The putty prevents water from entering hard-to-reach places where mold can form. Sinks, bathtubs, showers and floor tiles must be watertight to properly maintain sanitary conditions. Over time, the putty can wear out, mold can develop on it, so it needs to be replaced. To clean up old putty, follow these steps.
Steps
Step 1. Clean the filler with a soap suds remover
You can also use a medium strength bathroom cleaner.
Make sure the surface is ready for cleaning and is free of dirt or oil for a non-slip surface
Step 2. Cut the filler with a razor blade to determine the type
The silicone-based putty will feel like rubber to the touch. Latex or PVA-based putty is harder to cut, and it will have jagged edges
Step 3. Remove the filler with a spatula or chisel
Water the putty periodically to avoid chipping tiles and other objects that have the putty on them. At this stage, try to remove as much of the putty as possible
Step 4. Heat the putty with a heat gun
Use the lowest temperature setting.
Heat the putty with a heat gun. Use the lowest temperature setting. The heat will soften the water base of the putty. Heat hard-to-reach areas of the putty, for example in corners. Hold the heat gun in one hand and the scraping tool in the other so you can scrape the putty as it warms up
Step 5. Soak the rest of the putty with rags for 2-3 days
If the putty is water-based, dampen the rags with rubbing alcohol and place on top of the putty. Alcohol expands the molecules of the putty and separates it from what it is holding onto. If the putty is silicone, this method will not work
Step 6. Cut off the remaining filler with a razor blade
Step 7. Vacuum
This will remove any leftover putty that is trapped in or stuck in the gap.
Wipe with denatured alcohol. Apply mold remover. This will remove moisture and mold that may be underneath the old filler
Advice
- Trim the filler at the top and bottom with a razor blade. This way you can remove it by hand.
- When replacing putty, purchase a putty that contains an anti-mildew agent.
- Mix the oven cleaner with water to a paste consistency to soften the silicone-based putty faster.
Warnings
- Do not apply new filler over the old one. This is a temporary solution and it will be more difficult for you to remove the putty afterwards.
- The chemicals that remove or soften the putty are very powerful and toxic. Always wear the correct protective clothing when handling reactive chemicals.
- Do not apply a new filler the same day you remove the old one. Wait 1 day for the moisture to evaporate.