Rules and Best Tools You Can Clean Silicone Sealant
How and with what to clean the remnants of silicone sealant from the walls or floor - this problem becomes urgent for home craftsmen. Completing the repairs is half the battle. But ridding the tile of traces of silicone, rubbery composition, cleaning the mirror after gluing - this is already a more serious task. Otherwise, the feeling of novelty will be hopelessly blurred, spoiled. We perform experiments with chemical compositions and solutions. Objective: Destruction of sanitary silicone remains.
Properties of silicone sealant
A special composition - silicone, which polymerizes on contact with air, forming a durable layer, has long been known.It is used in construction, to seal joints and to install plumbing fixtures. There is also high temperature silicone for automotive repairs.
The industry produces several varieties that differ in color and form of release. There is only one problem after using silicone sealant - how to clean it. At the same time, all positive properties, including elasticity, strength, adhesion, immediately begin to "work" against.
Elasticity
The hardened silicone seam is extremely durable. In this, it competes with standard rubber coatings previously used in automotive glass installation. Due to their elasticity, silicone gaskets withstand work in sanitary facilities with unstable humidity and temperature indicators, without losing their properties.
Strength
An integral property of silicone sealant. Complements other qualities without conflicting with them. The silicone layer that forms after polymerization is strong enough not to collapse when applying a load, and also spontaneously. This is the secret to the spread of silicone in everyday life - from minor repairs to plumbing fixtures to serious and important work.
Heat resistance
Some types of silicone-based lubricants and sealants can withstand high temperatures. Their scope of application is the creation of joints in the zone of action of steam, hot liquids (engine water cooling radiator). For such silicones, the operating range is indicated on the packaging in degrees Celsius.
High degree of adhesion
And with that, silicone is fine. Clings equally firmly to hard and smooth surfaces.Even from the skin, it is not so easy to wash off the silicone sealant immediately and completely. The same goes for fabric, regardless of its structure or type.
Operating period
Correctly applied, cured silicone sealant will not remind you of you for 15 or even 20 years. Its characteristics are not affected by time, they remain unchanged during the entire period of operation. Professionals say the solid state strength of silicone continues to grow.
Resistance to pathogenic particles
Most industrial and household silicone polymers are immune to fungi, molds and other pathogens. They have nothing to develop there, since there is no organic matter and open cavities. Therefore, by processing the seams with silicone sealant, you can forget about this threat.
What are the means
Natural silicone residue cleaners are classified as follows:
- by method of application (mechanical and chemical):
- by composition.
All solutions, in turn, are divided into neutral, acid and alkaline. Their specific type is "related" to the active ingredient of the silicone sealant. It is an alkali or acid (characteristic smell of vinegar), as well as another component (neutral). There are also universal solvents, but about them a little later. And it is easy to identify the type of silicone by its label.
Alkaline
This group of agents is effective against alkaline silicone compounds containing amines. If the composition of the putty is unknown, then it is recommended to use universal solvents for successful completion of the procedure.
Acid
Fresh and not fully cured acidic silicone sealant can be washed off with ordinary vinegar essence.It is recommended to use combined means - a solvent and a power tool (knife or scraper).
Neutral
When the sealing compound used does not belong to acid or alkali, being neutral in chemical reaction, the corresponding composition is used. Any of the solvents will be effective - acetone, gasoline, white spirit. All are easily found at hardware stores.
Presentation of professional tools
If other methods are ineffective, means used by professionals come to the rescue. They will remove silicone residue from surfaces with a guaranteed high result.
Penta-840
Refers to powerful means, solvents, which just as easily cope with the consequences of unsuccessful sealing, dissolve the remnants of silicone and renew the joints. Works with any type of surface. It is recommended to first make sure that Penta works by applying a small amount of the agent to the silicone compound.
Quilosa limpiador
Composition in aerosol can. Designed for the treatment (cleaning) of tools, equipment after contact with silicone mixtures, for the removal of fresh and hardened sealant. The tool is easy to apply by spraying it on the surface to be treated.
Permaloid
Another liquid formulation, a mixture of highly volatile organic solvents. They are used for professional cleaning of plastic surfaces from silicone, as it is inert to plastics. Non-toxic, does not affect the destruction of ozone compounds. Release form - 5 liter canisters.
Lugato Silicon Entferner
Special cleaning paste in 80 ml tubes. It also acts strongly on fresh and old silicone layers. Before use, it is recommended to remove the material to a thickness of 2 millimeters. The composition is applied to the surface, kept for 1-5 hours.The softened silicone is then removed mechanically with a knife or scraper.
silicone remover
Cleaning gel for the treatment of dry and pre-cleaned silicone layers. It is recommended to work with gloves, well ventilated visit. When water penetrates, the effectiveness of the composition decreases.
How to remove quickly
Most industrial reagents involve a certain period of exposure to the silicone sealant, until it can soften and break the bond with the base. What if the time to clean the tiles or window frames is sorely lacking? A mechanical, chemical or abrasive method will come to the rescue.
Cleaning Instructions
Before applying this or that method, it must first be ensured that there is no alternative to the chosen solution. Not all cleaning methods are gentle on plastics, metal and other materials. Mechanical removal is certainly effective, but it can leave traces of silicone removal. Therefore, before starting work, we again weigh the pros and cons. They are convinced that radical action is essential. But even in such a situation, caution and accuracy are observed.
