How to Remove Silicone Caulk from a Fiberglass Shower Stall

Silicone caulk is exceptionally effective at sealing up cracks and repelling water. But, over time, it can grow mold or turn yellow and look pretty unsightly. It’s at times like these where removing your old caulk and replacing it makes sense.

There’s just one problem: since caulk does its job so well, it can be hard to remove. 

The Fastest Way to Remove Silicone Caulk from a Fiberglass Shower Stall

The fastest way to remove silicone caulk from a fiberglass shower stall is to use a chemical caulk remover to soften the caulk and then remove it with a scraper or razor blade. If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals, you can heat the caulk with a hairdryer and scrape it off.

3 Methods for Removing Silicone Caulk from Your Shower Stall

Use a Caulk Scraper + Razor Blade

One of the best methods for removing caulk from a fiberglass shower stall is to cut a piece of the caulk with a razor blade and remove it with a caulk scraper.

Caulk Scrapers usually come with at least one (sometimes two) pointed stainless steel blades. To use the scraper, you’ll need to cut the caulk with your razor blade so that it’s slightly lifted and then run the scraper underneath it. 

You’ll most likely have to do this in several sections.

Use a Hairdryer and Razor/Scraper

If you have caulk that won’t come off with a scraper alone, you can try to soften it with a hairdryer. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Heat the caulking bead for 30 seconds with a hairdryer.
• Use your scraper or a razor blade to lift and remove the caulk.
• Repeat.

Use a Chemical Caulk Remover + Scraper

The most effective method for removing caulk is using a chemical caulk remover. These are sometimes used as a last resort since they do contain hazardous chemicals.

If you’re not sure which caulk remover to choose, two of the most highly rated products are:

• Goo Gone Caulk Remover
• Mostenbocker’s Lift Off Caulk Remover

(Read the instructions on the remover you chose. The caulk remover may need to sit for anywhere between 2 and 24 hours.)

After the caulk remover has set for at least a couple of hours, use your scraper to remove it. Be sure to wear gloves when you do this and make sure the room is well ventilated.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caulk Removal

How do I get rid of the residue left by the old caulk?

You can use mineral spirits to remove leftover caulk residue. Simply apply the mineral spirits and scrub with a sponge until you’ve removed the residue. Since mineral spirits softens caulk instead of dissolving it, it may take a bit of elbow grease to get your stall fully clean.

Will rubbing alcohol remove silicone caulk?

You may find rubbing alcohol to be mildly effective in removing silicone caulk. Rubbing alcohol can temporarily soften the caulk, making it easier to remove. So yes, if you don’t have any caulk remover around, rubbing alcohol is worth a try. 

Just be sure to do a spot test to ensure that the alcohol doesn’t negatively affect your shower stall.

Will WD40 Remove Caulk?

Yes, WD40 will remove caulking. However, it’s not our favorite choice for caulk removal since it can negatively affect future applications if not correctly cleaned up.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how to remove silicone caulk from a fiberglass shower stall, the answer is – it’s simple but not easy. A lot of scraping is required to remove the caulk – especially if it’s old and hardened. However, with some patience, elbow grease, and the right tools, removing caulk from your shower doesn’t have to be a nightmare.