Secrets of experienced craftsmen on how to remove silicone sealant from bathroom tiles

Anyone who has ever renovated a bathroom is familiar with the problem of traces of sealant on ceramic tiles.

Silicone adheres tightly to the tile and it seems that nothing can be cleaned off it.

The problem will be solved if you approach it correctly, having previously studied all sorts of ways how to remove the sealant from the tiles in the bathroom.

How to remove it mechanically?

Carefully remove the thick layer of silicone, cleaning large areas of the coating with a sealant is possible, provided that sharp objects are used.

With a sharp clerical or construction knife, a razor blade, cut the layers sealant. For this, it is necessary to very carefully trim the silicone layer adjacent to the tile surface.

If the material is not very hard, after cutting it will be possible to remove it in one jerk. Chunks of cured sealant are scraped off the tile surface using a narrow metal trowel, scraper and tweezers.

In hardware stores you can buy special sets of knives to remove the silicone seal. The sets consist of a handle and attachments of various shapes with a sharp blade.

The very thin layer of silicone remaining on the surface is scraped off with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge or with an eraser.

How to wipe off with improvised means?

Minor traces of sealant can easily help clean up the tools at hand:

White Spirit

A universal solvent that softens the layers of silicone sealant on tiles.

The traces of the sealant are rubbed well with a cloth generously moistened with solvent... After five to ten minutes, the silicone softens to a jelly mass, after which it is very easy to remove it with a scraper or plastic spatula.

Acetic acid and alcohol

A cleaner that gently removes traces of the hermetic silicone layer from the tiles. For cleaning, it is necessary to prepare a composition of acetic acid and alcohol (mixed in equal proportions).

Received remedy sprayed through a spray bottle onto the silicone trail, left for half an hourand then gently scraped off with a knife.

To clean the hardened sealant particles, a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid is supplemented with soda ash (1 tbsp is enough).

Dichlorvos

It is enough to spray the product on the sealant and leave for ten minutes.... Thanks to the solvent in the cockroach spray, the silicone softens very quickly and can be removed without much effort with a rag or sponge.

How to clean with special compounds?

On the shelves of hardware stores, a wide range of aerosols, pastes and solvents is presented, using which you can quickly and accurately remove traces of sealant from tiles in the bathroom. TOP-3 of the most popular and effective means are presented below:

Penta 840

Remover for silicone and polymer materials Penta 840 easily dissolves the cured sealant on the tiles.

It is enough to cover the traces of silicone with a rag liberally moistened with Penta 840 wash... Within five to ten minutes, the hardened sealant will soften to such an extent that it can be easily removed with a rag or sponge.

Average cost - 470 rubles. (volume 900 ml).

Dow Corning R-40

Dow Corning Surface Cleaner R-40 is an alcohol solution containing surfactants that will quickly remove the silicone layer from tiles and degrease the surfaces.

Suitable for cleaning:

• ceramic,
• metal,
• glass,
• painted surfaces.

The average cost is 1520 rubles. (volume 1 l).

Sili-Kill

Sili-Kill Silicone Cleaner will effortlessly remove sealant from tiles, enamel, glass and even porcelain. Does not contain flammable, toxic solvents.

The average cost is 400 rubles. (volume 100 ml).

Before using any special product, you must carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Do not exceed the contact time of chemical compounds with the tile surface or use several chemicals at the same time.

Another preparation for cleaning tiles from sealant and its use is in the video:

Advice

The secrets of experienced craftsmen will help remove the sealant from the tiles as quickly and accurately as possible:

1. Before treating the silicone layer with chemical solvents, areas of the tile that are free of sealant must be protected with masking tape.
2. The easiest way is to remove fresh, not yet cured sealant. It is enough to wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge soaked in soapy water. The longer the silicone is in contact with the tile surface, the more difficult it is to remove.
3. Salt will help to remove minor traces of sealant on the tiles. A small amount of edible salt is wrapped in a canvas bag, slightly moistened, and then rubbed on the stain on the tiled surface.
4. A thin slotted screwdriver will help to gently clean the sealant in hard-to-reach places (for example, the junction of floor and wall surfaces). It is enough to cut the sealant layer and gently pick up the edge with a thin screwdriver and quickly remove the silicone from the tile.
5. When cleaning ceramic tiles (especially using chemicals), do not forget about personal protective equipment: rubber gloves, a respirator and glasses.

Find helpful tips and tricks on how to remove silicone sealant in the bathroom here.

Conclusion

Carefulness, patience and the right sealant remover will ensure the best cleaning results for your bathroom tiles.