How To Caulk Over Grout In Shower Corners

Grout can accumulate in shower corners over time. If you are thinking of caulking directly over it, that’s probably not a good idea. For one thing, this will result in the caulk peeling as well as mold and mildew growing in between the caulk and the grout. It’s a far better idea to remove the grout completely before applying a silicon caulk. This will result in a longer-lasting seal that will serve you well.

Read on to find out how you can caulk over grout in your shower corners!

Why You Should Not Caulk Directly Over Grout

If you have ever been tempted to do this, keep in mind that it’s only a temporary solution. This is because caulk does not bond well with grout that has already been applied. Regardless of whether it lasts a few weeks or months, the caulk will eventually start to peel off.

In addition, this can result in mold growth. This mold can spread to the walls behind your tiles, resulting in damage that will cost you more to repair.

Caulking Your Shower Corners

When choosing a sealant for your shower corners, it’s important that you use caulk instead of grout. This is because grout is prone to cracking and falling out as the temperature changes, which is inevitable in a shower enclosure. Instead of expanding or contracting to match these changes, grout will crack. As such, your best bet will be a silicone caulk, which can form a flexible and waterproof sealant in your shower corners.

Caulk can be used effectively anywhere in your bathroom where the tile meets another surface, such as walls, plumbing fixtures, floors, and tiles.

A How-to Guide for Applying Caulk

Before you can start applying caulk, make sure to remove the grout that is already in your shower corners. This can be done with an oscillating tool. Make sure to fit it with a grout-removing blade and allow it to do the job gently, without breaking the tiles. Other cutting tools, such as a rotary cutter, can also be used if you do not have an oscillating tool.

Once you have removed all the grout from your shower corners, the hardest part of the job is done. Now, be sure to clean up the affected areas to remove any dust. It is not recommended to spray the affected area directly with water, as this can very well end up infiltrating your wall and causing water damage.

When you are sure that the area is completely clean and dry, you can start applying caulk. Ideally, you should use silicone caulk as it does not crack or shrink over time. This comes with the additional benefit of discouraging mold growth. Do not attempt to use non-silicone caulk. Once you have applied the caulk to your shower corners, you can smooth out its appearance with a caulking tool. Give it up to 24 hours to dry before taking your next shower.

That’s it — you have now sealed your shower corners successfully!