Asked on Dec 05, 2015

How to remove easily dried silicone sealant on glass windows

Johancu
by Johancu
I have been using a scraper but there is still residue on it.
  26 answers
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Dec 06, 2015
    Hi Johancu, use a sharp razor blade.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 06, 2015
    Try rubbing mineral spirits on the residue. Leave on long enough so it softens. Wipe with a damp cloth. If at that point there is still residue try using a heat gun to soften up the silicone.
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Dec 06, 2015
    use either a one-sided razor blade, or a double-sided sapped in two lengthwise (use a small roll of duct tape taped to the snapped side to give something to safely hang on to. This will take anything off of glass nicely - your scraper just isn't fine enough!
  • Lori Johansen Lori Johansen on Dec 06, 2015
    In the event that the silicone caulk proves difficult to remove and you are concerned about the risk of scraping the glass, make the job easier by first applying some heat. Though a hot air gun can be hired from a tool hire company, a hairdryer may prove just as useful for the task. On a high heat, train the nozzle of the hairdryer onto the caulk for a few moments before using a scraper to test whether it has softened. If the substance gives easily, continue with the scraping process to remove it. Whether there were only ever traces of caulk on the glass or some remains after the excess has been removed, you may find it necessary to undertake further cleaning work to remove it. Begin by applying some heat and scraping away as much of the caulk as possible, thereafter dampen a sponge with some rubbing alcohol or mineral spirit and wipe the affected section of the glass. This will help to melt the caulk so that you can make the remainder easier to scrape it away. If the glass remains cloudy, use a cloth dampened with alcohol to rub the glass with to clean it.Finish off the task of cleaning the glass with some household soap dissolved in water and a clean cloth, rinse the glass with clean water before drying it thoroughly.
  • Don Don on Dec 06, 2015
    Try fly spray. It worked for me when I left masking tape on window for over 3 months. I tried everything to get the glue residue off until a friend told me about fly spray
  • Don Goldwyn Don Goldwyn on Dec 06, 2015
    You can also purchase products known as "Silicone Eaters" that will remove any remaining silicone. Many people have reported mixed results using products of this type, some have found it to be very good while others have reported them to be of no use what so ever. This is really up to you, if you want to give it a go, by all means try it, but if it does not complete the job then the only option is more elbow grease with your sharp blade or chisel and white spirit.
  • B. Enne B. Enne on Dec 06, 2015
    I know rubbing alcohol eats away at silicone caulking even when you don't want it to. :) I would try putting some on the window, then scraping with a thin razor blade scraper.
  • Me Me on Dec 06, 2015
    try acetone, but use ventilation.
  • Bellaboo Bellaboo on Dec 06, 2015
    Heat + alcohol or googone and scraping
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Dec 06, 2015
    i HAVE NEVER HAD A NEED FOR THIS, BUT WILL KEEP IT JUST IN CASE. iT IS ONE OF THOSE "WHY DIDN'T i THINK OF THAT " THINGS THAT REALLY COME IN HANDY.
  • 9530106 9530106 on Dec 06, 2015
    A straight edge razor, easy peasy!
  • Mary Mary on Dec 06, 2015
    try WD 40, it is great and works for the removal of many sticky and hard to remove items
  • Cynthia Starnes Griffin Cynthia Starnes Griffin on Dec 06, 2015
    A little cooking oil and a razor blade, no chemicals, just elbow grease.
  • Johancu Johancu on Dec 07, 2015
    thanks to all who answers my problem. . .i put oil after scraping to avoid scratches on the glasses.
  • Patricia Hill Patricia Hill on Dec 08, 2015
    I have sealed the inside of my windows with Seal and Peel, It comes right off.
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Dec 09, 2015
    tHAT SOUNDS GOOD, CAN YOU GET IT AT ANY HARDWARE STORE?
  • Carroll Carroll on Dec 20, 2015
    Warm vinegar and baking soda may help. Took the covering right of my silicone coated cookie sheets. That's OK as I use parchment paper.
  • Johancu Johancu on Dec 20, 2015
    thanks Caroll
  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on May 13, 2021

    Hi there, this video by a professional window cleaner should help out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf44hlzKWi0. He does talk a lot in the beginning so all the action happens at around 3 minutes into the video

  • If you still have the packaging for the silicone, give it a quick read and see if there are any tips on clean up. You might try mineral spirits or acetone though if it's caulk, I've recently seen sprays at my hardware store that claim to remove dried caulk.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 13, 2021

    A razor blade scraper will be your easiest, least expensive, and most effective way. Although it may take a bit of time and muscle.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 14, 2021

    A single edged razor blade and any kind of oil such as vegetable or canola, it will provide a barrier so the caulk will scrape off and no scratches on the glass.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on May 15, 2021

    I have used a utility razor carefully.

  • I use a razor blade in a safety handle. It should scrape off easily, but use a new, sharp blade or your could scratch the glass. Also, if it really won't budge, you can use a hairdryer to soften it up a big first.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Aug 16, 2021

    Krud Kutter