We all are familiar with the element “Caulk” which is used for plumbing, filling the grapes during installing doors, windows, pipes, etc. Using caulk helps prevent water leakage, excess airflow as well as bugs.
There are 2 types of caulks as Latex and silicone are generally used. Moreover, Caulk is a useful tool for establishing several parts of the entire home. After settling down the joints, you need to remove excess caulk from them. As access caulk will not look good as well as cause unfit joints, windows, doors so it’s essential to remove them.
But how do you remove them? Any ideas? If don’t, here we are going to introduce the caulk remover. The name already defines the meaning of this remover.
So now we are going to discuss What is caulk removers are, how they work and how to use them.
Let’s begin-
What is caulk remover?
Caulk remover removes excess caulk or when your need to replace and reinstall any tool to your home, office, or institution. Caulk remover comes with a special formula that can effectively remove caulks from joints and various types of surfaces.
Typically, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, acetone, toluene, etc are used for the formation of caulk remover. So when you use the caulk remover, it will work to sealant Acrylic Latex, Silicone, and Polyurethane.
There are several types of caulk removers available on the market. Choose the one which contains no harmful chemicals. And make sure they are safe to use and come with biodegradable, low VOC formula.
Why do you need a caulk remover?
A clean surface is necessary for installing any appliance or tool perfectly. For this reason, you have to use caulk remover several times.
During installing any equipment or home appliance, the caulk is used for sealing the joints, gaps, and cracks. After they dry out, they will become hard and stable. Then you need to remove the excess caulk residues from the joints and corner side. That will make it precise as well as give a beautiful look.
Secondly, you need to use a caulk remover when you want to replace and reinstall any tool like a sink, windows, doors, etc. You have to detach the previous one to set up the new one. So that you need to use the caulk remover to remove the caulk that was previously used for installation purposes. That will provide you with a clean and flat surface for further installation.
If any caulk residue remains on the wall or joint, the new one will not be set up properly. You need to replace and repair them again and again.
Moreover, caulk won’t stick forever, though it lasts for many years. After that, they will be discolored, or cracked and even separated. For a new application, you have to remove the old one.
Above all, a caulk remover saves your time and money as well along with installing the tools perfectly. Check out some best caulk remover.
Does caulk remover actually work?
If you choose the right caulk remover and apply them as per instruction, it will definitely work well. The caulk remover works combined with a utility knife or putty knife. These both are caulk remover tools and need for removing them out from the surface or joints.
You need to apply the caulk remover then use the remover tools to slice and pull them out. Also, you can use needle-nosed pliers. It will work far better for multilayer caulk.
After that, the caulk has various categories based on applying method, nature, and formulation chemicals. So you have to choose the remover based on the caulk type that you used. For example, Vinegar and isopropyl alcohol will effectively remove silicone caulk. Again the Alcohol can dissolve and soften the latex caulk type.
After choosing the appropriate caulk remover, you have to apply them properly. But how to use a caulk remover? If you can’t, just have a look at our next section!
How do you use a caulk remover?
Using a caulk remover isn’t rocket science though the right application will ensure proper removal! If you are not aware during the use of caulk remover, then it will be hard and time-consuming to remove all of them at a time.
Additionally, you need some equipment along with the caulk remover.
- Plastic putty knife
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cloths
So without any further due, let’s begin the step by step procedure of using the caulk remover-
Step 1 – Apply the Caulk Remover
The initial step is to apply the chemical caulk remover on where you need to remove the caulk. Squeeze the remover over the old caulk properly.
Step 2 – Wait to soften the caulk
Then you have to wait for a few periods until the remover sits on the caulk and softens. The chemicals of the caulk remover react with the chemicals of the caulk. And able to convert the hard caulk into a softener.
After applying, keeping the remover overnight will be more effective to remove all the caulk perfectly.
Step 3 – Scrape Away the Caulk
After that, you can remove or peel off the caulk from the surface. For this, you should use a plastic putty knife. With the help of a putty knife, you can easily scrape away the old caulk.
Instead of a knife, you can use a razor scraper, pliers, or other caulk removing tools as well.
Step 4 – Clean the Surfaces
This is the final and most satisfying step to remove the caulk completely. You should use a clean, soft cloth to clean the surface. Spray alcohol on the cloth and rub for a while. You will find a completely caulk remover and spotless surface.
How do you make homemade caulk remover?
In case if you immediately need to remove caulk or you don’t want to use commercial caulk removers, then you can make them at home. Making caulk removers at home isn’t hard. Most of the ingredients are already at your home.
To remove water-based acrylic caulk, you can use isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This chemical is also appropriate for polyvinyl acetate resin caulks as well.
To remove them, apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol over the caulk and keep it overnight. Or use an old soft towel in this chemical and directly place it on the caulk’s area. The chemical will make the caulk soft and you can easily remove them.
Again to remove silicon resin, make a solution of warm water and a strong powder cleanser. Removing silicone resin is quite harder than other caulks. Apply the thick paste of the solution over the caulk using a cotton rub. Make sure you only apply the caulks area. Otherwise, the bathroom materials, fiberglass, kitchen appliances may damage if they conduct with this solution for a long time.
Check whether the caulk starts to become soft or not. If it gets soft, remove them with a plastic knife or pliers. If not, keep for a few hours more again.
Another effective way is to heat the caulk. That will soften the caulk and you can remove any stubborn caulk using this method.
You can use a hairdryer for heating the caulk area. But make sure there is no other tool or product like plastic made that may be melted or damaged for heat. After melting down the caulk by heat, scrape them.
Precautions during using caulk removers
For both commercial or homemade caulk remover, you should follow some precautions. When using a caulk remover, you must wear hand gloves. Otherwise, you may experience irritation on your hands and skin with the conduct of caulk remover chemicals.
Additionally, try to wear an apron and protected glass. Keep away from your kids and pets until the caulks are removed completely.
Final Verdict
A caulk remover is an efficient tool when you install new appliances or reinstall them. A caulk remover can remove the caulk and make the surface even and smooth for further procedures. You just need to be concerned about the caulk type and select the right one for removing them.
Here we also discussed how you use a caulk remover on your own. Besides, we also discussed the precautions during using caulk removers.
Hopefully, you don’t have to worry about removing caulks or need any professional help for removing them. We guarantee, now you can choose the appropriate caulk remover as well as be able to use them properly.
