Silicone is the substance used for sealing a window, sink, or shower. Despite its versatility, merchants might be overly zealous and use too much. It might cause silicone residue in places you don’t want it, that can be difficult to get rid of. We’ve put together a step-by-step tutorial to teach you how to remove silicone from tiles.
Identify the source of the problematic Tiles
Identifying the tiles that require care should always be the first step. It would also give you an idea of some of the goods you’ll need. More significantly, having a general notion of all the tiles that require repair will assist you in determining whether you’ll need to remove any shower attachments or countertop equipment.
Scrub the tiles
After you’ve cleaned up the site, wash the tiles with a good tile cleaner that won’t leave a residue. However, it is not required. Hot water can assist in cleaning the tile, reducing the need to wash the area afterward.
Run a razor along the caulk seam.
Make a precise cut in the caulk seam with a razor or utility knife. As a general guideline, make sure the blade slices through the caulk’s foundation, allowing you to release the seam. The secret is to make shallow incisions on the silicone seam’s edge with the point of a good knife. To keep the edge flexible and simple to take out, you may have to perform the technique on both sides of the seam.
Grab the silicone sealant’s exposed edge and pull it tight.
Strip the silicone up when you’ve finished slicing the silicone seam and to have the edge exposed. If you remove it with far too much effort, the silicone will become stiff and cut in half. Gently pulling the silicone would enable you to remove the visible section and the silicone that filled the junction.
Remove any remnants with a scraper.
After removing the easy-to-remove silicone, focus on the remaining fragments attached to the tile surface. To dissolve the sticky silicone, use a putty knife or an ice-scraper. Nevertheless, avoid using too much force, as this might easily destroy the tile.
Begin by carefully digging out the remnants with the knife at a slanting angle. Scratching lightly is vital, as is switching between devices if necessary.
Remove any silicone residue from the tiles by scrubbing them.
If you want to reuse the tile, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly before applying a fresh sealant. Moisten an abrasive scouring pad with acetone, denatured alcohol, or mineral spirits to clean the area. Wipe the tile carefully with a little pressure while cleaning, particularly when eradicating sticky residue.
A water solution and bleach can also be used to eradicate mold and mildew. Allow the tile to dry completely before applying another sealer.
Bottom Line
Fortunately, cleaning silicone from tiles is a simple DIY process that does not need expert aid. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to clean the surfaces before applying the tiles for the best results. It would be best to have sharp blades or knives to cut and release the silicone edges.