Home remodeling is a messy affair. You’re bound to get some sort of grime on you eventually. A common material people can make a mess with is caulk. Thanks to modern EPA regulations, caulk is only a mild irritant if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes. However, it can still be unpleasant and annoying. Here are some quick tips for getting those inevitable caulk stains off of you before they can ruin your day.

An Ounce of Prevention

Ideally you should avoid exposure to caulk in the first place. The easiest messes to clean are the ones you avoid making.

●Gloves

Your hands are the most likely part of your body to get dirty while you work, period. So throw on a pair of gloves before you grab that caulk gun. If you’re worried about dexterity, then even a thin pair of latex gloves will do the trick.

●Sacrificial Clothing

If you’re going to be doing any extensive home work, then now is the time to break out the old shirts and jeans that you’ve been meaning to throw away. Caulking in tank tops or shorts is just going to increase your odds of getting the material on your skin, so go for long pants and shirts with sleeves. If you get caulk on your good clothes, wash them quickly. If you allow the stain to set, you may have to freeze the clothingbefore washing.

●Goggles

For most jobs this might be overkill, but if you’re going to be caulking areas above you, then a pair of goggles or work glasses can keep anything from spilling into your eyes. This is also useful for removing old sealants, which can sometimes flake off into your eyes.

Mineral Oil

If you do get some caulk on your skin, then your best solution is a touch of mineral oil.If there’s no mineral oil in your house, you can substitute powdered laundry detergent or even nail polish remover. Whichever substance you use, be sure to apply only small amounts to your skin via a cloth so you don’t irritate your skin further.

Be sure to clear any valuable items from the area before you start working, and wash off any spills you do notice immediately. And remember to store your caulk in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.