How to cut out the mold in your bathtub and recaulk!! #bathroomrenovation , by Olivia Saad on YouTube. 1 min 16 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 16 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour, plus 24 hours drying
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Empty the bathtub and wipe it dry so you have a clean, clear surface to work on.
Put on gloves and cut along both edges of the old bead with a sharp utility knife, angling the blade away from your fingers.
Pull the loose caulk out in strips, then scrape any stuck bits from the corner with a plastic scraper or caulk removal tool.
Scrub the bare gap with a bleach solution or white vinegar to kill the mold, then rinse and let it dry completely for at least 24 hours.
Wipe the tile and tub edges with rubbing alcohol to strip soap scum and grease so the new silicone can bond.
Run masking tape along both sides of the joint, leaving a gap about 6mm wide for the new bead.
Load the silicone tube into the caulking gun, cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, and push a steady bead along the whole joint.
Smooth the bead with a wet finger or caulk tool in one pass, then peel the tape off straight away while the silicone is still wet.
Leave the silicone to cure for the time on the tube, usually 24 hours, before running water or using the shower.
Tips and common mistakes
Fill the tub with water before caulking and drain it after curing, so the joint does not stretch and split later.
Never caulk over old silicone or mold, because the new bead will peel off within weeks.
Buy a bathroom-grade silicone labelled mildew resistant rather than a general purpose sealant.
Keep the bead thin and even, since thick lumps hold water and grow mold faster.
Questions
Do I have to remove all the old caulk?
Yes. New silicone will not stick to old silicone, so any leftover strip will lift and let water back in. Cut and scrape until you reach clean tile and tub surfaces.
How long before I can use the shower?
Wait at least 24 hours, or whatever the tube states, before water touches the new bead. Cold or damp rooms need longer, so keep the door open and the fan running.
Can I just cover the black mold with new caulk?
No. The mold sits in the gap behind the bead and will spread under the fresh silicone. Clean and dry the joint fully first, or the problem returns.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
