What corrodes silicone. How to dissolve silicone sealant

In the production of soft and ductile silicone, one of the hardest substances is used - silicon. Polymers for sealants are created from natural material. The materials have the required plasticity to fill mounting gaps and seams. Excess hardened substance must be removed from the treated surface, so it is important to know how to dissolve silicone sealant without damaging the base, texture of objects, materials, things.

After the repair is completed, excess silicone must be carefully removed without damaging the surface. To choose how to dissolve silicone sealant, you need to take into account the component composition of the material. The basis of sealants is rubber with good fluidity, due to which the composition penetrates deeply into gaps between surfaces and hard-to-reach places, providing reliable sealing of joints and joints.

After complete polymerization, the substance hardens, improving the heat, sound and moisture insulation characteristics of the treated surfaces. To properly remove hardened and liquid silicone sealant, you need to consider the features, composition and properties of the material:

• One-component substances are intended for domestic use, most often used for sealing plumbing equipment.
• Two-component products - self-vulcanizing compositions for industrial use, with improved characteristics and high service life.
• Acid sealants for universal use. Acetic acid is introduced into the composition, which causes a specific smell of the substance when using the product.
• Neutral substances on an alcohol or ketoxime basis. The composition adheres well to different surfaces and materials, therefore it is universal.
• Alkaline sealants with amines are special-purpose substances for interior and exterior use, do not cause metal corrosion, and have antiseptic properties.

To figure out how to dilute silicone sealant, you need to carefully read the component composition of the substance. Manufacturers add special additives: extenders to reduce viscosity, antiseptic fungicides from fungus and mold. Mechanical inclusions of chalk, quartz or glass sand improve the adhesive properties of silicones, and coloring pigments increase the decorative characteristics of sealants. Considering the chemical composition of silicone, acidic or neutral solvents are chosen, which have a different effect on the hardened silicone mass.

Acidic

The easiest way to dissolve sealants is acetic acid.

It has the unique ability to liquefy acidic silicones. A portion of concentrated vinegar essence (70%) is poured onto the sealant and the hardened mass is gradually stirred. The principle is similar to the preparation of wallpaper paste. The use of an acetic sealant solvent is relevant for the removal of acidic silicones.

Important: vinegar essence reacts with non-ferrous metals, and leaves a characteristic alkaline coating on cement surfaces.

Neutral

Alcohol-based products can be used on different types of surfaces, the composition does not have a sharp specific odor. Due to the increased moisture resistance, the removal of silicone from metal products and structures is allowed. Neutral solvents for silicone silicone sealant are amine, oxide, alcohol. The compositions are used for domestic and industrial purposes.

You can dissolve neutral silicones at home using white spirit, acetone, and refined gasoline. When using any solvents, it is important to select a product so that the sealant does not lose its properties.

Caution: Do not use toluene to dissolve silicones. This agent, in combination with the components of the sealant, leads to chemical poisoning.

Professional washes

During the processing of seams, joining lines, gaps, it may be necessary to dissolve the sealant to remove excess from the surface. Only the applied liquid sealant retains plasticity and is easy to remove. A thick hardened layer of silicone must first be softened using solvents - special chemicals. Properties and action of silicone wipe:

1. The agent used softens the sealant to a liquid state.
2. The standard proportion is one part of rubbing to 6 parts of silicone.
3. To obtain a homogeneous substance, the mixture must be mixed.
4. In a liquid state, the sealant is easy to remove from any surface.
5. The use of rubbing does not violate the characteristics of the substance.

To obtain the desired result, you must adhere to the recommended proportions of rubbing-silicone. Ready-made products are available on the building materials market to quickly dilute silicone sealant to a liquid state and easily remove it from the surface. Popular washes used by repairmen:

• Penta-840. Available in several versions to remove silicone from different surfaces. The composition does not lose its properties when exposed to low temperatures, effectively liquefies a completely hardened substance. A clean cloth is moistened in a solvent and the soiled surface of the tile, tile, acrylic, enamel, metal is wiped, briefly covered with polyethylene. Penta dissolves the sealant, the remains of which can be easily removed with a rag.
  
