If you are like most home or property owners, you spent last winter sealing up the house to ensure that it was full of insulation for colder temperatures.
What is The Best Silicone Remover?
Paid Links / Last update on 2021-10-03
You caulk up the house nice and tight ensuring that there are no drafts, and now it is time to take off the silicone for this year’s new coat. Maybe, you got a little messy one night; you might want to find out what adhesive remover will get the caulk off the easiest.
We look at the most popular adhesive removers on the market, compare the uses, and give you our best advice on which products to use. Whether you are trying to get a stain clean, or you want the best remover so that you can reprime the surface and get it ready to re-seal, we have products that could fit all your craft, household, automotive, and marine uses.
1. Orange Sol 10022 Contractor Solvent – Editor’s Choice
- Safe To Use On A Variety Of...
- Non-Hazardous, Non-Corrosive
Paid Links / Last update on 2021-10-03
When you get ready to prepare your home for colder temperatures, you might pick a product like silicone to seal door frames and older windows. When the next year comes around, you have to remove the old sealer before cleaning and preparing the area for new silicone or caulk. The Orange Sol Contractor Solvent may be an excellent choice for those times when you want to get the job done quickly. All you have to do is spray on the remover and wait a few seconds before peeling the caulk away from the wood or metal.
Pros and Cons
- Large quantity for multiple uses
- Non-hazardous, Non-corrosive
- Diverse applications
- Works on variety of sealers and caulks
- Spray application – must block off areas, not for spraying or direct contact with remover
Buyer’s recommendations
Amazon purchasers felt this product was very diverse and handy. The rater said that the application works well for crafts and home remodeling. You might find that this remover is a good product for the home, garage, work, or boat. Because it comes in a spray bottle, the Orange Sol sealer remover is easy to transport, store, and tote around between projects. This item is our Editor’s Choice Top Silicone Remover Pick.
2. Goo Gone Pro-Power – Surface Safe, Remover – Best Remover for Multiple Surfaces
- Works on silicone caulk,...
- Professional grade cleaner...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Do you find that you need an adhesive remover handy because you always find a way to knock over the glue or the caulk comes spilling out on you during your home improvement projects? We understand because it happens to us all the time! The Goo Gone Pro-Power is one thing we think you may want to keep handy. It even helps clean your clothes when you get something sticky on them as well.
You can also find Goo Gone in our Adhesive Removers TOP5!
- Safe for almost any surface
- Easy to apply
- When using the spray gel, the remover penetrates deep for easy removal
- For use on upholstery and carpets
- May be used on clothing, work uniforms, and outdoor gear
- For use on tools, cabinets, or floors with the same results
- Works for grease stains, tape residue, varnish, paint when wet, and wax
- No odors
- Does not work for suede or leather clothing
- Do not use for fragile materials like silk
Consumer questions and answers
Amazon reviewers love that Goo Gone works excellent for clothing and numerous surfaces including ill-placed stickers. Using this product on auto paint is acceptable, but with any new product use, it is always recommended to try a sample area first to see results. For tough stains and sticky residues, consumers recommend spraying on the remover and letting it sit for about ten minutes before trying to work out the caulk or silicone.
3. Goof Off FG705 Heavy Duty Remover Pump Spray – Safe for indoor use
- Removes tough spots and stains...
- Leaves no oily residue
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
The Goof Off FG705 Heavy Duty Remover Pump Spray is one product you might want to keep in your garage or tool shed. This remover is excellent for use indoor and outdoor areas like siding, brick, stone, metal, glass, wood, and ceramic. You may find that it works well on fiberglass too, so it is an excellent option for storing on your boat, just in case.
- Removes tough spots and stains ordinary household cleaners can’t
- Ideal for all metals, glass, brick, wood, concrete, grout, vinyl tops, fiberglass, hand tools and more
- No harsh fumes
- Leaves no oily residue
- You may still need some elbow grease or a good scraper with this product
Recommendations by users
One Amazon buyer said the product is useful, so you might find it works well on brick and stone or that it is more helpful around the tub. This item works better on uncured silicones, but it does soften and help remove the old stuff too.
4. Re-Mov Silicone and Adhesive Remover – Best Elbow Saver
- Unbonds and Removes Adhesives...
- Safe and Effective for Use on...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Are you looking for a silicone remover that does not require tools and a ton of scraping? This item may be just what you want because it removes silicone, tape, and adhesives by breaking the chemical bond that holds silicone and glues together. The Re-Mov is created to work fast and loosen the caulk or sealer so that you do not have to work so hard.
