If silicone is present, use a silicone caulk remover. The windows on our French doors were gas-insulated, double-paned ones, meaning that a layer of argon gas is sealed between the panes. It works best when it is applied to painted surfaces. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download If you see any dust on the previously applied dry caulk, take a soft cleaning cloth and rub against the surface gently to get rid of dust. January 11, 2012 at 9:11 pm. Even after it cures, the caulk remains mildly tacky and has an annoying tendency of attracting dust particles and crumbs, which then stick to it. 1369 shares. Share With Friends! When applying caulk over wood surfaces make sure to paint the wood surface first. I … Regardless of the depth of the grooves, you will need to wipe down the walls so that they are clean (no mold, dirt, or dust). Caulking treated wood is permissible, but the conditions of your project may affect your choice. who has a passion for helping others and always has a cup of coffee in hand. The factory-installed caulk (sealant) did, in fact, "melt" due to the intense sunlight that would beat down on that side of our house. The presence of these will impede the caulk’s ability to stick to your surfaces. Apply the caulk. Fortunately, the solution is simple: Apply caulk to gaps around windows and replace worn weather-stripping around doors to keep dust from blowing in. Do not cut the tip of the caulk tube to produce a large hole, it will reduce the amount of caulk flowing out of the tube. Your surface is then ready for the new caulk to be applied. ABOUT LAUREN . While the tile was easy to sweep, I noticed that dust was sticking to the caulk along where the floor meets the wall, and where the toilet meets the floor. If there is water or any other liquid substances on the caulked surface, make sure the substance is soaked with a cleaning cloth or a tissue paper. Next follow the wet rag with a dry one, so now your working area is clean and dry. The caulk surface must be clean and dust free. Do not apply caulk over dust. Hey There! Dust is an accumulation of small particles that include bits of cloth fibers, paper, hair, pet dander, skin cells, dirt, and more. How to Reduce Dust in Your House. For the best results, you can caulk the grooves (no matter how shallow), but if the grooves are more than a quarter of an inch deep, you need to caulk them to keep from puncturing the wallpaper. The dryer sheet costing will make it so the dust does not stick to your baseboards. You should rub the caulk with a clean and lint free cloth to get rid of any dust, fibres, or other debris. I see it in your photo. Even so, I still do what you do and leave a little spooge hangin’ out to dry. You should ensure you use the same brand of caulk as the underlayer to caulk the top coat. Bwha! It is recommended to apply a primer coat before caulking. Dust, hair, and grime build up can prevent the caulk from sticking properly. That’s too funny! Reply. I used siliconized acrylic caulking at several spots on my bathroom and kitchen tiling projects, most commonly at the floor-wall joint. Sandra says. You do know that there is a long metal “stick” on the caulking gun to do that very job, right? Share 15; Tweet; Pin 1354. Wipe off any dust, fingerprints, oil spots, etc. I am Lauren, a short mom (4 foot 10 to be exact!) Today was the first time I attempted to clean my new bathroom floor (full gut remodel completed earlier this year). If you want your caulking job to stick and stretch for years to come, make sure you clean the surfaces and remove old caulk.