace Caulking
What if the mold comes back again and again? If you’re cleaning regularly, it could mean there is a source of moisture behind the caulking or that your caulking has deteriorated or has a weak spot. If this is the case, you’ll want to remove the caulking, investigate and fix any sources of moisture, and then replace the caulking. You might also want to replace your caulking if it was just particularly gross.
To remove the old caulking, first apply a caulk softener. Let this sit for several hours, the longer the better. The scrape away the old caulk with a utility blade or special caulk-scraper. (If the caulk is very stubborn, you might also want some pliers to pull it away from the joint.) Scrape away lingering flakes or scraps.
Now you can prepare the surface for the new caulk. It needs to be clean and free of mold and mildew. Use basic soapy water and then bleach. Let the area completely dry before applying new caulk. Follow the instructions on your caulk label to install the caulk correctly and consider using a caulk that contains a fungicide to keep mold from coming back again.
Clean Caulk in No Time!
You don’t have to be the world’s greatest handyman for this job. A few tools and a little patience are all you need to remove mold from caulk or even replace your caulking completely. If you prefer, you can also contact a local professional that specializes in caulks and sealants to help you.