- Helps users avoid dip tanks and heat removal
- Less harmful than other removers when coming in contact with the skin
- Works on expanding foam
- Removes silicone, caulk, and glues
- Helpful for loosening and taking off tape adhesive and fire barrier materials
- Works safely on numerous items including fabric
- Safe for use on mirrors, glass, and fiberglass objects
- Used on varnished and enamel surfaces with ease
- No problems when used on cultured marble, stone, tile, or painted surfaces
- Useful for removing caulk from plexiglass
- Not for use with leather or rubber
Consumer comments
Do you have a ton of caulk or silicone to remove? You may find that this item is something that you have to keep around because it saves you time and effort. Applying the Re-Mov product may need a little time to work on difficult sealers, so you could put it on the affected area for about ten minutes before you plan to remove the caulk. It is safe to use on most surfaces including polycarbonates in motorcycle helmets and painted surfaces like garages and tool sheds.
5. 3M Industrial Citrus Base Cleaner – Best Tape Remover
- Excellent for removal of...
- Used for cleaning a wide...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Do you want to redesign an area with a lot of taped up items? Perhaps you have an office full of posters that you want to redo and make a waiting area? Whatever area is full of tape and grease, we think this 3M product may be just what you want.
- Great degreasing agents safe for tools and heavy-duty equipment
- Works for paraffin wax
- Takes off markers, dirt, and tar
- Food safe and works in culinary applications
- No complaints or problems
Buyer recommendations
Most recent consumers give this product five stars. You may find it becomes a favorite because of the food grade manufacturing.
You can also find another 3M product in our Adhesive Removers TOP5!
6. Haoguo 3 in 1 Silicone Caulking Tools, Sealant Removal Tool – Must Have Tool
- 3 In 1 Silicone Trowel and...
- Simple to use: Use directly...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
If you don’t want to waste your time, but used to make your work thoroughly, Haoguo 3 in 1 Silicone Caulking Tool is Your Tool! It helps to get brilliant results without excess moves.Haoguo 3 in 1 Silicone Caulking Tool needs no promotion. Just try and you’ll see all its advantages.
- 3 in 1 silicone trowel and scraper
- Simple to use
- High quality
- Includes 5 silicone pads
- Includes no batteries
7.3M 38983 General Purpose Adhesive Remover – Best Quality for the cost
- Blend of non-abrasive solvents...
- Versatile for use during and...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
The 3M specialty remover is a product that might be one you want to keep on hand because it works in a variety of applications. You might find that old contact paper on your RV table needs refreshing; you can make quick work of the job by spraying on the silicone remover and letting it sit for about ten minutes before working the material loose. You might want to use a putty knife for removing large areas of silicone. A rag may work best for smaller applications.
Pros and Cons
- Works on numerous silicone and reactive sealants
- Removes stuck on caulk
- Works for tar and debris on tires
- For use inside and outside vehicles
- Convenient size for larger applications
- Works well on tough caulk and hardened chemical epoxies
- Should be used in an airy environment because of fumes
Consumer reaction
Many people that bought this product on Amazon felt that it was very versatile. Some used it on fiberglass applications in the RV, others used it to clean tires. This sealant remover comes in a convenient one-quart size so that you can use it for multiple applications or large jobs.
8.3M 38987 Specialty Adhesive Remover – 15 ounce – Best aerosol adhesive remover
- Product removes reactive...
- Reactive adhesives include...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Do you have stickers or decals that need removing so that you can apply fresh paint or maybe another decal? The 3M Speciality Adhesive remover in the smaller package is the same as the above version but comes in a convenient travel pack that you can easily store it in your home, auto, or camper. You may want to keep a good pair of gloves handy like nitrile gloves for use with chemical components.
Pros and Cons
- Handy size
- Easy to apply with tapered applicator nozzle
- Works on a variety of silicones, epoxies, and adhesives
- Helpful for removing tar and other road debris from wheels and rims
- Useful for small and large areas where caulk is built up
- May cause fumes
- Some elbow grease is needed in tough or large sealant applications
Buyer comments
Many people who purchased this sealant removal item felt that it was an excellent product, but some also said that they needed to use a bit of tough scrubbing or work in small areas to get the job done. You might want to keep this remover in your toolbox because you could find many uses for it.
9.CRL Silicone Remover and Surface Preparation – Top VOC-Free Remover
- Degreaser, Removes Uncured...
- Evaporates at Room Temperature
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
When yearly projects pile up, you are likely to need a good cleaner and silicone preparation product to get surfaces primed for the new sealant. We have an excellent option that consumers and our users found helpful for tight spaces like RVs and boat cabins. You may find that it works well on tools and automotive items covered with grease.
Pros and Cons
- Safe for use as a cleaning agent
- Useful for marine, RV, auto, and home applications
- Softens and loosens hardened silicone and glues including tape adhesive
- Will not remove paint or cured caulk and silicone
Buyer recommendations
While the CRL Silicone Remover and Surface Preparation may not be your go-to remover for the tough jobs, but we think it could be one you keep around the house. You can feel good about buying this item because it is safe for the environment and use around your family and pets. This product is our top VOC-free purchase. It is safe for use on various materials including plastic.
