If your shower looks like this...
it is definitely time to have your caulking replaced!
The Truth About Caulking
Caulk in your shower, when maintained properly, should last about one and a half to two years. The frequency of use and ventilation can greatly affect how long it will last. While caulking creates a waterproof barrier it often retains water and soap scum, which if not cleaned or treated properly, can cause mold to germinate. Although we can never fully prevent or control mold buildup on any surface, these recommendations will help in the maintenance of your home. After we caulk any area we recommend some simple steps for keeping them best as possible.
Keeping your Shower Clean
After each shower we recommend using a squeegee on the walls and glass doors in your shower to remove as much water as possible.
Keep your bathroom vent/fan* on for at least 45-90 minutes after the last shower of the day. This will remove as much humidity as possible from the area and will help to prevent/slow down mold growth. *If you do not have a vent/fan, crack a window open.
Leave shower doors open for maximum ventilation.
Using a household cleaner such as Clorox Clean-Up Spray or similar bleach based product on your shower walls can also help with mold/mildew. We recommend spraying your tub/shower area at least once per month while the shower is dry so the affected areas absorb the product. Always follow the directions on the bottle.
Things to Know
Before we arrive to clean and repair your caulking we ask that you remove all personal items from the area. The shower SHOULD NOT be used the morning we are doing the work and should be thoroughly dry before we arrive. We recommend towel drying any standing water in the shower/tub area and leaving a vent/fan on or a window open.
After completion of the work you MUST wait a minimum of 24 hours before using the shower or tub to allow the caulk to cure and fully adhere. If you have another shower to use in the home and can wait more than 24 hours that would be even better!
We can also caulk around toilets and backsplashes in the bathroom or kitchen.