I have read the previous posts concerning the mold/mildew in the caulking surrounding the tubs. My questions are, my tub/shower is showing signs also of mold/mildew in areas at the seam just under where the tile meets the tub/shower. Do tubs like this have a lip that runs up under the last bottom row of tiles trhat meet the tub? What should i do to remove the caulking or grout that seals that seam? What are the best ways to remove the grout/caulking? What should I use seal the seam when done? Also, I should use what type of solution to clean any and all residues?

 

Yes. Those units have a lip.


Removing old caulk is usually done with numerous tools, anything from a chisel to a screwdriver to a putty knife. Just make sure not to scratch the surface where it would visible where caulk wouldn't hide the marks.



I have been told that WD-40 works well with removal of silicone and the residue.



Only use high quality 100% silicone inside where it comes in contact with water/moisture.


You must remove all existing silicone in order to get a positive seal.

 

"I have read the previous posts concerning the mold/mildew in the caulking surrounding the tubs."




Hopefully the mildew is on the caulk not in the caulk.I don't know how you could tell if the mildew was in the caulk just by looking at it. Try to clean the caulk. There is no need to dig it out if you can just clean it especially if you have a plastic unit. If it is all cracked and missing in places that is one thing, but if it is doing its job and just has mildew on the surface clean it and leave it alone. If you feel the need to remove it for whatever reason and your tub is some kind of plastic I would suggest one of those plastic caulk removers first then move on to the heavy artillery.

You may want to use a silicone digester to remove silicone and its residue, that is if it is silicone.

 

Have you cleaned gray/black spots on calking and had them actually come off? If so, I'd love to know what you used so that I can clean mine. They were stained when we bought the house, and even bleach doesn't seem to have much of an effect.

 

the reason I said to try to clean it was that there was no mention that he[davejurden] tried to clean it yet. Check your pm in a minute

 

Find the reason and you can solve the problem. Mold and mildew thrive in damp places. remove the dampness and the mold leaves too. New codes require bathrooms to have vent exhaust fans. This takes the moisture out of the room. The best type have a timer that runs for 20 to 30 minutes AFTER the light switch is turned off. This is automatic so you cannot defeat the purpose. Showers and tubs need to be wiped down after each use if an exhaust fan is not installed and some type of air movement must be present. A 4 to 1 solution of water and bleach will kill most mold but it has to be done on a regular basis.
If removing the existing caulking is necessary, they make plastic putty knives that will not scratch the surface of the tub. Use denatured alcohol to clean after removal to get the surface clean and ready for new caulk. As Dunbar Plumber said, use 100% silicone caulk.
Good luck to all.

 

Joneq,

Did you have a solution for cleaning mold from caulk? Could you share it? I've tried everything.

 

You may find this article on our website helpful: http://doityourself.com/clean/mildewoncaulk.htm

 

3M makes a caulk remover that works pretty well.

am I right to assume that this is not also a shower - just a tub?