DIY: How to Remove Silicone Caulk
Silicone caulk is recognized for its flexibility and long life span. It is used to seal joints around dissimilar surfaces in high moisture areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Although silicone caulk is durable, it eventually requires removal due to deterioration or exposure to mildew and mold. Water and moisture can seep through weak, loose and deteriorating silicone caulk, causing damage to surfaces. Fortunately, basic tools and supplies can effectively remove silicone caulk from surfaces. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Medium-duty leather gloves
- Sharp utility knife
- Needle nose pliers
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Glass scraper
- Nylon scouring pad
- Mineral spirits
- Paper towels
Instructions
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1
Put on medium-duty leather gloves to protect your hands. Slice through the center of the silicone caulk bead using a sharp utility knife. Cut along the entire length of the caulk bead.
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2
Grab the caulk bead with needle nose pliers. Peel off as much of the caulk bead as possible.
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3
Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray water directly onto the remaining caulk.
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4
Soak a nylon scouring pad in mineral spirits. Scrub the surface with the nylon pad to remove any remaining silicone residue.
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5
Rinse the surface with fresh water to wash away the mineral spirits and debris. Thoroughly dry the surface with paper towels.
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Tips & Warnings
Soften extremely hard silicone caulk with commercial oven cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the product's label.
Be careful not to scratch the surface with the glass scraper.
References
- Photo Credit a blue utility knife image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
