The caulk around my bathtub is turning black. What causes this? Is there a way to clean it so that it is white again? How can I prevent it from turning black in the future? I have tried using bleach and it did lighten it a bit but when I kept using it, I noticed that the caulk is now cracking.
2006-08-20 17:57:42 · 12 answers · asked by cy77 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
My solution is not what you are looking for. But I had the same problem and while bleach does work, it does eventually stop working "one way or another." So, scrape out the old caulking and buy some new and squeeze it on. They sell it now in a tube, and it is really simple to do. The directions are right on the tube. Scraping out the old isn't that difficult, either.
Good luck.
2006-08-20 18:03:58 · answer #1 · answered by avalm@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Black Caulk
2016-10-30 21:49:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is old mold-you have to scrape it all off and replace it. Cleaning it won't help b/c it's already in the old caulk and will just surface again right away.
It's not hard to do, just get a box cutter knife and then clean the area thoroughly and let it dry. Then replace the caulking.
It also looks and smells much better.
2006-08-22 06:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All the answers are correct - Remove caulking. Bleach it. THEN recaulk it. After you have let it sit for at least 2 days, make sure you continue to clean the area each time you use the bathtub. Easiest is to make a bleach solution of one part bleach and 6 parts water. Spray it on after cleaning.
2006-08-20 19:40:19 · answer #4 · answered by PP4865 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a mildew. You need to redo it, or it will keep coming back. Go to the hardware store and find the kind specifically for the bathtub. Using a small knife and scrape it all off, then apply the new caulk. It's a pretty easy thing to fix.
2006-08-20 21:17:03 · answer #5 · answered by Cosmos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its black because of mold. You can't make it white again. The only thing you can do is to remove the old caulking and buy a new tube and apply it again.
2006-08-20 18:04:03 · answer #6 · answered by girlie [♥] 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's mildew. You can buy things at the store to kill the bacteria that causes the mildew. If it's caulk, it could be taken out and replaced, but if it's grout, get a grout brush and a good cleanser and start scrubbing. Good ventilation in your bathroom will help. If you have a window, open it and if not, use the fan. If you don't have a fan, install a fan. You have to get the dampness out of the room.
2006-08-21 00:49:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove the old caulking, it is mold on the caulking, replace with a silicone caulking.
2006-08-20 18:02:49 · answer #8 · answered by judy_derr38565 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like mildew...you have to use a cleaner such as Tilex. If that doesn't work, you could remove the black part and re-caulk. The best prevention is to air out the bathroom quickly and keep it cool.
2006-08-20 18:04:42 · answer #9 · answered by AFL lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be mold! I would simply get some bleach with some water and get as much of as possible! but in the hardware store get some new caulk. a regular store where you get your cleaning items from will have something for mold in the bathroom!
2006-08-20 18:04:45 · answer #10 · answered by crystal8345 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