How to Caulk a Bathtub Without Toxins

Read the packaging for the caulk to ensure that it is nontoxic. Some things to look for are water-based caulks with the words “VOC free” on them. In addition, read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that it does not contain the words hexane, formaldehyde or toluene.

Scrape off any existing caulk from the interior and exterior of the tub using a putty knife. Once you loosen up the caulk bead, you can pull it up in strips using your fingers. Continue until all of the old caulk is removed, and then wipe the area with a damp sponge to be sure that no caulk residue remains.

Insert the tube of nontoxic caulk into a caulk gun, and slice off 1/8 inch from the plastic nozzle, using a utility knife. Angle the cut at 45 degrees to assist with a neat application. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the center of the nozzle until you feel it puncture the inner seal.

Place the tip of the caulk tube at the left interior side of the tub, and squeeze the trigger to apply a continuous bead all the way to the corner. Turn toward the back wall of the tub, and apply another bead of caulk along the wall where the tub meets the wall. Apply a final bead of caulk to the right side of the tub.

Run your finger along the length of the caulk to smooth it, pausing as needed to wipe the excess on a paper towel.

Wet a fresh paper towel with water, and pull it gently along the bead of caulk to further smooth it and to clean up the edges.

Apply a bead of caulk to the front edge of the tub where it meets the floor in the same manner that you caulked the interior of the tub.