Peetie Wheatstraw wrote:
Hate to have to ask about something so trivial-sounding, but ...

If I get mold/mildew on the grout in the shower, I can scrub it off
with Tilex and an old toothbrush.

Such approach doesn't work at all for m/m on the tub caulk, and I dunno why.

Any ideas?

Thx,
Peetie

The ease and inexpensiveness of replacing the caulk around your tubor any
other appliance in your home makes this an easy solve.

Tools you will need: A putty knife or other tool to remove old caulk. New
caulk. A damp sponge or rag.

1. Get a putty knife or a flat head screw driver or even a butter knife and
scrape all the old caulk out. Make sure that you remove all of it off the
walls and edge of tub, so the new caulk has a clean place to adhere.
2. Spray some bleach diluted with water around the edge to kill whatever
mildew is still left, allow to air dry.
3. While waiting for the bleach to dry go to your closest hardware store and
get some tub and tile caulk, prefferably made from silicone. How much you
will need depends on the size of your tub. Most stores carry a tube that you
squeeze by hand or you can buy a caulk gun to apply the new caulk. Either
way works just fiine.
4. Once the area is COMPLETELY CLEAN AND DRY, you can begin applying the new
caulk.
this is an easy process, although it can be quite messy if not done right.
5. Begin applying the caulk making sure to squeeze some, but not too much
down in the crack between the tub and the wall. Try to use a nice even
pressure while doing this. Go all the way around the tub trying not to put
more than about a 1/4 inch bead of caulk as you go. Some areas will have a
larger gap and you will need to apply more caulk to the area.
6. For the final step some people use their finger and a damp rag, or a
sponge. You want to take your index finger and put it inside the rag kind of
like you where going to shine a shoe or something. And wipe all the way
around the tub using slight pressure and a smooth stroke. Or just wipe with
the sponge using the same pressure and stroke. This will imbed the caulk and
make a smooth professional appearance. Do not use too much pressure or the
caulk will begin to squeeze out of the area of applicatioin. Clean up any
mess with your rag. Allow to dry for the time period suggested by the
manufacturer.
7. Enjoy your clean tub.

Some stores also carry M/M resistant caulk.

Good Luck,
Mike