• Silicone Remover is a gel cleaner specifically designed to thin silicone after curing. The agent is applied strictly on a dry surface. The composition has a high speed of action, effectively copes with the dissolution of various types of silicone sealants. The contaminated surface is treated with a cleaner, left for 10 minutes and the softened mass is removed.
  
• Lugato Silicon Entferner is a paste-like substance for universal use. Effectively removes silicone from delicate surfaces. Suitable for use on painted metal structures, easily removes sealant from wood, tile, glass and natural stone surfaces. The composition acts on silicone without disturbing the texture of the material being processed.
  
• Permaloid is an innovative silicone sealant cleaner best suited for removing substance from plastic surfaces. The delicate structure of the plastic requires careful handling and careful use of chemical solvents. Permaloid acts exclusively on silicone, does not damage the plastic material, does not leave marks, and can be used on metal automotive parts.
  
• Dow Corning OS-2 is a silicone cleaner with degreasing properties. The purpose of the composition is deep cleaning of surfaces before paintwork, gluing parts, sealing joints. The cleaner is safe for health, therefore it can be used when processing surfaces in contact with food. Effectively removes residual silicone substance.
  

The list of washes and cleaners is supplemented by Antisil car paint thinner, which removes sealant from rubber materials well, Silicon-Entferner wiping and Quilosa Limpiador. When choosing thinning agents, it is necessary to take into account the component composition of the sealant and observe the proportions and processing time indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Removal from various surfaces

If you take metal, wood and plastic and try to treat the materials with the same chemical solvent, the result is not always the same. Surfaces react differently to the components of cleaners - PVC can be deformed, paint will “peel off” metal, and wood will darken or fade. Therefore, to remove silicones at home, you need to pay attention to the structure of the material being processed, and select gentle compounds to remove the sealant from your hands or clothes.

Glass

The solid material interacts well with solvents, has a dense structure, so the sealant layer cannot penetrate deeply into the glass surface. The most effective way to remove silicone is to use white spirit, kerosene, refined gasoline, or Penta-840 professional compound. The cleaning process takes a different time depending on the effectiveness of the selected cleaner.

Plastic

Delicate surface requiring careful handling. It does not interact well with aggressive chemicals. To remove silicone, you need to use special washes that do not corrode plastic, for example, Permaloid. The packaging must be marked by the manufacturer that the composition is suitable for plastic and plastic material. An alternative flushing option is hydrochloric acid.

Tile

The top layer of a tile differs in attractive gloss. Organic solvents have a negative effect on the material. It is not recommended to use products containing abrasive substances on the ceramic coating. White spirit should not be used on low quality ceramic tiles. To clean the material, you can use kerosene or special wipes.

clothing

If an acidic sealant has come into contact with the fabric, the easiest way to remove the substance is with a concentrated solution of acetic acid (70%). To do this, the contaminated area is blotted with undiluted vinegar and, after softening, the silicone is removed mechanically. Neutral silicones are cleaned from the fabric with alcohol solutions - the composition can be applied for a while, and then gently scraped off the fabric.

From the skin of the hands

When carrying out repair and finishing work without gloves, the sealant can get on your hands. The hardened mixture is easiest to remove with rubbing alcohol, another alcohol-containing substance, or saline solution. It is necessary to treat the contaminated area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin by wiping your hands with a cotton swab or a piece of clean cloth. To avoid contact with silicone, it is recommended to work with gloves.

On video:How to clean silicone in the bathroom from tiles

Effective Thinners

Special silicone solvents are the most effective and can be purchased at any hardware store. Sealant thinners are produced in the form of pastes, solutions, jellies, gels, sprays. Washes and wipes are made from organic thinners, therefore, when using, the type of surface to be treated must be taken into account. To get a diluted substance at home, you can use the following improvised thinners:

For household purposes, to remove silicone, you can use pure kerosene or soften the substance with a salt solution, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide. The composition does not immediately become liquid - it depends on the strength of the molecular bonds between the polymers. Therefore, the product must be left on the surface for at least ten minutes.

Caution: Do not use acid solvents on PVC materials based on polyester, polyurethane, polycarbonate and plexiglass.

