How to reseal your bathtub

If the sealant around your bath is looking a bit worse for wear, it's easier to sort out than you might think. Instead of paying around £50 for a professional to do it, try it yourself. Invest in some sealant remover, sealant and a cartridge gun, and do it yourself in an afternoon.

Here's how:

1) Apply sealant softener (try UniBond Silicone Sealant Remover, £7.98 for 150ml, B&Q) and leave to dry for 10-15 min. Remove the sealant with a plastic scraper (taking care not to damage the bath). Scrub the area using bathroom cleaner and leave to dry.

2) Fill the bath with water (this weight will ensure that the sealant won't crack when the bath is used later). Insert the sealant cartridge into the gun and cut the nozzle off at the end so that its size corresponds with the gap to be filled. Sitting on the edge of the bath, press the trigger and apply the sealant to the gap in one smooth movement. Don't overfill. Once applied, the sealant can be smoothed with a wet round-ended tool (try the handle of a wooden spoon), or wet fingertip. Shape the sealant at an angle, as this will help it to shed water.

3) Remove excess sealant with white spirit before it dries. Leave to dry according to the instructions on the cartridge, before emptying the bath. That's it – you're done! Now you can enjoy a long, hot soak.