How to remove tile grouts and redo them easily {with VIDEO}

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Every morning in my old flat, I dreaded one thing: stepping into the shower!

Not because I enjoyed sharing the smell of sweat with my colleagues. 

No, the reason was much more sinister: the seals in my shower had become home to such a large colony of mould that I feared one of my toes might get infected and fall off like in a bad horror movie!

The previous tenant had let things go for so long that no amount of white vinegar or household cleaner could do anything.

If your bathroom looks like this too, it's time to take action and change your silicone seals:

"Yes, it's really dirty... time to redo the entire bathroom!"

Don't panic though, we asked the most experienced plumbers on our platform to explain how to easily remove silicone seals and replace them with new ones.

In the following lines, we'll take the example of a bathroom whose seals need replacing. Here's what you'll discover:

Get ready, you're going to be scraping and scrubbing like a curling player!

Do I really need to redo my silicone seals?

It's a valid question!

Silicone seals naturally age, turning from white to yellow, to grey, to black mould. But at what stage should you change them?

If your seals are just a bit yellow and look like this, a good clean should suffice for now:

"Grab a scraper, some white vinegar, and scrub well!"

It's a bit yellow, but that's normal over time! Remember to clean them regularly to prevent further deterioration!

However, if you're starting to see black seals and especially these kinds of small mould spots, our guide is made for you:

"Warning: at the slightest sign of mould, you need to change your silicone seals"

It doesn't take much mould to be harmful to your health. In this photo, it's already too late; those nasty seals need to be removed!

Two important reasons to change your silicone seals ASAP

It’s easy to think you can put this off until later, but prevention is better than cure as the damage can be far greater than expected.

Here's why:

1. Prevent water infiltration and leaks

Your silicone seals act as waterproof barriers between your walls and your sanitary fixtures. Without them, you risk water infiltration which, over time, can become disastrous: damage to your walls, floors, and even leaks to the floor below!

Here’s an example of what can happen to your neighbours, without you knowing, if your silicone seals are no longer watertight:

"Ouch, that bill is going to hurt!"

Needless to say, claiming insurance for water damage will quickly make you regret not hiring a qualified plumber who could have redone your shower seals at a low price!

2. Mould is Toxic

Allergies, asthma, respiratory irritation, bronchitis… the list of complications that can be caused by microscopic fungi living in your bathroom is extensive.

Don’t take them lightly and get rid of them as soon as they appear!

When should you change your silicone seals?

"You don't need to be a detective to know these bathroom seals need changing."

According to our experts, there are 3 typical scenarios that indicate you need to change your seals:

1. When you start seeing mould: to avoid breathing in spores.

2. When your seals start peeling off: to prevent water leakage and infiltration issues.

3. Approximately every 3-4 years: to avoid scenarios 1 and 2.

Silicone seals are a bit like your teeth; prevention is better than cure as it can save you a lot of pain!

⚠️ The 3 beginner mistakes to avoid at all costs

Before you start grabbing your seal remover and scraping away like mad, here are some precautions to take that will save you time and money:

1) Applying a new silicone seal without removing the old one

It can be tempting to simply put a layer of sealant over your old silicone seals, out of sight, out of mind!

However, this can cause several problems, as Jacques explains:

2) Only removing the bulk and not cleaning

Removing old silicone seals is time-consuming and tedious. However, it is absolutely essential to do the job properly, as Marc explains:

3) Not Removing Fresh Silicone Quickly

Before you even apply your first line of sealant, be prepared for the mistakes that can happen, as Mohamed explains:

Now, you're ready to do your first silicone seals… shall we move on to the step-by-step guide?

All the equipment you need to redo silicone seals!

Let's start with a quick summary of the tools you'll need for this small DIY project and how much they will cost:

A Seal Remover or Cutter

Average Price: £5

This tool is absolutely essential for easily removing silicone seals and saving hours. You can also use a cutter, but it takes longer and you risk scratching your tiles (or cutting yourself).

Sealant Remover Gel

Average Price: £8-10

This helps dissolve the silicone and allows you to easily remove all the small residues that you would never have been able to get with just a scraper. The time saved with the sealant remover gel is considerable.

Multi-surface Tape

Average Price: £5

This will help you define the width of your seals, ensure they are straight, and prevent you from getting sealant everywhere.