Solution preparation

To dilute the sealant, you need to choose a suitable container - a solvent and a portion of silicone must fit in the container so that a liquid consistency is formed at the exit. It is advisable to open windows and doors so that the room is well ventilated. You need to work with gloves, when using aggressive chemicals - in a respirator. If silicone needs to be diluted, the sealant is combined with a thinner, mixed and after 10 minutes a liquid substance is obtained. To clean contaminated surfaces from traces, drops, excess silicone, proceed as follows:

• The cleaner is evenly applied to the sealant.
• Leave the solvent for a while.
• After softening, wipe with a dry cloth.
• The surface is washed with water, dried.

When using special washes, the manufacturer indicates on the package how long it takes to soften the composition. On average, they stand from ten minutes to an hour. You can clean off the remnants of silicone with a scraper, trying not to damage the surface to be treated. If there are greasy traces of the solvent, they are washed out with warm water and dish detergent.

In order not to inadvertently damage the surface, it is recommended to test any solvent in an inconspicuous place and check the reaction of the material. It is better to give preference to professional washes and wipes - the substances effectively dilute, thin and dissolve silicone-based sealants. All work must be carried out using personal protective equipment to prevent contact with chemicals on the skin. Masters recommend that you immediately perform a neat seam - then you do not have to look for means to remove excess silicone.

How to dissolve silicone sealant (2 videos)

Means and methods for cleaning silicone sealant (20 photos)

Modern building and repair materials are characterized by improved qualities. They are not affected by negative environmental factors. Therefore, it is quite difficult to wash them off after application. Silicone sealant also has this quality. How to dissolve this substance is often of interest to non-professional repairmen.

If you want to do the installation yourself, you can stain finishing materials, clothes or hands. Then you have to decide how to dissolve the adhesive sealant. Indeed, on different surfaces, it requires a special approach to elimination. Therefore, the same agent cannot remove the substance from the skin of the hands and the tiled surface. Silicone elimination technology is discussed below.

Silicone sealant and its properties

In search of an answer to the question of how silicone sealant can be dissolved, it is necessary to understand what kind of substance it is. The presented compositions are used to cover seams and joints on various surfaces. This material protects against moisture penetration, improves the thermal insulation qualities of the finish.

It is made on the basis of a special rubber. The composition (depending on the scope of application) includes various additives. In air or under the influence of other chemicals, the mastic becomes hard and durable.

Such a sealant is often used in the decoration of the bathroom, the creation of aquariums, swimming pools, as well as in the arrangement of ventilation systems.

Peculiarities

The first variety is most easily affected by various chemicals. It is also necessary to consider what type of surface the substance has fallen on. Most often, glue has to be removed from glass, ceramic tiles, and sinks. It can remain on the countertop, and sometimes gets on clothes or hands.

For each case there are means. Some people try to clean surfaces mechanically. However, this is a pretty bad idea. Especially when it comes to tiles, glass or countertops. Yes, and clothes can be damaged by applying mechanical forces. Therefore, it will be more correct to dissolve the silicone sealant. But this process should be taken responsibly.

It should be noted that there are a number of features in the elimination of glue. How to dissolve the dried silicone sealant will depend on the type of base. If the glue has not yet hardened, it is very easy to wipe it with a damp cloth.

But if during the first 20 minutes. the repairman did not notice the silicone stain on the material, the procedure for removing the sealant becomes much more complicated. The fact is that not every surface can be treated with chemicals. The solvent will easily damage leather, colored fabrics or painted surfaces.

Therefore, in such conditions, removing silicone becomes an almost impossible task. It would be wiser in the process of applying the sealant to monitor the cleanliness of the surrounding objects.

Glass

If in the process of sealing window panes, an aquarium, this material was stained with glue, you can use one of the following chemicals. In search of an answer to the question of how to dissolve silicone sealant to a liquid state, you need to consider special chemicals. This, for example, "Penta-840", white spirit.

These are special solvents released to remove such adhesives. However, their cost is quite high. White spirit is considered universal. It is applied for a certain time on the surface. Next, the substance, together with the softened sealant, is removed from the surface. If desired, you can try using gasoline or kerosene as a solvent. Their cost will be less, but the efficiency is worse. Therefore, surface treatment will have to spend more time and effort.