Mechanical method
When it is not possible to wipe off the silicone layer or there is not enough time for this, the proven method of mechanical cleaning is used. Users among themselves gave this method the name "hard", because it is used in extreme cases.
You will need 2 main components: a knife (putty knife, scraper) and a pumice stone. First, most of the applied and hardened layer of silicone is cut off, then the resulting success is fixed with a pumice stone. If necessary, remove the rest of the putty with a scraper.
The method is not applicable to mirrors, tiles, surfaces sensitive to the action of abrasives, on which scratches and deterioration of the coating may occur.
Chemical
Chemical exposure methods are the last hope for those who couldn't get rid of silicone any other way. It does not hurt to have complete clarity about the putty used in order to select the composition as accurately as possible. Or they use the “scientific poke” method, checking what the silicone compound reacts to.
The task is to soften the layer, followed by removal with the help of a scraper, spatula. It is suitable to use as solvents:
- essence;
- kerosene;
- White spirit.
Sometimes ordinary household detergents, which actively affect the silicone polymer, also act as chemicals.
Shrinkage characteristics of different surfaces
Each material is characterized by a different hardness, resistance to abrasive or chemical agents. Glass, tiles are harder, plastic, especially fabric or leather, softer. Accordingly, the treatment methods are not the same, they are adjusted according to a specific situation.
Plastic
One of the most "delicate" materials. If possible, you should avoid using strong methods of exposure - abrasives, scrapers, sharp knives. Or do it as carefully as possible. From the surface of the plastic lining, the remnants of silicone are removed with the help of chemical solutions (gasoline, acetone, white spirit), after making sure that the main material is not destroyed.
Glass
Window fittings, mirrors, inserts in interior doors that have suffered from a silicone seal can be cleaned with a sharp knife.It is not recommended to apply excessive force in this case, so as not to scratch the surface. Abrasives are excluded. You can try solvents and chemicals (in critical situations).
Tile
How to remove traces of silicone from tiles? Almost as simple as glass. In this case, it is forbidden to use cleaning products that could damage the surface. Chemicals, gasoline, vinegar, alcohol and acetone - yes. Abrasives, sandpaper - no. The use of a scraper, a knife is very dosed and careful.
Leather
Human epithelium is the most delicate and vulnerable of all materials. The use of harsh chemical solvents to clean the skin of hands and body surfaces is unacceptable. It's best to avoid contact with the silicone sealant, but if it does happen, there's no need to panic.
They carefully try to remove the frozen composition with the help of cotton wool dipped in alcohol and vinegar. In extreme cases, leave the "lotion" for 30-60 seconds, after which the silicone should come off the skin painless.
Woven materials
Harsh methods, strong solvents and abrasive materials should not be used on fabrics, as well as on human skin. It is recommended to place the soiled item in the freezer for a few hours. Then the silicone comes off easily.
Another way is to wipe (immerse) the contaminated fragment with a bite. Alcohol is also effective in removing traces of silicone sealant.
Stone (artificial and natural)
Stone surfaces allow the use of the full variety of methods available in a home craftsman's arsenal: from soft to hard.A scraper, a solvent cannot damage a stone, so we choose any "preferred" method and implement it methodically.
tub sides
The sides are carefully cleaned with a razor or a sharp knife. The remnants of silicone are wiped off with a cloth soaked in solvent. Table salt, which acts as a mild abrasive, has also proven itself.
Cleaning of steel and cast iron baths
The old "stuck" silicone sealant from the enameled surface of the bath can be removed with alcohol, vinegar, gasoline. It's okay to use a bath cleaner, but only one that doesn't contain harsh abrasives.
table top
Table tops are made of specially processed slabs (MDF or laminate), less often - of stone. In any case, the material involves "harsh" operating conditions - contact with hot dishes, shocks, even use as a cutting board.
For cleaning silicone, depending on the degree of contamination, solvents, chemicals, vinegar or alcohol are used, careful handling with a sharp knife (shaving blade). Abrasives are not desirable unless absolutely necessary.
Tile
The silicone is removed from the surface of the tile using the same methods as for the tile: gasoline, kerosene, white spirit. If you cannot erase the sealant, you will have to arm yourself with a scraper and even pick up a pumice stone. At the same time, they act cautiously, without making unnecessary efforts.
Acrylic
Acrylic coatings successfully replace enamel coatings in bathtubs and shower trays. It is possible that during the installation process, some of the silicone has accumulated on the surface of the plastic. You can remove it with washes, solvents, light abrasives (table salt).
How to clean clothes
Fresh silicone will come off easily if the fabric is stretched and rubbed with alcohol. This advice will not help - clothes are placed in the freezer for 2 hours. Silicone does not stand the test of cold, so it quickly peels off the fibers.
How to wash your hands
You can wash the silicone from your hands with alcohol, vinegar, even carefully wiping the skin with a brush with the addition of detergent. It is undesirable to use chemistry, it is better to do it with sparing methods.
Precautionary measures
Working with silicone and removing traces of its presence, be sure to observe personal safety requirements. This applies to the protection of the organs of sight, breathing, the use of gloves. With some aggressive compounds, they work only in the presence of ventilation or in fresh air.
Professional advice
It is easier to prevent any situation than to try to get rid of its consequences later. Therefore, when working with silicone, you should protect the contact surfaces as much as possible from accidental penetration of sealant.
During cleaning, tests are carried out for the “compatibility” of the chosen method and the treated silicone. And when you cannot do without aggressive and highly effective cleaning agents, observe the utmost care, act according to the instructions for use.