Caulk Squeeze-Tube Preservation
Zip bags keep partially used squeeze tubes of caulk or sealant from drying out.
Those hand-squeeze tubes of sealant or caulk are convenient for smaller projects and when an applicator is too bulky to get into a tight spot. Most squeeze tubes have a reusable cap to protect the leftover contents from curing, but I’ve noticed that it only takes a couple months before the product inside becomes unusable.
To make partial tubes last longer, I started storing them in zip bags, which has made a huge difference. I have a tube that’s over two years old and still usable. Saving a buck or two here and there is always nice, but my main motivation is that when little projects do come up, having the fix on hand avoids a time-squandering trip to the home center. I have also used this method to leave touch-up materials for customers after finishing projects.
I leave a partial tube in a bag and label it with a marker to indicate in which room it was used. Squeeze tubes often have sharp edges on the bottom seal, so you may want to round the corners with scissors, or use a heavy-duty zip bag, or both.
—Mark Petersen, Waco, Ky.
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller.
From Fine Homebuilding #316
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