Tile

When deciding how to quickly dissolve silicone sealant on a tile, you need to evaluate its quality. If this lining does not withstand exposure to chemical elements, special solvents such as white spirit and Penta-840 will not work. The tile will lose its aesthetic qualities, crack.

In this case, you will have to be patient. Unseemly areas are rubbed with gasoline or kerosene until the silicone softens. Then it just rubs off the surface. Do not use abrasive products for this. Because of them, scratches form on the tile.

tabletop

When installing a new kitchen sink, a small amount of sealant can get out from under it onto the countertop. If you react quickly, a rag with gasoline or kerosene will help to remove the protruding glue. Therefore, before starting work, the necessary funds should be prepared for safety net.

But solving the question of how to dissolve the silicone sealant under the sink, if it is dry, will have to work hard. The fact is that chemical special solvents almost always spoil the countertop. Only varieties of natural stone can withstand such impacts.

Therefore, it is necessary to rub the protruding silicone with a non-abrasive detergent or gasoline. It will soften up after a while. It can be removed from the surface with a wooden spatula. It leaves minimal scratches.

Even using a detergent, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the countertop. Cheap, non-moisture-resistant varieties are destroyed by prolonged exposure to such substances. Here it can be advised only to mechanically remove the protruding sealant.

The work is long and painstaking. But with careful actions, it will still be possible to remove the silicone.

Clothes and hands

During the repair process, it is not uncommon for silicone sealant to get on hands or clothes. How to dissolve this substance under such conditions is of interest to many people. If the glue that got on the fabric was universal, it can be scrubbed with alcohol or vodka. These tools are suitable for removing silicone from the skin of the hands. With cotton wool moistened with a substance, the sealant is carefully wiped off.

But if the glue that got on the fabric or skin was acidic, it should be removed with a 70% vinegar solution. This method is only suitable for clothes. Burns may remain on the skin, especially if the product is rubbed hard.

Therefore, if silicone of this variety gets on your hands, you must immediately wash it with alcohol wipes. Work must be carried out with gloves. Clothes are treated with vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Next, using a brush, rub the silicone remaining on the fabric. This will quickly eliminate pollution.

Having considered the features that the presented adhesive possesses, you can independently and quite qualitatively remove silicone sealant from different surfaces. How to dissolve such a substance depends on the base material. Actions must be carried out as deliberately as possible. Otherwise, you may damage the materials, fabric or your skin. It is better to remove dirt immediately, even before the silicone dries.

When carrying out construction work, it is very often necessary to dissolve the silicone sealant. But not everyone knows how to dissolve silicone sealant so as not to spoil the work surface. We analyzed in detail in this article how you can dissolve silicone sealant if there is no special tool at hand.

How to dissolve silicone sealant

Silicone sealant is mainly used for bonding various surfaces, sealing joints and grouting joints. Silicone sealant joints are very durable and resistant to external influences. Silicone joints have excellent adhesion to various materials. Due to its high adhesion, silicone sealant is extremely difficult to remove from the surface after it has dried. Today we will talk about how to dissolve silicone sealant, how to safely remove excess silicone from various surfaces, as well as hands and your clothes, and how to dilute thickened sealant in an open tube.

Types of silicone sealants and their application

Before proceeding with the dissolution of silicone sealant to a liquid state, it is necessary to find out its type and composition. All silicone sealants are complex substances and consist of the following components:

• The basis is silicone rubber;
• vulcanizer - the ingredient is responsible for curing the sealant composition;
• fill - gives the sealant volume and color;
• plasticizer - gives the composition elasticity after drying;
• amplifier - allows the composition to achieve the required strength;
• adhesion activator - is responsible for the strong connection of the sealant with the surface.

Fillers for silicone sealant

Also, according to the type of vulcanizer, all silicone sealants are divided into three main groups:

• acid sealants - in them, acetic acid acts as a vulcanizer. Such a sealant can be distinguished by the sharp unpleasant smell of vinegar and the marking with the letter "A". Such a sealant cannot be used on materials that react with acids (copper, marble, cement mortar);
• neutral sealants - in this type of silicone sealants, the vulcanizing agent is alcohol or ketoxime. This type of silicone sealant has a low odor that disappears quickly after application and is suitable for all surfaces.
• alkaline sealants - in this case, the vulcanizer works on the basis of ammonia compounds. Such a sealant belongs to special-purpose compositions and is used very rarely. It can be distinguished by the specific smell of stale fish.

