Cleaning Bath Fitter-esque grout?

GRKaters · March 2011

We had a new Bath Fitter shower/tub surround installed several years ago. The clear silicone (?) grout between tub/wall is now quite mildewy in several places, which stands out disgustingly against the stark white walls.

There is a specific list of products that are safe to use on the acrylic (not clicky, sorry: http://www.bathfitter.com/cleaning_and_maintenance.aspx) and the ones I've tried have been barely effective, if at all.

Any suggestions for what else to try, if you have something similar? Reading the Kaboom post below made me curious if that might work.

candreco · March 2011

Is the mildew under the caulk? If it is, you're better off removing it, spraying liberally with bleach or vinegar solution, letting it dry really well, and then recaulking. We just did it in our bathroom a few weeks ago- it was under the caulk and no amount of scrubbing or cleaner was going to get to it there. The whole bathroom looks cleaner now that the icky spots aren't in the seams of the white tub/walls.

GRKaters · March 2011

That's what I'm afraid of--that it is between the surround and the silicone, not just on top. Maybe I'll call and see how long it's warrantied for before I try removing/replacing.

candreco · March 2011

If it makes you feel better, it was actually really easy to do. A razor blade to cut/scrape the old caulk out, spray and dry, new caulk in. It took about a day, but only with short periods of work. I'm annoyed we didn't do it sooner- the mildew stains were there when we oved in two and a half years ago.

GRKaters · March 2011

candreco:
If it makes you feel better, it was actually really easy to do. A razor blade to cut/scrape the old caulk out, spray and dry, new caulk in. It took about a day, but only with short periods of work. I'm annoyed we didn't do it sooner- the mildew stains were there when we oved in two and a half years ago.

It does, actually. Thanks.

What do you mean by "spray and dry" though?

GRKaters · March 2011

GRKaters:
candreco:
If it makes you feel better, it was actually really easy to do. A razor blade to cut/scrape the old caulk out, spray and dry, new caulk in. It took about a day, but only with short periods of work. I'm annoyed we didn't do it sooner- the mildew stains were there when we oved in two and a half years ago.
It does, actually. Thanks.
What do you mean by "spray and dry" though?

Oh, duh. Never mind. Just re-read your original response.

KareBear0408 · March 2011

We always tell people at work that you should re-caulk at least once a year. We usually do it twice. It's actually on my spring cleaning list. It's pretty easy to do. I get it done in a few hours myself. I bought a tool that removed the caulk, vinegar step, and let it dry. Then I put painter's tape around so ensure my caulk lines are straight, then I caulk. I have another tool that gives it an angled finish and voilia. Just make sure you don't use the shower for 24 hours to allow the caulk to completely dry. Good luck!

Cleaning Bath Fitter-esque grout?

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