Silicone caulk is famous for its feature in rounding off varied plumbing issues from leakage to water penetration. It’s characterized by a sticky substance that looks like gel.
This product has strong adhesive tying up well almost all types of materials such as metal, plastic, wood, glass, and so forth. It also effectively seals slot available in both doors and windows.
After several years of usage, it’s worn out and needs to be removed so that the mold growth can be anticipated.
Here is how to remove silicone caulk you can do by yourself at home.
1. Get Rid of Silicone Caulk with a Scraper
Instead of using chemicals that cost amounts of money, benefitting an available tool like a scraper or putty knife is such a brilliant alternative to follow.
If you are about to remove caulk from tub, just scrape the surface with this. It’s also applicable in releasing the waste attached on a countertop or sink lip.
While cleaning up, always mind your hand as it could hurt your body’s part. The scraping time depends on how hard the unused material is. You can also remove silicone from glass with this way though.
2. A Hair Dryer Can be That Beneficial
It turns out that a hair dryer is pretty effective to remove caulk from shower. The most important thing to note (while having a go with this equipment) is that you need to carefully set the temperature.
The high heat, for sure, can damage your shower or tub and let them melt relentlessly.
If you’re still worried about using a hair dryer, there is no better way other than checking out the temperature induced by the tool with a thermometer.
Have a try on the lowest level of heat on the setting and slowly get rid of the plastic waste.
After heating up the silicone caulk and letting it burnt for a couple of seconds, immediately slice the waste with a razor blade. Ensure that the remaining parts are gone.
The leftover silicone that sticks to the surface will impede the following new installation.
For practicality reason, you can purchase a tool named Homax caulk removal tool. Some of you might be unfamiliar with this device.
The best description of it is that it comes with a flat surface of which function is to take out the caulk without making your tub or shower getting scratched.
3. Removing Silicone Caulk with Varies Tools and Supplies
If you want to streamline the removal procedure, it’s no harm to get this effective way – using various tools and supplies.
Before getting to the further steps, you need to prepare a caulk removal tool and remover, an abrasive pad, a kitchen knife, unused toothbrush, and not to mention the bleach.
To clean silicone caulk, you can start by eliminating the dirt caused by the worn silicone caulk on the object’s surface and surrounding areas.
Regardless of the areas, the cleaning products literally matter.
The second step is applying the remover. The purpose of taking this tool is to let the silicone caulk more softened. As a result, your task in getting rid of the plastic-based waste is much easier.
The processing time for carrying out this step usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Then, cut the remaining parts with the utility knife. We recommend you to have a go with the new one for optimization. Situate the sharp blade at a low angle and start cutting through the silicone caulk.
In addition to snipping the caulking with a utility knife, ensure that you position the razor-edge object carefully if the surface belongs to a brick wall.
It should be between the wall and the caulk. You don’t require an exact knife position to remove caulking from tile.
If the affected area is quite expansive, the greatest way to perform is by splitting into some sections. Remove the waste based on the smaller division.
You don’t need to finish all in a certain period of time. Simply scrape the silicone caulk little by little.
Once you’ve eliminated the small remaining parts, it’s time for you focus on the big chunks. If they are found to be flimsy, you don’t need an extra effort as they will, in a straight line, fall off.
What about the thicker and more stubborn layers? There is nothing to get bothered; the easy trick is none other than taking full advantage of pliers.
With the help of the tools, the removal process of the tough residues is way simpler. Another additional alternative would be applying some warm water whilst taking out them.
4. Mind Thorough Cleaning at the Final Step
Eventually, do the clean-up—to rinse the whole areas—by smearing them with the bleach mixture. The combination is simply comprised of water and bleach. The ratio of the two components is 3 to 1.
While applying the effective liquid, don’t forget to rub the surface with the toothbrush of yours.
Not only is this activity effectual in removing silicone caulk but it also is great to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, as well as other dirt.
To clear out any possibilities allowing the old silicone caulk to stay, ensure to wipe with an abrasive pad (this one should be dipped in isopropyl alcohol first). You don’t need to robustly rub over it.
Simply clean up the area thoroughly and let it dry for a couple of minutes. Then, vacuum it until it’s totally dirt free. Remember the thorough cleaning highly matters.
5. How to Remove Silicone Caulk from Wood and Metal
The procedure to remove silicone caulk from wood is, in point of fact, shares an affinity with tub or tile. The difference is none other than the removal device.
Instead of using a machine, just grab a plastic putty knife. This way is to prevent the scratches frequently inflicted by a remover.
What about to remove silicone from metal objects? After scraping the old caulking with a blade and wetting the surface, rub it with a medium bristle brush.
The keynote is that you can’t use a metal-based scrubber while cleaning up on metal.
In conclusion, there is a myriad of ways to go for without involving a professional to solve the caulking matter. Tips on how to remove silicone caulk can be followed by anyone.
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