Also, silicone sealants can be divided into several types according to the type of purpose:

• Plumbing, which have high moisture resistance and resistance to the formation of fungus and mold. Such a sealant is used to seal gaps between plumbing fixtures and other surfaces. Plumbing sealants can be acid or alcohol based. (How to properly use plumbing sealant can be found in this)
• Construction sealant. It is used for outdoor work and is suitable for filling gaps in building structures. Most often, universal sealants on a neutral basis are used.
• Sealants for wood - used to seal wooden frames and eliminate defects in wooden coatings. They very often include a filler, which gives the sealant a characteristic woody color, imitating the desired wood species.
• sealant - it is used to install gaskets in car systems. This sealant is very resistant to moisture and can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees. It is not recommended to use in direct contact with gasoline!
• Red Silicone Sealant - Cures quickly when exposed to air. It is used for sealing electrical connections and in the installation of pumping and plumbing systems.
• Adhesive sealant based on silicone, which is used to connect glass surfaces and install aquariums. After the sealant dries, the parts are very firmly connected to each other even with a small contact area.

Silicone sealants are used to connect various surfaces, grout joints and seal joints. They are durable, resistant to external influences and have excellent adhesion to various materials. It is because of the high adhesion silicone sealant can be difficult to remove from treated surfaces especially after it dries. Today you will learn how to dissolve silicone sealant, how to safely remove excess silicone from various surfaces, hands and clothes, and how to dilute thickened sealant in a tube.

Before you figure out how to dissolve the sealant in various situations, you need to know its composition.

Silicone sealant - basic properties and qualities

All sealants are complex substances consisting of several components:

• the basis– silicone rubber;
• vulcanizer- he is responsible for the hardening of the composition;
• filler, giving volume and color, in transparent sealants, the filler may be absent;
• plasticizer- it gives the composition elasticity after drying;
• amplifier to achieve the composition of the required strength;
• adhesion activator, which is responsible for the strong connection of the sealant with the surface.

According to the type of vulcanizer, all silicone sealants are divided into three groups:

• acid sealants - acetic acid acts as a vulcanizing agent. They can be distinguished by the sharp unpleasant smell of vinegar and the marking with the letter "A". Acetic acid sealants must not be used on materials that react with acids (copper, aluminium, marble and limestone, as well as cement mortars);

Acid silicone sanitary sealant Bessere Werte – Sanitary

• neutral, vulcanizing agent - alcohol or ketoxim. They have a low odor that quickly disappears after application, and are suitable for any surface;

• alkaline, based on amines - ammonia compounds. They belong to special-purpose formulations; they are rarely used for domestic purposes. They can be distinguished by the specific smell of stale fish.

Silicone sealants according to their purpose can be divided into several types.

1. Plumbing, with increased moisture resistance and resistance to the formation of mold and fungus. Scope - sealing gaps between plumbing fixtures and other surfaces, sealing plumbing threaded connections, pipes. May be acid or alcohol based.
2. Construction sealants, for outdoor and indoor use, suitable for sealing gaps in building structures, sealing joints, grouting joints. Most often, universal sealants on a neutral basis are used.
3. Sealants for wood- for sealing wooden frames, eliminating defects in wooden coatings. Often they include a filler that gives the sealant a certain color and imitates a particular type of wood.
   

   
   
   
   The advantage of silicone is its high moisture resistance.
   
   

4. Automotive Black Silicone Sealant used when installing gaskets in various vehicle systems. It is resistant to moisture, oils and antifreezes, withstands temperatures up to 300°C. Not recommended for use in contact with gasoline!
5. Red silicone sealant characterized by rapid hardening upon contact with atmospheric moisture. It is used for sealing electrical connections, during the installation of pumping, plumbing and heating systems.
6. Silicone based sealant used to connect smooth, including glass surfaces, for example, when installing aquariums. After the sealant dries, the parts are firmly connected to each other even with a small contact area.

