Made for u/jasminej on Reddit
Hey u/jasminej, you'll definitely want to remove all that old caulk first before applying new - caulking over moldy, peeling caulk will just trap moisture and create bigger problems down the road. The good news is this is a perfect beginner project that only takes about 1-2 hours and costs under $30 for supplies. You've got this - proper prep work now will give you a clean, watertight seal that'll last for years!
Remove old, moldy caulk and apply fresh sealant around your tub or shower
1-2 hours (plus cure time)
Time
$10–$30
Materials
6
Tools needed
8
Steps
Use a utility knife to score along both edges of the old caulk. Pull away as much as possible by hand. Use a plastic scraper to remove remaining caulk. For stubborn caulk, apply caulk remover and wait 2-3 hours.
Tip: Old caulk must be completely removed - new caulk won't stick to old caulk.
Estimated time: 20-45 minutes
Want to track your progress step by step?
Sign up free and get AI photo validation on your work as you go.
Start This Project FreeAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not removing all old caulk first
Applying caulk to wet or dirty surfaces
Cutting caulk tip too large (messy application)
Not filling the tub before caulking
Using the shower before caulk is cured
Using wrong type of caulk (must be bathroom-rated)
If there's water damage behind the tiles, if tiles are loose or grout is significantly damaged, or if mold is growing behind the wall.
Answer a couple questions and we'll tailor the plan to you
What's your DIY experience level?
What type of tub/shower?
Track your progress step by step, get AI photo validation on your work, and know exactly when to call a pro.
Start This Project FreeFree account includes full project tracking. AI validation with Renovu+.
