Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Replacing grout/caulking in bathtub?

OK,

In our apartment, the caulking/grout that between the tub and the tile is decaying and coming loose and there is a bit of mold in there. I was thinking that there could be two approaches:

1. Rip it all out and replace it.

2. Just clean up the problem areas well, bleach it out to kill the mold, dry it out, then just patch the holes.

What would be best?

Update:

Actually, is it grout or caulk? It has a rubbery feel, it's not a cement.

2 Answers

Relevance
  • tj
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Take it all out. A patch job is never worth it.

    Once you have it all out, spray it with Tilex and rinse it out really well.

    Use your blow dryer to dry it out really well and let it sit for at least a day.

    In the meantime, use masking or painters tape to mask the tub and the tile 1/4" from the grout line.

    This way you can get a really neat edge.

    Buy silicone sealant for TUB AND TILE. It is specifically for this job. Don't use anything else. It stays rubbery and is mildew resistant.

    Before starting, fill your tub with water to weigh it down, the tub does move a bit when it's full.

    Run a bead of silicone in the crack, over filling it SLIGHTLY.

    With a WET finger, smooth the bead so it is a concave shape. Don't worry about the extra stuff that collects on the tape.

    When the whole bead is done and it's smooth to your liking. Take the tape off while the silicone is still soft. Do it in a one smooth motion and dispose of it immediately.

    Let the silicone dry , with the tub still full of water, until it is hard. DO NOT stick your finger in it to test it. Put some silicone on a piece of scrap paper for a test piece. When that piece is fully cured, you can drain your tub and you're done.

    Source(s): I've done it many times.
  • cando
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    it's called caulk, grout is what's between the tiles

    take a utility blade with holder and remove caulk

    wash down with varsol or some other cleaner

    if you are not experienced tape with making tape

    and caulk remove tape good as new

    from a old timer

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.