What Chemical Removes Caulk?

Water

• Water is often the only kind of solution you'll need to remove caulk, which is often the case with new caulk that hasn't been painted over. Soak the caulk with water, and lay soaked rags over the caulk. Let them sit there for several days until the caulk is soft enough to simply pull it from the surface.

Rubbing Alcohol

• A chemical that will soften even very old caulk so that you can remove it is rubbing alcohol. Soak the rubbing alcohol with clean cloths. Laying the cloths over the caulk, let it sit for several days until the caulk has pulled away from the surface. Re-soak the cloths with rubbing alcohol as they dry out. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so keep it away from flames.

Potassium or Alkaline Hydroxide

• Potassium or alkaline hydroxide is a stronger solution you can use to remove caulk that is not coming off easily. This is often the chemical that is in commercial caulk removers. Take care when using it because potassium hydroxide can damage natural stone surfaces as it can remove paint, stains and other finishes. Apply it to the caulk with a cotton swab until the caulk is soft enough to remove.

Alternatives

• You don't always need to use solutions to remove caulk. Often you can simply scrape the end of the caulk from the surface with a paint scraper, and pull the caulk off. If it snaps, repeat the process until all of the caulk is gone.