When your home or bathtub was new, you did not spend much time thinking about the caulking that surrounded your bathtub or shower enclosure. You simply let the warm water surround you, washing away the cares of the day and leaving you relaxed and comfortable after your time in the tub was over.

But now you are hyper aware of the caulking that runs around the perimeter of your bathtub. You see it every time you lower yourself into the bath, and that flaking, discolored and damaged caulking distracts you every time you try to take a relaxing bubble bath or indulge in a refreshing shower.

You worry that the damaged caulk you see is just the tip of the iceberg, and that before long you will experience much worse. You are concerned that water leaks will soon follow, and when that happens taking a bath will be the least of your concerns.

Those concerns are well founded, but the good news is you can repair the damage on your own, without hiring a contractor or breaking the bank. Here are the steps you need to follow to caulk your bathtub like a pro.

1. Use a putty knife to loosen and remove the old caulking. You may need a razor blade knife to dislodge stubborn caulking, but it is very important to remove all the old caulking before proceeding.
2. Vacuum the entire area thoroughly, including the interior of the tub and the surrounding floor. You will need a clean workspace to continue with the caulking.
3. Insert the tube of caulk into the caulking gun and apply the caulk smoothly and consistently. The caulking should be applied in a single unbroken line. Remember that caulk dries quickly, so work as quickly as you can without sacrificing consistency or quality.
4. Smooth out the lines of caulking as you go. Apply a moistened finger to each line of caulk and gently press down to keep the lines neat, even, and professional looking.
5. Allow the caulking to dry completely before examining your work closely. Look for any cracks or inconsistencies that could mar the appearance of the bathtub, as well as any missed spots that could allow water to flow through and create leaks.
6. If you spot any problems with the caulking around the bathtub, use your putty knife to carefully remove and reapply it. You may need several attempts to get the caulking right, but once you get the hang of it you will be able to caulk like a pro.

If you are tired of looking at the ugly, misshapen, and discolored caulking in your bathroom, you do not have to wait one day longer to get it repaired. The brand-new look you dream of is just a few hours, and a couple of tubes of caulking, away.