How to Remove Molding in Front of a Dishwasher

One of the final steps in installing flooring in kitchens is attaching molding around the perimeter to cover gaps along the edges. This includes installing molding under the front edge of the dishwasher to disguise the small vertical gap under the appliance. Unlike other molding areas, the strip under the dishwasher is applied using caulk to waterproof the area. To remove the molding, you must soften the caulk behind it.

Utility knife
Thick work gloves
Heat gun
Prybar or putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Kneel on the kitchen floor in front of the dishwasher and extend the blade from a utility knife. Push the blade under the left side of the molding where it meets the floor and run it all the way to the right side of the molding to cut through the bottom of the caulk holding it in place.
- 2
  Put on thick work gloves to protect yourself from burns and plug in the electrical cord of a heat gun. Open all windows and doors to help dissipate the heat and ventilate fumes from the melting caulk.
- 3
  Set the heat level to medium and turn on the heat gun. Hold the air flow at least 3 to 4 inches from the molding. Hover the gun in place for 30 seconds, then slowly move it along the length of the molding. Turn off the heat gun and set it aside, using caution since the nozzle is hot after use.
- 4
  Slide a putty knife blade or the flat end of a prybar under the base of the molding and pry it up from the floor. Once the end of the molding lifts, you can pull up the remainder, using your hands.

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