Old caulk has a way of stealing the show—and not in a good way. That dingy, cracked sealant can deter from the clean appearance of a sink, tub, or other bathroom fixture, or can allow bugs or leaks to pour in around windows and doors. But, it’s also kind of a pain to remove.
For DIYers facing this task, however, there might be a way to speed through the caulk removal process and jump right into applying new sealant. There are specialized tools designed explicitly for these tasks, this guide on the best caulk removers will explain.
- BEST OVERALL: Saker Silicone Caulking Tools-3 in 1
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Realinn Grout Removal Tool, 3 in 1 Caulking Kit
- BEST FOR OSCILLATING TOOL: Dremel MM610 Oscillating Tool Flexible Scraper Blade
- BEST SCRAPER: DEKEones Razor Blade Scraper, 2 Pack
- BEST LIQUID: Motsenbocker’s Lift Off 41116 16-Ounce
- BEST KNIFE: Hyde 06988 Stiff 8-in-1 Multi-Tool
- BEST GRIP: Amazon Basics Soft Grip Grout / Caulk Removal Tool
Applying clean beads of caulk to baseboards, windows, and bath fixtures can be tough, but removing it can be a painstaking task. Choosing the best caulk removal tool will make the job a lot easier. Below are some of the top considerations to keep in mind when choosing a caulk remover. Be sure to consider each point before buying one of these tools.
Types
DIYers have a few choices when it comes to the types of tools available for removing caulk. There are basic scrapers and knives, as well as specialized hand tools, blades that attach to power tools, and even liquid solvents.
Which type to choose is a matter of preference.
- Scrapers often feature removable utility blades that can slice through a bead of caulk. They are a bit awkward in hand, however.
- Knives, similar the ones painters carry for all-purpose uses, are also useful for removing caulk. Their edges aren’t as sharp as scrapers, but the longer handles make controlling them much easier.
- Specialized tools designed specifically for working with caulk are also available. Most often, these are combination tools with scrapers, blades, and even tooling edges for smoothing new caulk.
- Power tool attachments, like blades that attach to electric oscillating multi tools, can easily work their way into a bead of caulk. These attachments can make short work of a long bead, but they’re also a bit more likely to scratch or mark a surface.
- Liquid solvents can be helpful for folks who can’t stand scraping caulk. These sprays will loosen the caulk and make it easier to remove, but they won’t remove the caulk entirely on their own. Don’t be fooled into thinking they can remove caulk from fabrics, however. There are specific tricks for that.
Size
Removing caulk may require reaching into some tight or awkward places, and large tools just aren’t up for the job. For these situations, a compact tool that will fit in those nooks and crannies will make removing that stubborn sealant much easier.
However, for large amounts of caulk, a smaller tool might not do the trick. In these cases, a larger tool with a longer handle can make applying leverage to a thick bead of caulk much easier. These tools will be able to get underneath the caulk and separate it from the surface—something that might seem impossible with a smaller caulk removing tool.
Versatility
There are a lot of tools available that can remove caulk, but some of them have more than one function. For instance, painter’s tools with knife edges can scrape up caulk, open paint cans, or even tighten the screws on light switch covers. Likewise, some caulk removers might have a fixture for removing caulk, as well as a fixture for tooling fresh caulk.
For DIYers, this type of versatility could make all the difference. One tool that can handle several jobs means a smaller overall investment. It also equates to less space taken up in a tool box, leaving room for other implements.
Materials
Caulk tools designed for removing caulk will see a lot of hard use, so it’s important that they’re made from quality materials. The blades or edges meant for separating the caulk from the surface are best when made from a durable metal like stainless steel or tool steel. These blades will work for a long time, take a bit of abuse, and can even take a sharpening if necessary.
As far as handles go, durable plastics are typically the material of choice. However, some of the best caulk removal tools feature wooden handles, or all-metal shanks with molded rubber grips. Any of these materials will usually last for several years.
Safety
Some tools designed for caulk removal feature sharp razor blades or edges, and applying a bit of pressure to a stubborn bead of sealant can get a little sketchy. Also, storing a caulk remover tool with an uncovered blade in a tool belt or toolbox is a recipe for stitches.
