How to remove silicone sealant

If your silicone sealant is looking worse for wear and needs replacing, follow these simple and easy steps to remove it.

Silicone sealants are often the final step in a kitchen or bathroom project and are a key component in keeping a room protected and sealed.

However, after a few years sealant can start looking tired and dirty. To replace it, it’s important to remove the current sealant first. Here’s a step by step on how to do it properly.

Tools required for the job:

• Soapy water

• Sponge

• Sealant remover

• Utility knife or scraper

• Hair dryer

• WD-40

How to remove silicone sealant from tiles?

1. Before startingthe removal, be sure to clean the sealant really well with soapy water and a sponge or towel. This will remove any dirt or mould build up

2. Once you have cleaned the area you wish to work on, dry it down with a towel or cloth

3. Apply a sealant remover by either squeezing it or spraying it on the area. Wait a minimum of 20 minutes up to a few hours for it to work its magic. This will loosen the silicone sealant and make it easier to remove

4. Now your sealant is malleable, carefully use a utility knife or scraper to scrape off the sealant from the desired area. Be extra careful not to damage the tiles behind it - a gentle hand is key!

5. For more stubborn patches of sealant, you can apply heat on to the area using a hairdryer which should make it easier to remove

6. Once the sealant has been fully removed, clean off the residue with the soapy water that you used to clean the area at the start

How to remove silicone sealant from metal?

1. Removing silicone sealant from metal is similar to how you would remove it from tiles however it’s important to be careful not to scratch the metal

2. Using a plastic caulk remover can be a good option to prevent scratching the metal surface. Or make sure you are super careful when it comes to using your scraper - work slowly and meticulously

Top tip: Spray some WD-40 on the stubborn area to help budge the sealant and carry on scraping.

How to remove silicone sealant from plastic?

There is no doubt that removing silicone sealant from plastic is a little bit harder than removing silicone sealant from tiles.

There is a risk that removing the sealant can damage the plastic as it often clings on. However, if you’re careful with a steady hand it shouldn’t be impossible.

1. Apply your sealant remover of choice

2. Make sure to leave it a bit longer for plastic to give it time to fully break down the sealant. A couple of hours would be ideal

3. This should mean you don’t have to do as much work with the scraper. Gently scrape off the sealant with your utility knife or scraper

4. Wipe the area clean with a sponge and soapy water to get rid of any residue

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