How to Remove Caulking Stains from Clothes

Co-authored by Lui Colmenares

Last Updated: August 24, 2020 References Approved

Caulk can be one of the most stubborn materials to remove from clothing. True to its nature, it seeps into the fibers of the clothing and seals itself there. With patience and persistence, however, you can use in-home methods to remove this stubborn goop from your garments.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Freezing and Scraping the Stain

1
Put the clothing in the freezer. If you don't notice the stain for several days, place the garment in the freezer for a few hours. This will cause the caulk to harden. After a few days, you should be able to easily "peel" most of the goop off with your fingernails or a butter knife. Once the caulk is solid, carefully peel it off the article of clothing. The biggest chunk should come off in a glob.^{[1]
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- Alternately, use an ice cube. Hold an ice cube in place over the stain until it freezes. Once frozen, the caulk will loosen and can be pulled off more easily.
2
Scrape the stain from the clothing with scissors. Chip away at the caulk, bit by bit – this may be easier once the stain is frozen. You can also use a butter knife, a file, or another scraping tool.^{[2]
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Research source} Be careful not to cut yourself or the clothing!
- If you're wearing cotton and caulk gets on the outside surface of your clothes, you can usually just peel it off.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lui Colmenares
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.}
- If you're wearing cotton and the caulk gets into the fibers of your clothes, it'll be difficult to remove but you can probably brush it.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lui Colmenares
  Handyman
  Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.}
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3
Finish the job. After the excess is removed, clean any remaining stain with rubbing alcohol or another cleaning agent. You should be able to scrape or peel off the bulk, but some stain might remain.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Blotting the Stain

1
Tackle the caulk stain as quickly as possible. If you notice the stains before it has a chance to dry, you might be more likely to remove it all. Try running your clothing through a regular washing cycle in your washing machine with standard detergent. If the clothing is white, add bleach for extra washing power. New caulk stains or ones that have not completely dried may come off with a normal wash.^{[5]
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2
Blot the stain with water. Wet a rag or a paper towel.^{[6]
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Research source} Press the towel firmly against the caulk, and let the moisture sink in. Dab the area again and again, and gently rub the stain out of the fabric. Try to blot as much of the caulk as possible off of the garment.
3
Dab the caulk with rubbing alcohol. After you have removed as much excess caulk as you can, wet a piece of folded paper towel with some rubbing alcohol. Blot the stain, firmly, and let the alcohol soak deep into the fabric. Dab the stain as many times as needed to remove the stain.
- You may need to reapply several times to remove the stain. Add more alcohol each time.
- Always use a clean section of the towel. If the towel becomes overly stained and saturated with caulk, you may need to switch to another rag.^{[7]
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4
Wash the clothing. Once the stain is removed, launder the garment in cold or warm water. When you remove the garment from the washer, examine the stain to make sure it's completely removed. You may have to wash it a few times to get the stain completely out. Don't place it in a dryer with any stain remaining, since the heat will set it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Other Methods

1
Use a chemical cleaner. Purchase a commercial cleaner, such as Goof Off Stain Remover, to finish the job. Look for specific caulk removers. Follow all instructions and warnings supplied by the manufacturer to ensure proper cleaning.^{[8]
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- Warning: Always pretest new cleaners on old clothing before applying it to important or favorite garments.
2
Try using hand sanitizer. Antibacterial sanitizing products can remove some stains from clothing, and they may be effective on caulk.^{[9]
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Research source} First, squeeze the sanitizer onto the stained area. Rub the spot gently with a tissue or a damp rag. You may need to use several applications of sanitizer if the stain is especially bad.
3
Rub with baking soda. Wet the stain with water. Pour baking soda onto the fabric while it's still wet. Massage the baking soda into the fabric with a rag or towel until the caulk comes out.
- If the stain does not come out completely, keep trying. Put the clothing in the wash afterward, and results will improve even more.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Can you remove caulk from clothing?

Lui Colmenares
Handyman
Lui Colmenares is a handyman and licensed home improvement contractor for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality.

Lui Colmenares

Handyman

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, although it can be difficult. If you're wearing cotton and the caulk stays on the surface, you can usually just peel it off. Otherwise, you'll have to brush it off.