Maintenance: Shower Caulk Removal
maintenance / SHOWER CAULK REMOVAL / details
DETAILS: Shower Caulk Removal
When my RV was less than a year old, I started seeing discoloration and separation of the caulking in the shower. It continued to get worse over time and I'm quite finicky about keeping things clean!
Caulk or No Caulk?
I've read opposing opinions on whether there should be caulk in this two-piece shower design or not, and I've read convincing arguments both ways. So, to settle the matter, I called the manufacturer of the shower, DUO Form Plastics (www.duoformplastics.com).
The manufacturer informed me that either is correct: you can caulk the space where the two plastic pieces meet, or, you can leave it un-caulked as designed (there is a 2-inch overlap of the molded plastic pieces that allows water to drain inside the shower). What you SHOULDN'T do is leave caulk that has cracked or separated; if you do, it creates passageways that lets water travel into the seam of the two plastic pieces and get trapped.
They mentioned that some motorhome manufacturers like to caulk the seam, but it isn't necessary. In my case, Winnebago caulked the seam and I finally had to address the situation when it started cracking. So, I had two options: remove the caulking and leave it un-caulked, or remove the caulking, let everything drain and dry, and then re-caulk. I liked the idea (and look) of leaving the space open as the shower manufacturer designed it. Also, I figure that chances are high that I'll run into the same separation (and discoloration) issues if I re-caulk.
DUO Form Plastics said as long as you don't shoot water straight up the gap, then any water that gets wicked between the molded pieces will drain, evaporate and/or dry naturally.
Caulk Removal
To remove the caulk, I used some plastic tools I had in the RV and accomplished the caulk removal with no scratches or marring of any kind. Simply scrape the caulk repeatedly until the last trace is removed. It will take some time (60-90 minutes), but if you do it in a couple sessions it will be done before you know it. And it will look better than factory new!
To clean the shower, I use DUO Form Plastic's recommended cleaner (linked below).
I've included several before/after photos to illustrate the dramatic difference.
Trim Removal Tool: www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O
Shower Cleaner: https://bit.ly/2K0tEme