Old silicone sealant that’s become discoloured with water or mould can quickly become an eyesore. An old sealant that’s less effective at providing a water-tight seal can also lead to damaging leaks and secondary issues if you aren’t careful.

Whether you’re redesigning your bathroom or simply want to improve appearances, removing old silicone is a great way to do it. In this complete guide, we consider everything you need to know about how to remove silicone sealant easily and efficiently. 

Understanding Silicone Sealant Removal

A well-applied silicone sealant can provide waterproof protection for years, even in highly damp areas like a shower cubicle. Unfortunately, issues like discolouration, mould growth, and visible leaks are all signs that a silicone sealant is no longer fulfilling its purpose. 

Without applying a new silicone sealant, you may soon experience notable issues like deteriorating appearances and water damage. But you can’t simply apply new sealant on top of an old layer, as this is unlikely to solve issues like leaks, and is certain to look untidy. Instead, silicone sealant removal is the best way to ensure attractive, efficient silicone sealant application. Luckily, silicone sealant removal isn’t a complex job, and it’s possible to complete this task yourself using basic tools and a general understanding of the points we’ll be discussing here. 

Essential Tools for Efficient Removal

You don’t need a lot of complex equipment to remove silicone sealant efficiently, but there are a few essential tools cleaning bits that you’ll want to hand in order to complete this task well. The most important things to have in your toolbox before you get started include – 

• A chisel or Stanley knife
• White spirit
• Wonder Wipes
• Gloves
• An old cloth

It’s also possible to invest in a specialist silicone sealant remover gel, which you can use for the removal of any excess silicone sealant residue. However, white spirit can also work for this purpose, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have this to hand when you get started. 

Preparing the Surface for Work

Before beginning the work of removing silicone sealant, you’ll need to take certain preparatory steps, including clearing the area and changing into old clothes. Once the surrounding area is ready, you’ll also need to prepare the surface of your existing silicone sealant. 

Begin by cutting off any obviously loose or cracked sections of sealant, as these should come away without resistance. Then, soften the remainder of your silicone sealant using either a silicone sealant remover gel or a cloth soaked in white spirit. Leave this for a few hours to ensure the silicone sealant is as soft as possible before you begin work.

Step-by-Step Removal Process

After a few hours of softening, your old silicone sealant should be ready for easy removal. You’ll want to remove as much of the older layer of silicone sealant as possible because that’ll make it much easier to reapply a silicone that looks good and functions well. 

You can achieve this goal by following a simple step-by-step removal process as follows –

1. Use a sharp tool to cut the old sealant away
2. Remove any residual sealant using a scrubbing cloth and some water
3. Clean the area using warm water and bleach
4. Leave the area to dry completely
5. Prepare for reapplication of silicone sealant layer

Tips for Smooth and Effective Removal

While the process of removing silicone sealant isn’t complex in itself, there are steps you can take to make your life easier as you work. Tips that may prove especially useful for ensuring a smooth and effective removal include – 

• Always soften your silicone sealant before you attempt removal
• Invest in a silicone or caulk removal tool that’s specially designed for sealant removal
• Always wear gloves for protection against cuts and chemicals
• You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to further soften stubborn areas of silicone sealant
• Avoid using metal scrapers or scrubbers, as these can damage your chosen surface
• Make sure to remove as much silicone sealant as possible

Ensuring Proper Ventilation

The use of strong chemicals like white spirit can simplify silicone sealant removal, but it also exposes you to strong fumes throughout this task. Removing mouldy or mildewed silicone sealant can also release potentially damaging spores into your surroundings.

This is why it’s essential to wear safety equipment like gloves during silicone sealant removal. It’s also important to consider proper ventilation throughout this task. To achieve this, make sure to open any windows before you apply softening agents to your existing sealant. You should then keep these windows open until you’ve reapplied a new layer of silicone sealant.

Cleaning up After Sealant Removal

Cleaning up after sealant removal is essential for ensuring that your new sealant will adhere properly to your surface. In part, you begin this step when you make sure to remove even small amounts of remaining silicone sealant using white spirit. Once you’ve removed all visible pieces of silicone sealant, it’s also important to clean the entire surface area using white spirit. You should then remove any signs of dampness or mildew that are left behind after sealant removal using a specialist mould remover spray. 

Once the area is clean, dry it thoroughly. Your new sealant will struggle to adhere to even a slightly damp surface. 

Final Inspection and Touch-Ups

You should conduct a final inspection of the area to ensure that you’ve removed as much of the old silicone sealant as possible. Try to do this a few hours after completing your initial removal, as that’ll allow you to return to the project fresh, and to notice any obvious remaining areas that you might otherwise miss. Simply dab some white spirit or sugar soap onto an old cloth, and touch up any remaining areas that you notice. This is also a useful time to re-check any areas of mould or mildew and reapply products in areas where these issues persist. 

Once you’ve completed this final inspection, you will have officially removed your silicone sealant efficiently. It’s then time to either finish the area or reapply a new layer of silicone sealant as required.