How To Remove Caulk From Grout

How can you remove silicone caulk without the utilize of a chemical caulk remover?

This was the question on my mind since the caulk betwixt our kitchen countertops and tile backsplash had more separations than Liz Taylor.

The final thing you lot want is to ruin an expensive countertop just to remove $5 worth of silicone caulk.

Here's my solution: use a hairdryer and straight razor.

This idea couldn't have worked any better and that's why I'thousand sharing it with you.

Here are the supplies you need:

Hairdryer (for existent, just a normal hairdryer)
Razor Scraper
Cleaning gloves
Clorox bleach
Cleaning bucket
Homax Caulk Tool
Bowl to collect the one-time caulk
These Amazon links help back up HRT…Gracias

The simply thing that'due south missing is a hairspray bottle and flat-iron (queue commercial for Paul Mitchell).

Yous'll find this project is somewhat cathartic and way ameliorate than removing grout, which I admit is a [email protected]$&! (In example you need that tutorial click on this link).

This mail is super short, then don't even carp with the popcorn or Junior Mints to view my video.

Allow'due south get started!

Remove silicone caulk with your hairdryer

Here's the disclaimer for this mail, if your silicone caulk is sandwiched between two pieces of plastic (for example an acrylic tub and shower insert) exist SUPER conscientious non to ruin them. Past ruin I hateful melt them similar Laffy taffy.

The Revlon pilus dryer I used reached a maximum temperature of roughly 212F. Yes, I'yard a geek and measured the oestrus output with a thermometer (which by the way, for anyone here in u.s., provided temperature readouts in Celsius. In example you're wondering the conversion to Fahrenheit is 9/5C +32)

I sincerely doubtfulness this temperature will ruin a plastic tub or shower but be very conscientious nonetheless.

Since the silicone caulk in this example was between our backsplash tile and countertop I wasn't likewise worried virtually loftier estrus damaging annihilation.

For this projection, information technology'due south best to utilize the lowest effective dose of estrus. By this I mean you lot should try the everyman setting on the hairdryer that will assist remove the silicone caulk.

Ultimately I had to apply the Hot and Loftier settings.

Heat up 8-10 inches of silicone caulk for 30-forty seconds then employ a razor bract to slice through it.

Make sure to remove all of the caulk because the new silicone won't attach properly to gunkafied surfaces (gunkafied isn't a discussion but you get my drift, leftover silicone caulk is a no no).

Here's a short video showing you lot how to do this pace.

There are other tools y'all can use to remove silicone caulk.

One of them is the Homax plastic caulk removal tool. This is a overnice tool for beginner DIYers because it has an angled tip to remove silicone caulk from corners. It also has a apartment surface that can scrape caulk without scratching tile, bathtubs, or shower surrounds.

You can purchase this tool at Home Depot.

How to Remove Moldy Silicone Caulk Remainder

If your caulk was moldy and you're concerned about spores existence left behind y'all can practice the following:

Pre-wash the previously caulked surface with warm water
Add 3/4 cup of Clorox bleach to 1 gallon of warm water
Use a sponge to wash the suspected moldy surface with the Clorox solution
Let the Clorox stand on the surface for 5 minutes
Rinse with warm water and let the surface area air dry

Yes, the title to this post said "without Chemicals" but that's if y'all only need to remove silicone caulk.

Mold is an entirely dissimilar issue and warrants something like Clorox bleach. In instance the fumes bother you please use a respirator!

If you already accept a hairdryer and directly razor bract this project will price y'all nothing but your time & some patience.

WARNING FOR MALE DIYers

Guys, please enquire your wife or girlfriend for permission earlier using their hair dryer.

I'm saving y'all grief and a trip to the bloom store (not to mention, simply I am anyway, existence locked out of the chamber-this is a nice way of maxim y'all won't be getting whatever you know what).

What'south Next

If you're looking for more than bath tips cheque out these tutorials

How to Make clean Stinky Sink Drains

The Best Manner to Clean Grout – Always!!

If you're doing a bathroom remodel and need help, join one of our online courses – they'll make your bath renovation much easier!

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll exercise my best to help.

Cheers as e'er for reading, watching, and being part of our awesome community.

Cheers,

Jeff

Remove Silicone Caulk