How To Clean Caulk Around Toilet? 7 Simple Steps

If the bathroom environment is pleasant, it can easily relieve your mental fatigue. But sometimes it might be quite boring and time-consuming.

To keep the toilet protected, many people rely on caulking. The caulk stops water from leaking under the toilet. Over time, caulking can wear, crack, fade and shrink, which may lead to water leakage, stains, and so on! 

So, it’s really important to know how to clean caulk around toilet, not only for your safety but also for a little bit of extra savings. Sounds great? So without any further delay, let’s begin!

How To Clean Caulk Around The Toilet?

For the bathroom, you might use labeled caulks, which are specially formulated for high-humidity areas that can prevent mold and mildew.

If you are not cleaning it properly, it may cause leakage and stains around your toilet. It also can be very risky and injurious if the base is displaced. So, learn how to clean caulk in the bathroom.

We are here to help. All you need is to follow these few steps that we have mentioned below. However, before that, don’t forget to put together all the things that you’ll need in your DIY job.

Cleaning supplies

• Disposable rubber hand gloves
• Disinfectant spray 
• Liquid chlorine bleach
• Ammonia-free powder laundry detergent
• Water to mix
• Stiff bristle brush 
• Paper towel/Napkin
• Cleansing wipes
• Bandage knife/razor blade
• Caulk softener 

Step-1: Start With A Clean Surface

In most cases, germs of various diseases are spread from the toilets. They can spread very quickly to others. So, first, spray any good quality disinfectant spray all over the surface. Clean the toilet seat with the disinfectant spray every time before caulk cleaning.

Step 2: Wear Gloves

You can not skip wearing gloves while working in a dirty place full of bacteria and harmful microorganisms. Even, lots of harsh chemicals are used in the cleaning procedure that may cause skin irritation and can become awful later on.

Step 3: Remove The Old Caulk

Check the caulk in your bathroom. The main spots to check are regularly wet areas, such as the base of the toilet. Depending on the condition of the camouflage, you may be able to easily free it with a bandage knife. A razor blade is also helpful, as you can use it to completely draft the old trim from the tile. A caulk softener can speed up the process.

Now a question may arise, how to remove caulk from toilet base? No worries, we got you! You should loosen up the screw on the base a little bit to create enough space, and you are done! Now, follow the same procedure mentioned before.

Step 4: Clean The Surface

Use a small vacuum to remove excess debris. Apply rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. After that, use the alcohol to clean the outer parts of the tiles, if needed you have to reapply. This preparatory work helps to ensure a strong connection between the new caulk and clean tiles.

Step 5: Apply New Caulk

Now trim the edge of the rugged tube, and a long thin nail works best to prick the foil by sealing the tube. Use the caulking gun to activate the tube and leave it to dry.

Pull the gun’s tip at a speed that corresponds to the speed of motion. If the extra field is seen more in certain areas than others, or in some areas only long lines, it is still fixed. If you work slowly, you will get the hang of it.

Step 6: Remove The Harsh Lines

Dip your finger in the water and run the long line to smooth it out. This will effectively force extra pressure between the tiles or the toilets’ gaps and surroundings. Reconsider it a few times to ensure you are not changing excess itch over the face of the tiles. Also, clean and re-wet your finger regularly. 

If you find a spot where insufficient water colour has been applied, you may be able to delete the excess from another part of the same seam. If not, apply a new fine bead using the light gun and immediately smooth using a damp paper towel so that it blends in with the rest of the new glue.

Step 7: Let It Sit

After setting everything in place, let it dry for a few hours or a day. Most caulks and silicone have a short set time. So as the caulk dries on the surrounding tiles, use a razor blade to score the edges of the caulk near the original beads, and then clean it from the grout of the tile without interrupting the waterproof seal.

How To Clean A Caulk Without Removing It?

You already know how to remove caulk around the toilet and all the cleaning procedures. But is it possible to clean it without removing it? Indeed! 

After cleaning the surface and the joint space, add 1-quart liquid chlorine bleach to three-quart heated water. Now add 1/3 cup of laundry detergent to the mixture.  

Combine completely and place in the right bottle. Spray the mixture in the middle space. Let it sit until the blacktop turns white. Rinse with contemporary water. You can use a hair dryer to dry it fast.

Wear eye protection and gloves. Moreover, ventilate the surface and apply no ammonia detergent. Mixing bleach with the ammonia-containing solution can turn it into gasoline which is harmful to your lungs. 

You can also make your DIY bleach by using regular bleach mixed with water. Spray it all over and rub the caulk with a hard bristle brush until you get rid of all the dirt and stains.

In general, silicone caulk is ideal because it is 100% waterproof and durable. The silicone acts as a water and moisture insulator, making silicone sealants the best bathroom coating. It may take less than 24 hours to heal, but if the sealant is thick, it can take up to several days.

FAQs

What dissolves bathroom caulk?

Any softening agent is excellent to dissolve caulk. You can use WD 40, and vinegar as a soft cleaner. Industrial standard isopropyl alcohol is recommended to use add more powerful dissolver for stubborn caulk stains. 

Does bleach ruin caulking?

In general, bleach is used to clean caulk from the toilet base, rim, and general toilet area. So it is said that bleach will help to break caulk.

Why does bathroom caulk turn yellow?

Because of year-round water, moisture, humidity, dirt, and debris, the bathroom’s silicone caulk turns yellow. Except for this, there are no hidden myths about apparent caulk discoloration. 

Does vinegar remove caulk?

Vinegar contains acetic acid, an excellent cleaner to break down sticky old caulk. So applying vinegar can remove caulk from the toilet. But to get the best outcome, you must let the vinegar sit on the caulk and scrub the space with a bristle brush to clean.

What is caulk and why is it used around a toilet?

Caulk is a waterproof sealant used around a toilet base to prevent leaks and water damage.

How do I know when it’s time to clean the caulk around my toilet?

You should clean the caulk around your toilet at least once a year, or when it becomes discolored or damaged.

What are the best cleaning solutions for cleaning caulk around a toilet?

White vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture of dish soap and water are good cleaning solutions for caulk.

Can I use bleach to clean caulk around my toilet?

While bleach can be effective, it can also damage or discolor caulk, so it should be used with caution.

Is there a way to prevent mold from growing on caulk around my toilet?

To prevent mold growth, you can use a mold-resistant caulk, clean the caulk regularly, and maintain proper bathroom ventilation.

How often should I clean the caulk around my toilet?

You should clean the caulk around your toilet at least once a year, or more frequently if you notice discoloration or damage.

What tools do I need to clean caulk around my toilet?

You will need gloves, a cleaning solution, a scrub brush or sponge, and a razor blade or caulk removal tool.

What should I do if the caulk around my toilet is damaged or missing?

If the caulk is damaged or missing, you should remove the old caulk and apply new caulk to prevent water damage and leaks.

Is there a way to make the caulk around my toilet look new again?

You can make the caulk around your toilet look new by using a caulk removal tool to remove the old caulk, cleaning the area thoroughly, and applying new caulk.

How can I remove stubborn stains from caulk around my toilet?

Stubborn stains on caulk can be removed by using a paste made from baking soda and water, letting it sit for several hours, and then scrubbing with a brush or sponge.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you have an overall idea of cleaning caulk around the toilet. Following the steps accordingly, cleaning is not a tough job. Moreover, you may apply the commercial cleaner also to remove it. 

What are you waiting for? Go and clean!