Caulking- How to remove old caulk and what type to installl?

[Josh L.]

1) How do you remove the old caulk from the bathtub?

I tried the red plastic Hyde Caulk removal tool that Home Depot was selling for $5, but it doesn't work that great out when its edge is still sharp. As the edge gets duller with use, I can't see its performance getting any better.

There's a similar tool in DAP Pro Caulk Tool Kit but I want to make sure it works any better before I open up the package.

Or, do you try those chemical solvents that you lay on the caulk? When I read the directions, I notice that it says to try to remove the caulk first before using it. But, if I do that, then what's the point of getting the chemical solvent in the first place?

2) Once you get the old caulk, what type of caulk do you put in? Silicone caulk or latex caulk for around the bathtub?

Silicone's double the cost, but still pretty cheap even at that price. Silicone seems like it should last longer, but its also harder to remove when its time to take it out and I'm having enough problems trying to remove latex caulk.

For rentals, do you notice a difference with silicone caulk? Or, do you have to replace the caulk with every tenant anyways so you'd want the caulk like latex that's easier to replace?