A Cartridge of Silicone Sealant

Average Price: £9-19

It's important to use silicone sealant here as it resists moisture best. If you’re unsure, get the “bathroom-specific” kind.

For your information: a 300 ml cartridge will cover about 15 meters of seals… don’t forget to calculate how many cartridges you’ll need before starting!

A Cartridge Gun

Average Price: £10

Without a gun, you won't be able to use your cartridge… it's as simple as that! There are sealant cartridges with integrated guns, but they are rare and often expensive.

Household Gloves

Average Price: £3

These are important if you use white spirit or alcohol for cleaning. You can also use them when removing excess sealant with your fingers!

How to remove your old silicone seals?

Let's start this DIY with 3 quick steps that will help you cleanly remove your old sealant before replacing it with new ones. 

We offer videos for those who prefer visuals or a step-by-step written guide by plumbers that work on Yoojo for those who prefer reading!

"Don't forget to wear gloves when removing mouldy seals like this!"

STEP 1: Remove as much sealant as possible with your seal remover (or cutter)

TIME REQUIRED: Between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the number of seals to remove.

This first step involves removing as much silicone as possible to make the gel work easier.

Grab your seal remover or cutter and start removing the bulk of the sealant. Our friends show you how to do it in this video:

If you have a seal remover, it's easy, just run it along the seal. If you're using a cutter, you will need to make several passes to remove everything.

Then, make a second, slightly deeper pass to remove almost all of the old sealant. There should only be small bits left.

 

TIP: What to do if the silicone is really dry?

- If the silicone is still relatively “young” and a bit soft: using baby oil or body lotion can help soften the silicone.
- If the silicone is really old and hard, you will need to use a special joint remover first. Let it sit for about ten minutes and then start scraping.

STEP 2: Use the seal remover gel

TIME REQUIRED: 10 minutes + 30 minutes waiting time

This is the easy step, you just need to apply the seal remover gel into all the grooves and wait for it to take effect.

Go have a tea or coffee, you've earned it.

I have a question: is it possible to remove a silicone seal with white spirit?
White spirit is a good solvent to help remove the small remaining residues after scraping. However, it is very harsh. If that's all you have, absolutely use it with gloves. I still recommend buying the special gel: easier and less dangerous.

Luis, plumber in Edinburgh and multi-services handyman for 16 years

STEP 3: Clean thoroughly and let dry

TIME REQUIRED: 15 minutes to 1 hour

Put on gloves and remove the previously applied gel with a spatula, then rinse with water.

If there are still small pieces in the grooves, remove them with a scraper and wipe with a sponge soaked in white vinegar or household alcohol to remove all bacteria.

All that's left is to let it dry completely before applying new sealant.

💡 Finding it too long?

Redoing your bathroom seals takes about 2-3 hours. On Yoojo, you can find an expert to do it for you, for an average of:

£52

Find a caulking expert near you

How to apply new silicone seals: with video

Hooray! You've done the hardest part.

Removing the old sealant is definitely the most tedious and time-consuming part… now you just need to make everything look clean and neat.

But don't worry, it's relatively simple, you just need to be patient.

1. The first step is to place tape parallel along the seal. This will help you get a straight seal and avoid having to clean up if you go over a bit.

2. Open your cartridge and place it in the gun. Then simply fill the seal with the sealant following your tape lines… Easy as pie! For a professional finish, be consistent and always move at the same speed.

3. Finally, wet your finger and remove all the excess silicone. Wipe your finger with a cloth and repeat until all your seals are clean!

If you applied the tape well, you shouldn't have any excess, but if you do, scrape it off immediately with a cloth soaked in water and washing-up liquid (or a cutter if the silicone is really stubborn).

How long should I let silicone seals dry?

For a perfect result, let them dry for at least 24 hours without getting the seals wet. In general, you'll find the recommended drying time on the back of your sealant cartridge.

Conclusion: removing and replacing silicone seals is time-consuming!

As you can see, redoing seals may seem simple, but it is very time-consuming. If you’ve never done it before, you know it!

We recommend hiring someone who knows what they're doing to avoid a disaster.

In the end, it will take you about 2-3 hours and will cost you around £52…

… That's exactly why Yoojo was created: to connect you with qualified professionals who live nearby and can provide this kind of service for a reasonable price.

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