How to Renew Sink or Shower Caulk in 15 Minutes
Updated: Oct 3
Constant moisture in the bathroom and kitchen quickly darkens old caulk, making it look dirty and allowing water to seep through. The good news: removing and reapplying silicone caulk is a very quick functional and aesthetic upgrade. Here's how.
What You'll Need
Caulking gun
Mold-resistant silicone caulk tube
Painter's tape
Step-by-Step Instructions
Remove the old caulk. Use the utility knife to cut and pull away all the darkened or loose material. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and dry it thoroughly.
Tape the area. Apply two parallel strips of painter's tape (one on the wall and one on the sink or tub), leaving only the joint exposed to ensure a straight finish.
Prepare the applicator. Cut the tip of the new caulk tube at a 45-degree angle and load it into the caulking gun.
Apply the caulk. Squeeze the trigger with steady pressure, filling the joint from one end to the other without stopping.
Smooth the finish. Run a slightly moistened fingertip over the caulk bead to smooth it out, and remove the tape immediately before the silicone starts to dry.
If a leak has already damaged a wooden vanity, you might need a larger repair. For most sinks and showers, however, this simple process instantly refreshes the entire space.
Shop the tools from this guide
It covers the scraping and smoothing steps.
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