Once silicone caulk or silicone sealant has cured, there is no single silicone remover that will easily remove it. If cured silicone must be removed, the type of silicone remover that will work best depends on the surface to which it adheres. The most effective silicone remover is usually a utility knife, paint scraper, or razor blade. Manual scraping removes the bulk of most silicone products, and that which can't be readily scraped off can be softened with mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, or white vinegar and then wiped or scraped off.
Uncured silicone products that are still soft can often be wiped off with a rag or scraped off with a paint scraper. The residue that remains can then be cleaned away with mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, or white vinegar. While mineral spirits has the strongest effect as a silicone remover, it can damage plastic or finished surfaces and shouldn't be used on them.
When cured silicone needs to be removed from a surface that is either glass or ceramic tile, the usual procedure is to scrape off as much as possible with a utility knife, paint scraper, or razor blade; soften the remaining material with mineral spirits; and scrape or wipe it off. For plastic or painted surfaces, isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar should be used as a substitute silicone remover. Removing silicone from rough surfaces like brick or stucco is more difficult than removing it from a smooth surface, and usually requires scrubbing with a wire brush dipped in mineral spirits. A wire brush is an aggressive tool that can cause damage, so care must be exercised in its use.
Removing silicone caulk or silicone sealant from a wooden surface presents particular difficulties, especially if the surface is painted or finished. Sandpaper is not an effective silicone remover because silicone products tend to bead up under the abrasive action of sanding, even if they have been softened beforehand, and clog the paper. As with other smooth surfaces, the most effective way to remove silicone from a wooden surface is to cut the bulk of it away, taking care not to cut into the wood or otherwise damage it. The remaining material can be softened with alcohol or vinegar and wiped or scraped away. Once the surface is relatively clean, it can be sanded to prepare it for new caulk or a touch-up finish.
