How to Clean Caulk

What You'll Need

• White vinegar or bleach
• Baking soda
• Old toothbrush
• Spray bottle
• Cotton balls or paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Spray caulk with vinegar

   Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray directly onto the caulk lines. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Apply baking soda paste

   Make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply it over the vinegar-sprayed caulk and let the combination fizz for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Scrub with a toothbrush

   Use an old toothbrush to scrub the caulk lines firmly. Work in small sections, reapplying paste as needed.

4. 4

   Rinse thoroughly

   Rinse with clean water and inspect. For stubborn mold, apply bleach-soaked cotton balls along the caulk, leave 2 hours, then rinse.

Pro Tips

• TIPFor severe black mold in caulk, soak strips of paper towel in bleach and press them along the caulk lines overnight.
• TIPIf cleaning does not remove the mold, the caulk needs to be removed and replaced -- mold may be growing behind it.
• TIPKeep bathroom ventilation running for 30 minutes after showering to prevent moisture from feeding caulk mold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XMixing bleach and vinegar, which produces toxic chlorine gas. Use one or the other, never both simultaneously.
• XIgnoring black caulk mold, which indicates moisture is penetrating behind the caulk and may cause wall damage.
• XApplying new caulk over moldy old caulk, which traps the mold and allows it to continue growing underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions