The Alternatives to Caulk for a Bathtub

Bathtub Preparation

• Prepare the bathtub for sealing before mixing the grout. Remove the damaged caulk or grout from around the bathtub using a razor scraper. Chip it out carefully and remove all the broken bits that cling within the crack. Clean out the crack using a bottlebrush and a spray bottle filled with a 10-percent vinegar solution. Rinse off the loosened particles and vinegar. Allow the joint to thoroughly dry before applying the new grout. Fill the bathtub with water before grouting since the weight and warmth of the water will open the joints and allow for a more thorough job.

Grout Preparation

• Grout dries fairly quickly, so only mix what you can apply in 30 minutes. Mix the grout in a disposable plastic container, such as an old, thoroughly cleaned margarine tub. Use the label directions as a guide when mixing the grout, but use your own judgment as to the consistency of the finished product. Stir the grout while adding water in small amounts. Add only enough water to create a very thick, peanut butter-like consistency. Keep stirring the grout for approximately five minutes, or until all the lumps have disintegrated and the mixture appears smooth. Let the grout mixture sit for approximately 10 minutes to thicken.

Grout Application

• Put on latex gloves before applying the grout since it can irritate your skin. Stir the grout one last time using a tongue depressor. Scoop up a small amount of grout with the tip of the tongue depressor. Press the grout into the joint between the bathtub and the tile. Slide the tongue depressor along the joint to distribute the grout into the seam. Let the grout sit for a moment and then scrape off the excess. Run your gloved fingertip along the seam to mold it before it dries. Let the grout dry for 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe down the area on both sides of the grouted joint using a damp sponge. Let the grout cure overnight. Apply a spray-on tile sealer to protect the grout from damage.

Grout Maintenance

• Monitor the fresh grout for signs of mildew or mold. Clean the grout as soon as any discolorations appear to prevent them from becoming permanently disfiguring. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush on grout to keep from harming it. Rinse it thoroughly after cleaning it. Apply a mildew-inhibiting agent, such as a 10-percent white vinegar solution or pure clove oil, to keep it from developing mold in the first place.