10. Orange-Sol De-Sovl-it Contractors Solvent – Environmentally Friendly
- This product adds a great...
- 33Oz contractor solvent
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
This silicone remover is made to get rid of sealers, silicone, caulk, putty nails, floor adhesive, water seal, wet paint, roofing tar and more from virtually any surface. You may find that the convenient size of this remover makes it easy to carry around in your car, truck, boat, or motorcycle. You could use this item indoors and outside.
Pros and Cons
- Safe for use on aluminum, painted surfaces, and windows
- Very little smell
- Easy to clean with just soap and some warm water
- Leaves no greasy residue
- With grease and oils you may need to use it again
Buyer recommendations
Amazon reviewers like this product because it works well for pure silicone removal. Letting the remover sit for a little bit before trying to remove the caulk or foam is a good idea. You may like this for the easy storage, but it may become a favorite because it cleans up so well.
11. Goo Gone Caulk Remover – Best for Easy Use
No products found.
There is not much you will want to do without this silicone remover. Whether you have a backsplash you want to replace, a craft project that did not glue together the way you intended, or the kids put a sticker on the bathroom mirror, this adhesive remover will help you.
- Easy to store and carry around
- Works on multiple applications including some plastics
- Convenient to use
- No problems are found with this product
Buyer reaction
Purchasers found this sealant remover to be extremely versatile and convenient to use. One of the best things you may find is that you can use this product on plastic items like headlight lenses and gas gauges. Many removers do not work well on plastic, but this one is a great option for those application types.
FAQ
1. What chemical is in silicone remover?
In general, a store-bought silicone solvent works by spreading the caulk and it typically contains acetone and adhesive to help bond with materials. The caulk also helps release the bonds binding it onto the surface to which it clings. This too can be achieved by vinegar and isopropyl alcohol.
2. How does silicone remover work?
Silicone caulk lasts several years, but it wears out, and when it does, you need to strip it before adding fresh caulk to it. Everybody who did this knows certain industrial solvents are softening silicone caulk, but none is dissolving it. A typical technique for removal is to loosen the caulk with a thick layer of a softening agent, then cut it off with a blade or pull it off through pinches. After the bulk is gone, you typically use the same solvent in combination with a scouring pad to clean up the residue.
3. How to use silicone remover?
Ensure the residual sealant is clean and dry. Apply the silicone sealant solution or the sealant remover gel and ensure that the remover covers all sealants. Right away clean any spillages. Leave with a plastic scraper for at least 3 hours, and then gently strip swollen sealant. Another method by using a knife or razor blade, you can cut away at any of the discolored silicone sealant. Splashing the water on the sealant will moist and loosen it, making it easier to be scrubbed away. Combine flour and water to serve as a solvent , after erasing as much of the sealant as you can.
4. How to remove silicone from hands?
To loosen the silicone caulk, apply rubbing alcohol to your hands, then rub your hands together. Use running water to wash your hands and fingers to easily remove the alcohol and sealant.
You can also Use some acetone. This is less certain about its ability to dissolve or degrade silicone caulk. Numerous online sources, however, confirm its utility. Soak the edge of a pure acetone clean cloth or a nail polish remover that contains acetone and slowly wet the areas on your hands covered with acetone.
5. How to remove an old caulk?
Apply a caulk remover,or silicone caulk remover gel . The directions tell you to wait 2 or 3 hours, but the longer you wait, the easier it gets out. Wait 24 hours if it’s a really difficult job like a really rusty, hardened caulk or multiple layers.
Next it to splice the softened caulk by a blade or any knife you can find in your kitchen, some of the caulk will be easily scraped off through this process.
If there are many layers or if the caulk is very thick, you can need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to lift the material out of the joint. Using the hook end of a painter ‘s five-in-one tool or a small putty knife to scrape leftover bits of caulk from the joint.
The final preparation stage is for the surface to be washed and mildew removed. To avoid soap scum using a non-ammonized bath cleaner. Do not use an ammonized cleaner before applying bleach, because they give off poisonous fumes when mixed together.
Buyers guide
You may want to read over the manufacturer tips and recommendations for each product before making a final decision about which one to buy. We hope that you find our recommendations and observations helpful in your decision. Remember to use ventilation with all or most products to minimize harmful exposure.
Whether at home or work, we hope these products help you find the right silicone remover for your needs. Many of the products work for surface preparation and degreasing as well. Check out each item to see which one works best for you, and let us know. We would love to find out if you used the products on your home, garage, boat, farm equipment, heavy machinery, or delicate items. For fabrics and clothing, we found that the Goo Gone seemed to be the favorite product of choice for consumers who need a multi-purpose remover around the home. The 3M Industrial Citrus Base Cleaner works for food-safe areas.