Important! The composition of the sealant and its purpose are usually indicated on the packaging. There may also be information on suitable solvents.

Ways to remove silicone sealant

Silicone is an organosilicon compound with a strong polymer chain, which is quite difficult to destroy after the composition has set. Therefore, when performing construction and finishing work, it is better to immediately correct flaws and remove excess sealant.

Gloves must be used when working with sealant.

Silicone can be removed mechanically or using chemicals. During mechanical processing, fresh or hardened sealant is removed with a spatula or blade, the residues are cleaned with a cloth moistened with water or a suitable composition. The mechanical method is suitable for surfaces with high hardness and scratch resistance, or for rough finishes.

To remove cured sealant, smeared with a thin layer, a plastic dishcloth or any abrasive, such as table salt, is suitable. It is applied to a slightly moistened sponge and wiped with a sealant-contaminated surface.

Chemical stripping uses a variety of liquids to break down the internal structure of the silicone. These include both special washes and solvents for general use.

Important! When using any solvent, it is necessary to test it on the material being processed. The solvent is applied to the material sample or to its surface in an inconspicuous place and left for some time. If after processing there is no corrosion, swelling of the material, tarnishing or discoloration, the composition can be used for this surface.

Solvent choice

Most of the compounds and solutions used to remove sealants are aggressive liquids that can react with various materials and coatings. When removing silicone, it is important not to damage the surface to be treated. The choice of solvent depends on the material from which the sealant is to be removed.

Table 1 lists the commonly used agents that can dissolve silicone sealant. They are inexpensive and are in the arsenal of any builder.

Table 1. Broad Spectrum Solvents Suitable for Silicone Sealant.

Important! Toxic silicone removers should only be used if the area is well ventilated and a respirator is used.

If universal products have failed or their use on the surface to be cleaned is unacceptable, you can resort to special solvents for the sealant. They destroy the silicone polymer chain, causing softening of even old stains. Special tools are significantly more expensive, but they act more efficiently without damaging the surface to be treated.

Table 2. Special tools - silicone solvents.

Important! Despite the fact that acetic acid is part of some sealants, it does not have the ability to effectively dissolve cured silicone. It is most often useless to use it as a solvent.

How to remove silicone from hands and clothes

When working with sealant, it is always better to use protective gloves and overalls, but if contamination of hands and clothes could not be avoided, it is better to clean them before the silicone dries completely.

You can wipe the silicone sealant from your hands with any solvent from the above. After that, hands should be washed with warm soapy water and lubricated with a protective cream - most solvents have a harmful effect on the skin.

It is more difficult to remove the sealant from clothes, it eats into the structure of the fabric. You can try the following methods:

• fresh dirt can be pry off with a spatula and gently pulled off the fabric, the residues can be cleaned with a special agent based on non-aggressive solvents or gasoline;
• if the silicone had time to grab and began to harden, put the item in the freezer. After curing, silicone can simply be scraped off the fabric;
• stubborn dirt is removed by applying a solvent to the stain. After softening the silicone, its remnants are carefully removed with a cotton swab;
• you can try removing the silicone with a hot iron and absorbent paper such as paper towel. Paper is placed on both sides of the stain and the contaminated area is ironed. Silicone under the influence of temperature softens and is absorbed into the paper.

Important! Any of the specialized solvents can be used to dissolve the cured silicone sealant in the tube. But, given the high price of these funds, it is most often not advisable to restore a dried sealant.

Video - How to remove silicone sealant from various surfaces

As you can see from the review of products, it is not difficult to dissolve silicone sealant, the main thing is to choose a product that is suitable for a given surface. And so that such a problem does not arise, it is better to use masking tape when applying the sealant, and protect your hands with gloves.

In repair work today, silicone sealant is often used - primarily in the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen. It protects the seams from moisture and leakage, protecting materials from destruction. However, nothing lasts forever, and it's time to remove the old adhesive to apply a new one, replace the bath bowl, etc. In such cases, the best option is to use a special cleaner. If the silicone accidentally stained the clothes, you should first turn to folk methods so as not to damage the fabric.

