You know the spot. That small gap between the tub and bathroom tile is where grime and other unmentionables collect. Hard to clean and at times downright ugly, this spot screams to be filled with a water resistant sealer.
But is there an environmentally friendly way to tackle this simple home maintenance job?
Dangers of Caulking
Many standard caulking products are high in VOCs and other dangerous compounds. You need to keep this stuff off of your skin and practice some serious safety procedures when working with it.
How good can a product like that really be for the environment?
One DIY enthusiast noted that the caulking he picked up at the local building store warned that exposure could cause cancer. Yikes.
Safer Alternatives
Look for bathroom caulking products that reduce or eliminate exposure to VOCs. Ecobond offers a light duty product made for residential use. Choose the Trim, Tub, Sinks and Tile line (LD50) for all of your water-proofing needs in this and other areas of your home.
Offering protection from mold and mildew, this product is ideal and can be used without worrying about off-gases or the strong, offensive smells that usually come with silicone and caulking.
Ecobond also carries a collection of other adhesives and sticky stuff for a variety of projects.
Laticrete is another manufacturer that carries a line of grout and caulking products certified with the Greenguard label. Ensuring a low level of VOCs, these products are definitely more eco-friendly than the ones sporting shocking warnings.
By all means seal your gap. But be sure to use a product that meets or exceeds nationwide air quality standards for VOCs. Keep your family safe and your bathroom sealed up tight.
Photo courtesy of wikimedia/achim hering
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