So you do your usual cleaning and all of a sudden you see it: Dirty caulking.
It's so easy to overlook but once you spot it, dirty caulk will stand out like a flashing sign.
And, it's not that easy to clean, either. Sometimes your regular cleaning spray just can't get to it.
Here is one reason: Sometimes there is mildew beneath the caulk. If that's the case, you have to remove the caulk and replace it.
But if the dirt or mildew is on top of the caulk, you have a good chance of making it appear much better.
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, apply a baking soda/water paste or a vinegar/water solution, according to doityourself.com. Don't mix baking soda and vinegar though, it just won't do the trick. Scrub with a toothbrush and let dry.
To whiten the caulk, mix a fourth cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Apply using a sponge and leave the solution for at least 10 minutes. Be sure to open the window or turn on the ventilation fan. Rinse the solution off with warm water and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
If the caulk doesn't get clean, you might have to remove the actual caulk, clean and re-caulk. If that job is next on your list, be sure to use a mildew-resistant caulk.
