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How to remove silicone residue from Ceramic Tile?
QUESTION
How to remove silicone residue from Ceramic Tile? - My client is complaining that there is silicone residue in several small spots on their bathroom tile floor from the installation of their glass shower enclosure. The installer tried to remove it by using a glass scraper blade and alcohol and a rag. I thought he successfully got the residue off, but my client says no, there's still a slippery feeling when she runs her finger over the spots. Should I repeat the procedure with alcohol and a ScotchBrite pad, or is there anything else that would work--mineral spirits or dish detergent? What about acetone , vinegar, or Goof-off? I do not want to risk damaging the tile finish or removing the sealer from the sanded grout. The tile is either ceramic, or more probably porcelain. What can you recommend?ANSWER
ANSWER - Silicone residue is normally removed with a razor blade scrapper. If it still leaves a film residue on the surface of the tile you could try to use xylene, acetone or goof-off with a scrub pad. You can also use silica sand with water and abrasively remove it with a scrub pad. My experience is that silicone isn't too difficult to remove.Make sure that whatever method you use, you test it first to make sure it performs to your satisfaction and doesn't cause any type of damage. If you have a through-body porcelain tile or a glazed porcelain tile then it should be durable enough to withstand the cleaning process, but some types of tile or stone could be damaged, so it is important to approach it carefully and test your cleaning method out in an inconspicuous area. Good luck.
16 thoughts on “How to remove silicone residue from Ceramic Tile?”
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I’m removing a bathroom sink secured by silicone glue to ceramic tile that has been there for several years. I’m installing a smaller sink so question is, will the silicone have stained the tile?
If the tile is a glazed tile then the silicone probably won’t stain it, but it depends on what type of tile you have and what type of silicone was used. Some silicons have oils that can migrate into different materials like some natural stones. You have to read the silicone manufacture’s data sheet to determine what surfaces it is recommended for.
How do you remove silicon that’s already in the water from glass shower doors?
First of all dry the area where the silicone is located with a hair dryer. Usually silicone can be scraped up off of a surface with a razor blade. If it is in a joint then you can cut it out with a utility knife. Whatever you do, perform a test first to make sure it will work to your satisfaction.
Hi I’m trying to paint tiles in kitchen but previous owners left cilacone on them so so paint isn’t taking . How do I remove it
Thanks
Silicone residue is normally removed with a razor blade scraper. If it still leaves a film residue on the surface of the tile you could try to use xylene, acetone or goof-off with a scrub pad. You can also use silica sand with water and abrasively remove it with a scrub pad if it doesn’t scratch the tile. My experience is that silicone isn’t too difficult to remove.
Make sure that whatever method you use, you test it first to make sure it performs to your satisfaction and doesn’t cause any type of damage. If you have a through-body porcelain tile or a glazed porcelain tile then it should be durable enough to withstand the cleaning process, but some types of tile or stone could be damaged, so it is important to approach it carefully and test your cleaning method out in an inconspicuous area. Good luck.
xylene helped me with removing the main silicone bead and scraping the film. It aeemed to loosen and soften silicone but watch out for your skin, my fingers are tingling now.
Another way to remove the silicone is to use a heat gun to soften it and then scrape it up. Also there is a product called Goo Gone that says if will remove silicone. I have used it on other glues and it works well and is more friendly.
Thanks for the insight. How about removing auto oil from pavers? Any information on this would be great. We have rental property, and the tenants are keeping us busy.
Depend on what kind of pavers they are and how absorbing they are. Generally solvents like acetone and mineral spirts or alkaline degreasers will break down the petroleum, but you have to be careful that you don’t cause the stain to spread. Powerwashing after treating can help if the stain doesn’t penetrate too deep into the paver.
I just put up glass tile, Jeffrey Court glass tiles, color is palm. I got some silicone caulk on a few places and I got most of it off, but there is a haze that I just cant remove no matter what i use or how much pressure I put on. Any suggestions?
You might try a pencil eraser to see if that will remove the haze. You don’t want to use anything too abrasive or you might scratch the tile. Normally a solvent will do it like goof-off, but you need to use clean lint free cloths and wipe promptly. Whatever you do, test it on a small spot first to make sure you are satisfied with the results before proceeding.
Hi
I have some silicone on sealed terrazzo tile which I can’t get off what is the best way to get it off? I have tried razor blades and it doesn’t work?
If I use acetone do I have to resell the tile?
If there is silicone material on the tile, normally you can scrape if off safely without scratching the tile if you are careful. If it is a silicone residue film then maybe try xylene or acetone.
We have a wet floor shower and the silicone has gone mouldy the builder told me to remove, but wondering if this is going to still be water tight.?
I assume you are referring to the joint between the floor tile and wall tile that should be filled/caulked with a silicone or polyurethane sealant.
If you remove the silicone in the joint, then the joint is not waterproof. Some people believe it should be left open for weeping any residual water behind the tile. If you do that joint tends to collect dirt and organic matter and develops microbial growth. The standards state to fill the joint. If you use a colored silicone sealant or a polyurethane sealant it should not discolor the sealant.