Caulk is cheap. Sorry, sorry–I couldn't help myself. But seriously, a couple tubes of caulk can be an inexpensive solution to a number of household fixes that you may have been putting off for awhile. Not only that, but it's super easy to use and takes just minutes to apply. We all think of caulk as something used in the bathroom and kitchen–and it's great in those areas–but there are a few other ways to use it as well. Keep reading to find out how.
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1. Windows. Polyurethane caulk is what's used to seal windows, but age and environmental factors can cause it to crack over time, resulting in drafts. And no one likes being attacked by a cold draft when you're cuddled up on the couch with a hot cafecito, a blanket and a book. Before winter hits, you can reseal any gaps in your window caulk in a matter of minutes. Which will not only keep you warm, but will also keep your heating bill under control.
2. Filling concrete cracks. Cracks in concrete foundations, walkways and driveways allow water to enter the surface, which can cause all sorts of issues from additional cracks to mold and erosion. Nip the problem in the bud by filling the cracks with urethane caulk. It's a fairly easy project that can save you time and tons of money down the road.
3. Securing area rugs. Okay, you know those anti-slip rug pads you're supposed to buy for all of your area rugs that sometimes cost as much as the rug itself? You don't need 'em. You can actually use acrylic-latex caulk to create a non-slip surface right on the rug itself. Just pipe a line of the caulk every several inches down the length of the back of the rug, let dry completely, and you're good to go.
4. Recaulking a bathtub. Eventually, your bathroom surfaces will need recaulking–shower, tub, sink, even your kitchen sink. Caulk gets dingy, moldy, peely and flat out gross over time and simply needs to be replaced. It might seem like a big project, but it's pretty straightforward. Check out the easy-to-follow tutorial on apartmenttherapy.com.
5. Freshen up baseboards and moulding. I absolutely love this tip and foresee myself using it in the super-old house I'm in the process of buying. Baseboards and molding are a pain to paint and even when you tape everything off there will be seepage and uneven lines. You can use a thin line of caulk to create a super clean finish. It's a bit time consuming, but it looks so great when complete. There's a neat before and after on handy-mommy.com.
Image via Flickr/Emily May
