Last update September 3rd, 2022
When redoing the silicone joints of the sink, windows, bathtub, sink or even the shower, you must first remove the sealant from the surface properly. You may also need to remove silicone from tiles or windows. And sometimes the budding handyman keeps putty residues on clothes or on his hands!
Don’t panic, we explain how to remove silicone sealant from tiles but also from any surface, fabric and skin.
How to remove silicone sealant from sinks, showers and bathtubs
Before redoing a silicone seal, the old one must be removed. Here are some tips for removing a silicone seal:
- a glass scraper or a razor blade or cutter can remove the silicone, but be careful not to scratch the surface, you must go gently and carefully;
- soak a cloth with white spirit and pass it over the silicone;
- Soak a sponge in nail polish remover, pass it over the joint and leave it to work for a few minutes: then remove the joint.
To remove a mastic joint ecologically:
- use a cloth with vegetable oil and rub it on the silicone sealant: leave it for 5 minutes then remove the sealant by pulling on it;
- You can also try to remove the seal by rubbing it with a sponge soaked in white vinegar.
In any case, clean with water + washing-up liquid and rinse.
If you can’t do it, you can buy a special silicone sealant remover in a DIY store.
How to remove silicone from tiles
Here’s how to remove silicone from tiles:
- Take a cutter or razor;
- Scrape gently to avoid scratching the tiles, if you are not sure use a wooden or plastic scraper instead;
- Soak a cloth with white spirit or acetone or household alcohol and pass it over the silicone;
- leave it for a few minutes until the silicone softens;
- Then clean with water + washing-up liquid and rinse.
This method also works for removing silicone from windows.
How to remove silicone from clothing and fabrics
You need to soften the silicone sealant using a hair dryer (or an iron). Pass it over the stain for a few seconds and then remove the silicone with a utensil (spoon, scraper). You can then put the garment in the washing machine to finish cleaning it.
If the fabric cannot withstand the heat, rub the stain with a file to remove the excess silicone and then wash the garment.
How to remove silicone from your hands
When you’re working on a project, you sometimes get silicone on your hands. Let it dry well for a few hours before using it.
Clean the silicone with a cloth and finally rub it with plastic (a bag will do). Wash your hands with soap and rinse well.