Silicone is used in a wide variety of jobs around the house. It usually seals gaps, joints in bathrooms, kitchens and windows. And even if all precautions are taken when using this adhesive, it is possible, and not uncommon, for something to fall to the floor. That is why today we share with you some tips for remove silicone from the floor.
Whether the work is done by professionals or we are the ones who decide to replace the damaged silicone with new one to avoid problems with bacteria and fungi, some of the silicone could end up stuck to our floors. Acting quickly is key In these cases, however, we do not always notice it at the time and the silicone ends up drying. If this happens, removing it is not easy, but it is not impossible either. Find out how to do it!
What is silicone?
Silicone is a Popular fixing and sealing product used in various DIY tasks. This odorless polymer is made from silicon and its main virtue is to maintain a certain elasticity once applied.
How to remove silicone when it is still fresh
As a fixing material, silicone needs a drying time to do its job. So removing it while it is still fresh is easy. Therefore, in the event of any spill, it is best to remove it while it is still wet. Act quickly and clean the stained area of the floor with silicone effectively.
To remove silicone from the floor in these cases, it will be enough to Use a paper towel or a clothIf it has started to dry out, however, it may be necessary to apply a little heat first to soften it so it can be removed from the surface.
How to remove dried silicone
If you have noticed that the floor is stained with silicone once the work has been finished, it is probably already dry. When this happens it will be very difficult to remove it as we have done in the previous point and you will need other tools to achieve this.
When the silicone is dry, One of the most useful tools to remove it is a knife. Scraping with a razor blade, like the ones we use, for example, to remove paint residue from glass, is quite effective when the paint is completely dry and you are working on a smooth surface. However, it may not be suitable for more delicate surfaces such as those made of wood or lacquered surfaces.
To do it correctly on those stronger surfaces such as ceramic floors. Place the blade close to the ground, next to the silicone and in parallel, insert the blade under it and lift gently to avoid damaging the floor.
Don't have a razor blade? You could Try using a thin metal spatula instead. or a knife, but be careful! Lift it just enough to be able to pull it out, and if it doesn't come out easily, leave before you damage the floor.
Lifting the silicone with a razor blade is only the first step in a series that we recommend you follow. Take note!
- Remove the silicone with a knife, as we have explained.
- Protecting your hands with gloves Apply ethyl alcohol or vinegar to the floor (depending on the material) to remove any silicone residue that may be stuck to the floor.
- Leave it to act for 5 to 10 minutes and then rub with a soft scouring pad or a cloth the stains using circular movements.
- Once all the remains have been removed clean the floor as you normally do.
On delicate surfaces
What happens when silicone falls on wooden or painted surfacesIn these cases, using the blade could damage the surface, so it will be necessary to act with greater caution and use other tricks and tools.
- Painted surfaces. On painted or lacquered surfaces you should avoid using both a knife, which could lift the paint, and alcohol. It is best to go to your local hardware store or DIY centre and ask them what is most suitable.
- WoodTo remove silicone from wooden floors, you will need to use tools and products that are friendly to the material. Mixing acetone and ethyl ether in equal parts and applying this solution with a cloth on the surface can be a good strategy to remove silicone without using blades. Rub gently to moisten it until you see that it begins to come off the floor. Do it first in a corner that is not very visible, since excessive or repeated use of acetone could cause the floor to lose color and shine.
As you can see, there are many ways to remove silicone from the floor, depending on the type of surface and how dry the silicone is. Ideally, however, it should not fall on the floor, so it is necessary to spend some time covering all surfaces before carrying out any work with this product. It may seem like a waste of time, but it never is!