To reduce the risk of accidental cuts, manufacturers often include blade covers that users can pop on and off when needed. Also, handles that offer plenty of grip to prevent slipping or clumsy fumbling will reduce the risk of an accidental cut while applying leverage.
Our Top Picks
That’s a lot of background on choosing the best caulk removal tool, but shopping for one of these tools can still seem a bit confusing. For help, reference the following products. This list consists of some of the best caulk removal tools on the market.
Photo: amazon.com
DIYers looking for an all-around kit that can see them through an entire caulk repair job might appreciate the Saker Silicone Caulking Tools 3-in-1 tool. This kit comes as one tool with a built-in blade for removing caulk, a plastic scraper, and a caulk applicator with several tips. The tool itself has a heavy-duty plastic body with a stainless steel caulk removal blade.
This caulk remover is compact, allowing it to fit in tight places. It also features a comfortable handle that should fit well in the hand of most DIYers and provide plenty of leverage. While it is versatile, the back-and-forth motion required to scrape the caulk loose might take some getting used to.
Product Specs
- Type: Specialized
- Materials: Heavy-duty plastic and stainless steel
- Extra features: Built-in scraper, caulk trowel, and several tips
Pros
- Compact design with comfortable handle for applying leverage
- Built-in scraper and trowel
- Versatile design
Cons
- Motion can be tricky to get used to
Get the Saker caulk remover and applicator on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Anyone shopping for an affordable tool that can also handle most caulk removal jobs should consider Realinn’s caulk remover kit. This kit comes with a 3-in-1 caulking tool with silicone applicator pads, a scraper, a grout saw with blades, and more.
This caulking removal tool is a basic design with a built-in scraper, a removal blade, and an applicator. The handle, scraper, and applicator are plastic. Despite being such an affordable tool, the removal blade is stainless steel. The removal tool’s handle is compact but should be comfortable for DIY use, and users won’t have an issue applying leverage.
Product Specs
- Type: Specialized
- Materials: Plastic and stainless steel
- Extra features: Includes caulking tool, razor scraper, grout saw, and more
Pros
- Full kit of accessories
- Affordable price point
- Sturdy materials
Cons
- Scraping motion can be difficult to get used to
Get the Realinn caulk remover and applicator on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Digging through old caulk can be a tough job, and the fastest way to do it is with an oscillating tool. For those who prefer to go this speedy route, be sure to consider the Dremel MM610 Oscillating Tool Flexible Scraper Blade. This blade attaches to several brands’ oscillating tools including Dremel, Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita, and Rockwell tools to quickly slice through the job at hand.
Dremel makes its blades from high-carbon steel, meaning the blade can take the high speeds dealt by an oscillating tool, as well as the heat and friction caused by the caulk. Also, this blade features a bit of flex for reaching into awkward angles. Do keep in mind that this blade can scratch a surface if the user isn’t careful.
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating tool blade
- Materials: High-carbon steel
- Extra features: Universal design
Pros
- Universal fit for several brands
- High-carbon steel for durability
- Flexible for reaching into awkward angles
Cons
Get the Dremel scraper blade on Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Tough caulk removal jobs can leave residue behind, and it takes a sturdy tool like the DEKEones Razor Blade Scraper kit to remove it. This kit comes with two scrapers: one compact scraper with a stainless razor blade on one side and a plastic razor on the other, and a long-handled scraper for reaching into tight spots.
Both razors feature sturdy plastic handles that DIYers will find comfortable, while the long-handled razor features a metal arm for durability. The kit comes with 20 metal blades and 10 plastic ones, as well as two plastic caps for keeping sharp razors safely stowed away. Keep in mind that these blades can easily scrape surfaces if held too steeply.
Product Specs
- Type: Scraper
- Materials: Plastic and stainless steel
- Extra features: Safety caps
Pros
- Smaller scraper features 2 blades—one plastic and one metal
- Longer-handled scraper reaches into tight spaces
- Comes with several razors and 2 plastic safety caps
Cons
Get the Dekeones kit on Amazon or Sears.