Special funds

In the case of repair work, it is worth immediately resorting to household chemicals in order to quickly dissolve the silicone sealant and proceed with the main repair. This will significantly save time and effort.

The procedure is similar for all types of flushing:

1. Cut off part of the silicone, leaving no more than 2 mm (as a rule, this is required when the material is accidentally spilled on a surface other than the surface to be bonded).
2. Let the reactions go. As a result, the adhesive softens to a gel-like state and loses most of its adhesive properties.
3. Remove residues with a spatula, dry cloth or other tool.
4. Degrease, removing the remains of the cleaner and preparing the surface for a new seam.

Important! When removing the top layer of silicone with a blade, be careful not to damage the enamel of the bathtub, tiles, and other surfaces to be cleaned.

TOP effective remedies against silicone sealant:

• Tytan - the most popular solvent represented by the Polish brand "Selena". The wash is packaged in a 80 ml syringe, not very convenient, but quite suitable for work. The tool takes from 20 minutes to 3 hours to cope with the glue, but the result justifies itself: the remnants are removed easily, without effort. The main drawback of the product is a pungent odor, which requires good ventilation or exhaust operation.
• Silicone Remove r from a Belgian company soudal- a cleaner of the average price category. 100 ml cost an average of 300 rubles. Includes spatula and brush. However, buyers do not respond very well to the wash. There is a poor-quality spatula, which is not enough for all the work, a sharp smell of a cleaner and its low efficiency.

• HG One of the best silicone sealant removers. Container - 100 ml, a spatula and a brush are included, which are enough to apply a wash and remove the glue. In 30 minutes, the seam corrodes so much that it can be removed even with a simple napkin. At the same time, buyers note a pleasant smell.
• Kudo - a cheap remedy against silicone, 520 ml cost only 150 rubles. However, the downside is high consumption and relatively low efficiency.

• Auster Silicone Cleaner - silicone and mold cleaner, which ranks 5th in popularity. It belongs to the middle category and costs 200 rubles. for 60 ml. It copes well with silicone sealant, after half an hour the material is removed with a spatula without effort.
• Mellerud - another widely used medium-priced product, with approximately the same characteristics as Auster.

Folk methods

For various reasons, a special solvent for silicone sealant may not be at hand. In this case, non-core cleaners are used.

From non-special household solvents are used:

• "White Spirit", which noticeably softens the silicone, so that after 30-60 minutes it is easier to separate, but you cannot do without a knife, spatula or the like as a tool, i.e. the effectiveness of the agent is average or lower;
• the mounting foam cleaner copes well with the traces that remain after the dismantling of the main layer of sealant, however, in some cases it will have to be finalized with a knife or spatula;
• the solvent copes with the task rather poorly, but still softens the silicone and makes it easier to remove it, the seam needs to be soaked, and for this it is necessary to constantly renew the solvent layer, since it evaporates quickly;
• acetone is useless against old sealant and traces after its mechanical removal, while doing a good job with fresh drops of silicone, so it will be enough during the repair to remove accidental drips.

Remove drops of silicone sealant from clothing, furniture upholstery, and plastic with special care. In these cases, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide will help dissolve the silicone. Both products are suitable for small fresh dirt, they cope worse with old ones.

Advice! Peroxide can discolor dark and colored fabrics - first check its safety on an inconspicuous area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe fabric.

Instruction:

1. If possible, place a clean napkin or cotton pad under the stain.
2. Moisten the trace with plenty of vinegar or peroxide.
3. Leave for 30-40 minutes.
4. Remove the remnants with a dry cloth, if the texture of the fabric allows - with sandpaper or a stiff brush, the abrasive side of a regular dish sponge.
5. Wash with laundry soap or dish gel.

If you need to wipe the upholstery, then the stain itself is not moistened - it is treated with a cotton pad or rags soaked in vinegar or peroxide.

Folk remedies effectively cope with fresh and small pollution, they are practically useless against old ones. They will help soften the seam in the bathroom or in the kitchen, but it will take time, repeated soaking and effort when cleaning. Therefore, for repair purposes, it is worth giving preference to special solvents for silicone sealant.