06-13-2005, 10:27 PM | #1 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Las Vegas
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Getting off... A question about caulk
There is a caulk ring on my bathroom floor. I recently got a new toilet, and the base is smaller than the one that was there before. As a consequence, I can see the previous owner's caulk every time I walk in to the bathroom. I scraped their caulk with a putty knife and got it off, mostly. But I still have the scraped up remains of their caulk staring me in the face.
My first thought was obvious: scrape steel wool across the caulk, but I'm afraid of the damage it might do. Are there solvents that are especially useful for caulk clean-up? Maybe some type of scrubber that's not as abrasive but will still get the job done? I don't know if it helps, but I'd guess it's nine-year-old caulk. Below is a picture, because looking at my caulk may help you give me advice. (Sorry about all the puns. I just can't resist when I'm talking about caulk. In fact, my dad had come over to help install the toilet, and he brought the supplies. Afterward, someone asked me what the white stuff on my hands was. I told her, "I was handling my dad's caulk!")
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06-14-2005, 02:02 AM | #2 (permalink) |
Junkie
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What I would do is take a heat gun to it first, and pull off the larger pieces. A hair dryer may work in lieu of a heat gun, but it will take a lot longer. Then get some Goof Off and apply it with a paper towel to clean up the remaining residue. Goof Off works very well on adhesives, but you'll want to leave the door open and turn on the exhaust fan... it's got a pretty strong smell to it.
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06-14-2005, 08:02 AM | #6 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Where the night things are
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Amtex Chemical Company makes silicone caulk removal products. One observation-that floor looks like ceramic tile, and solvents may force dissolved caulk into the porous grout, in which case, you're hosed. If it's embossed sheet goods, I'd try the solvent in a hidden spot first to make sure the vinyl isn't damaged by it.
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06-14-2005, 06:50 PM | #8 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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06-15-2005, 08:27 AM | #9 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Pacific NW
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Spot test either Toulene or Xylene. Either of these products can be found at most hardware stores. Definitely read the warning label as the fumes can be overpowering.
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06-15-2005, 09:32 AM | #10 (permalink) | |
Psycho
Location: Where the night things are
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Quote:
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There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy |
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06-15-2005, 11:08 AM | #11 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Las Vegas
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Well, today's the day that I attempt to remove my caulk ring. Thanks for the advice, and I'll let you know how it goes. I'm planning on using heat and Goof Off, both of which I have readily available. If that doesn't work, it's on to a specialty cleaner and a green scrubby.
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"If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven, I shall not go!" - Mark Twain |
07-02-2005, 06:33 PM | #13 (permalink) |
I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot!
Location: Upper Michigan
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I pulled some doors off my tub and shower, they had caulk around them. She tub and shower were already kindof etched from cleaners most likely so there's an obvious line where the doors were. Otherwise it doesn't look too bad. I used a small putty knife to get the thick portions off and then tried a few different chemicals. Goo Gone did ok but didn't get all the caulk off. I found that nail polish remover worked GREAT. I'm not sure how it would work on the tile but you could test it on the caulk behind the toilet. Also I found that SoftScrub did a good job to finish up. Kindof polished things up a little since it's a little but gritty. That stuff can scratch a tub up though so I would test it as well.
Good Luck.
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07-03-2005, 03:40 AM | #14 (permalink) |
Currently sour but formerly Dlishs
Super Moderator
Location: Australia/UAE
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petroleum jelly does the job when i want to take silicone and caulking off! its also called minelral turpentine! that'd take anything off!
and its not harsh and u wont scratch the floor either
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07-03-2005, 07:07 PM | #15 (permalink) |
Upright
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I used a "scrapper" - thingy with a blade to get off most of the caulk. Didn't get any scratches on the porcelain tiles as used it at a low 10 degree or so angle to the floor. Used rubbing alcohol to clear the rest off. Didn't use any commercial cleaners.
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07-04-2005, 08:42 PM | #17 (permalink) |
“Wrong is right.”
Location: toronto
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Am I the only one who finds this thread extremely funny? I mean, I wouldn't even believe there was a real "How-to" issue if there wasn't a picture! All I can hear is the homonym!
..."nine year old caulk"... ..."caulk staring you in the face"... O.K. never mind. Did I just break the rules of some elaborate game by acknowledging all this?
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07-05-2005, 02:34 AM | #18 (permalink) |
Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It!
Location: Southern England
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Erm - I don't get the joke, aberkok.
Is it an american thing?
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07-05-2005, 09:19 AM | #19 (permalink) |
“Wrong is right.”
Location: toronto
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Must be a Canadian thing.
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!check out my new blog! http://arkanamusic.wordpress.com Warden Gentiles: "It? Perfectly innocent. But I can see how, if our roles were reversed, I might have you beaten with a pillowcase full of batteries." |
07-05-2005, 12:58 PM | #20 (permalink) |
Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It!
Location: Southern England
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Canada's IN America aberkok.
So's Mexico, and the USA.
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Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air, And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of Coral Caves, The Echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand; And everthing is Green and Submarine ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝ |
07-05-2005, 01:00 PM | #21 (permalink) | |
Getting it.
Super Moderator
Location: Lion City
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08-01-2005, 03:19 PM | #22 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Foothills of the Cascade Mtns.
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Back to the thread.........
Q: What about for latex caulking, would heat work on this also? I have some old latex caulking on a bathroom vinyl floor I'm to remove. I know, I've REALLY done it now adding the word "latex" in this thread.
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08-02-2005, 12:05 AM | #23 (permalink) |
Junkie
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I used a heat gun to remove both silicone and latex caulk, but on a vinyl floor, I would NOT use a heat gun. It will end up ruining the vinyl floor.
When I was in Lowe's the other day, I saw that DAP made a "caulk remover" that was sold right alongside the caulk. I've never used the product, but for a couple of dollars, I would probably try that first. |
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caulk, question |
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