Photo: amazon.com
Some caulk removal jobs are about working smarter rather than harder, and Motsenbocker’s Lift Off spray is the product for those jobs. This spray-on solution penetrates the space between the caulk and the surface, breaking the molecular bonds that hold the two together. This allows users to remove the caulk in pieces rather than the solution dissolving it altogether.
This spray-on solution features a water-based formula that is biodegradable. It works on caulks, expansion foams, sealants, construction adhesives, and epoxies. It takes just 5 to 10 minutes after spraying to loosen the caulk, making fast work of tough bonds. However, if left to sit for more than 15 minutes, it can damage the surface.
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Materials: Water-based formula
- Extra features: NA
Pros
- Spray-on solution works quickly
- Breaks molecular bond between caulk and surface for easier removal
- Works on several sealants and glues
Cons
- Can damage surfaces if left on too long
Get the Motsenbocker’s Lift Off on Amazon or Lift Off.
Photo: amazon.com
When it comes to versatility, Hyde’s 8-in-1 multi-tool checks a lot of the boxes. This painter’s tool features a stiff blade with a tapered edge that can get underneath caulk and separate it from a counter, a sink, or a window surface. It can also open paint cans, spread putty, clean paint rollers, set popped drywall nails, and more.
This knife features a heavy-duty stainless steel that can take a lot of abuse and pressure. Also, most DIYers will likely find the rubber over-molded grip to be comfortable in hand. While the edge might not be as sharp as a scraper, the tapered edge is also less likely to scratch a counter or a fixture.
Product Specs
- Type: Knife
- Materials: Stainless steel blade and rubber over-molded grip
- Extra features: Paint can opener, roller cleaner, and more
Pros
- Built-in features like can opener, roller cleaner, and putty spreader
- Heavy-duty steel can take a lot of pressure and leverage
- Comfortable over-molded rubber grip
Cons
Get the Hyde 8-in-1 multi-tool on Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Sometimes all it takes is a simple tool to get the job done. This caulk remover from Amazon Basics has what it takes, and its ergonomic grip makes it worth considering. This tool features a carbon steel hook that can remove grout or caulk easily, as well as a polypropylene handle topped with a rubber grip for improved ergonomics.
This tool’s tough materials makes it rugged enough for heavy-duty work. The comfortable grip features an ergonomic design that the user can grasp for tough caulk removal jobs. It’s capable enough to use on its own, but doubled up with a spray-on caulk remover, it’ll zip through caulk. However, without extra features or other uses, it’s a bit low on versatility.
Product Specs
- Type: Specialized
- Materials: Carbon steel and polypropylene grip
- Extra features: Soft-touch grip
Pros
- Comfortable grip for improved ergonomics
- Durable steel can handle heavy-duty work
- Works well with spray-on caulk remover
Cons
- No extra frills or versatility
Get the Amazon Basics caulk removal tool on Amazon.
Our Verdict
For those who prefer a specialized tool designed specifically for removing caulk, check out the Saker caulk remover and applicator kit. However, for those who would prefer something a bit more versatile, it’s tough to beat the usefulness of the Hyde 8-in-1 multi-tool.
Putting together a list of the best caulk removal tools can be as tough as the old caulk itself. We had to rely on our own experiences with bathroom renovations, weatherproofing, and other caulking removal jobs in order to determine the features we thought were important.
Next, we performed extensive product research to collect a candidate pool of the best caulk removal tools. We compared each model to our list of features and took note of the prices. With that under our belt, we were able to throw out the tools we felt didn’t offer enough value and suggest the ones that did.
FAQs
Even with that extensive background on the best caulk removing tools, there might be some additional questions sticking around. The following includes some of the most frequently asked questions about these tools.
Q. Do caulk removal tools work?
There are several types of tools designed to remove caulk, but most work similarly. The tools dig into the caulk and separate the bond between the sealant and the surface it’s adhered to.
Q. What will remove silicone caulking?
Knives, scrapers, and caulk removing tools are often the best silicone removers, but spray-on removers can also be effective, and they’re often less of a headache to use.
