How to get grime off of bathtub caulking?
There are several options for you when trying to remove grime from your bathtub caulking. Dirt and oil from your bathwater cause grime buildup, but you can remove that grime quickly and easily.
One method for you to remove this grime is with typical, over-the-counter scouring agents. Scouring agents include Comet, CLR, Ajax or Lysol. Using your scouring agent and a scouring pad or sponge, rub the affected area until the grime has been removed. Once the grime has been removed from your bathtub caulk you can rinse off any excess cleaner and allow the bathtub to air dry.
If the grime in your bathtub caulk is very persistent, you can mix your cleaning agent with a small amount of bleach in a plastic spray bottle. Spray the grimy area with the bleach mixture and let sit for 15-20 minutes and then scrub away. Bleach based cleaning products are a powerful way to clean your bathtub caulking but you must remember to use them in a well ventilated area. The fumes from bleach based cleaners can be hazardous to your health if not used correctly.
Another solution that you can use to clean your bathtub caulking is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This is a very popular answer to bathtub grime because it is effective and cheap. You apply this cleaning mix to the caulk and let sit for 15 minutes until wiping it off with a scouring pad or sponge.
WD-40 can also be used for cleaning the grime off your bathtub caulk. Use it in the same fashion as the baking soda and vinegar solution. WD-40 is also a good water repellent and can prevent griming in the future.
Caulking is a toughie to clean. It is porous, so it absorbs the “black grime” You can try spraying it with a bathroom cleaner (I reccoment lysol with bleach in the spray bottle) and letting it sit for a little bit, maybe 15 mins or so, then try to get it off. If that doesnt work, you will have to remove the old caulking and re-caulk it. Good luck!
