If you’re tired of looking at the same grimy caulk on some of the fixtures in your home but aren’t sure how to 1) remove the caulk and 2) how to apply it, we’re here to help. The first thing ...

To clean old caulk and soap scum from tiles and porcelain surfaces, first use a razor knife or caulk remover. Then wipe down the entire surface with a residueless solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol.

If the caulk is too hard to slice through, stop and proceed as if you have latex caulk. Apply a caulk remover, such as Goo Gone Caulk Remover ($9.99 at Ace Hardware) and wait for the time ...

If the old caulk is dry and brittle, it is likely a latex caulk. This type of caulk will have to be completely removed because it will be cracked and not provide a good water seal.

For a few dollars, you can purchase special plastic caulk-remover tools at your home center store. These are designed specifically for bathtubs, since this caulk is replaced often, but they also ...

A special stucco-repair caulk is also available from Quikrete. This comes in a toothpaste-type tube and can be used to patch cracks up to 1/2-inch wide.