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.
The silicone sticks tightly to the tiles and it seems that nothing can clean it off.
The problem will be solved if you approach it wisely, having studied in advance all possible ways to remove sealant from tiles in the bathroom.
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How to remove mechanically?
Carefully removing a thick layer of silicone and cleaning large areas covered with sealant is possible, provided that sharp objects are used.
Use a sharp stationery or construction knife or razor blade to cut off the layers sealant. To do this, you need to very carefully trim the layer of silicone adjacent to the surface of the tile.
If the material is not very hardened, after cutting it can be removed with one jerk. Pieces of hardened sealant are cleaned from the surface of the tile using a narrow metal spatula, scraper and tweezers.
In construction stores you can purchase 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 cleaned off with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge or an eraser.
How to scrub with improvised means?
Minor traces of sealant will help you clean the available products without much effort:
White Spirit
A universal solvent that softens layers of silicone sealant on tiles.
Traces of sealant are thoroughly rubbed with a rag soaked generously in 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 sealed silicone layer from tiles. For cleaning, you need to prepare a composition of acetic acid and alcohol (mix in equal proportions).
Received product spray through a spray bottle onto the silicone mark, leave for half an hour, and then carefully scrape it off with a knife.
To clean hardened particles of sealant, a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid is supplemented with soda ash (1 tbsp is enough).
Dichlorvos
Simply spray the product onto the sealant and leave for ten minutes.. Thanks to the solvent in the cockroach spray, the silicone softens very quickly and can be easily removed with a rag or sponge.
How to clean with special compounds?
On the shelves of hardware stores there is a wide range of aerosols, pastes and solvents, using which you can quickly and accurately remove traces of sealant from bathroom tiles. The TOP 3 most popular and effective means are presented below:
Penta 840
Remover for silicone and polymer materials Penta 840 easily dissolves hardened sealant on tiles.
It is enough to cover traces of silicone with a rag generously moistened with Penta 840 remover.. After just five to ten minutes, the hardened sealant will soften to such an extent that it can be easily removed with a rag or sponge.
The average cost is 470 rubles. (volume 900 ml).
Dow Corning R-40
Dow Corning R-40 Surface Cleaner is an alcohol solution containing surfactants that will quickly clean the silicone layer from the 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 easily remove sealant from tile, 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 surface of the tile or use several chemicals at the same time.
Another preparation for cleaning tiles from sealant and its use is in the video:
Adviсe
Secrets of experienced masters will help Remove sealant from tiles as quickly and carefully as possible:
- Before treating the silicone layer with chemical solvents, areas of the tile that are clean from sealant must be protected with masking tape.
- The easiest way to remove fresh, not yet hardened sealant. It is enough to wipe the surface with a rag or sponge soaked in soapy water.The longer the silicone comes into contact with the tile surface, the more difficult it is to remove.
- Salt will help remove minor traces of sealant on the tiles. A small amount of table salt is wrapped in a canvas bag, slightly moistened, and then rubbed onto the stain on the tiled surface.
- A thin slotted screwdriver will help to carefully clean the sealant in hard-to-reach places (for example, the junction of the floor and wall surfaces). It is enough to trim the layer of sealant and carefully pick up the edge, use a thin screwdriver, and with a sharp movement remove the silicone from the tile.
- When cleaning ceramic tiles (especially using chemicals), do not forget about personal protective equipment: rubber gloves, a respirator and goggles.
You will find useful tips and tricks on removing silicone sealant in the bathroom Here.
Conclusion
Care, patience and the right sealant remover will ensure the best results when cleaning your bathroom tiles.
