Calling all cleaning fairies (and contractors)!
July 14, 2022 2:16 PM Subscribe
We recently did a DYI kitchen renovation. We have had some problems with soap scum, or mold, or something. I think it may have something to do with the install? Not sure.
Here are some pictures:
Between the grout and the countertop.
Between the sink and the countertop.
On the sink itself.
I'm afraid to try to bleach or clean the heck out of this stuff for fear of ruining the grout/sink. Is there something I'm missing here that can clean this up and keep it from coming back? I feel a little out of my depth.
Here are some pictures:
Between the grout and the countertop.
Between the sink and the countertop.
On the sink itself.
I'm afraid to try to bleach or clean the heck out of this stuff for fear of ruining the grout/sink. Is there something I'm missing here that can clean this up and keep it from coming back? I feel a little out of my depth.
Best answer: Yeah the first one on the counter, that's just normal (well, a bit accelerated maybe) wear and tear on caulk, maybe with a layer of paint. Just clean it well, then get a $6 plastic caulking scraper tool and scrape out all the caulk, wipe well with rubbing alcohol to remove any weird residue, let it dry (caulk won't stick to moisture). Use painter's tape to tape it off on both edges for a thin even bead with clean edges, and re-caulk. It'll take an hour, cost you $25, and look so fresh and clean!
In the sink the white drips are hard water, just wipe with vinegar.
The front edge of the sink I would scrape out with a wooden manicure tool or credit card, and then re-caulk with clear or dark grey silicone caulking. Again, clean well, let dry, and tape off both edges first.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 4:29 PM on July 14, 2022
In the sink the white drips are hard water, just wipe with vinegar.
The front edge of the sink I would scrape out with a wooden manicure tool or credit card, and then re-caulk with clear or dark grey silicone caulking. Again, clean well, let dry, and tape off both edges first.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 4:29 PM on July 14, 2022
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The first picture looks like there is a caulk line between the countertop and backsplash that has been painted over at least once. The edge on the countertop has been worn away a bit and there are some water stains and/or mildew in the gap.
You won't ruin any of this with some heavy cleaning. But if I were you I'd cut away the old caulk on the backsplash and replace it. Same for the sink, but maybe with something clear.
posted by JoeZydeco at 2:53 PM on July 14, 2022