Last Updated on November 14, 2023
Tired of scrubbing silicone off your glassware?
Silicone is a great sealant for windows, but it can be difficult to remove. We’ve got the perfect solution for you as we have outlined the steps necessary to remove silicone from glass in just a few simple steps.
You’ll be able to get your glass looking good as new in no time at all! Plus, this method is much safer and easier than other methods out there.
Follow our simple guide on how to remove silicone from glass and get started today!
Why is Silicone Difficult to Remove from Glassware?
You may be wondering what silicone is and why it can be so difficult to remove from glassware. Silicone is a liquid rubber that is used as a sealant for windows and other materials.
Once dried, it becomes very stringy and sticky. This makes it incredibly difficult to get rid of while still on the window, but your glass should be as good as new once you manage to get it off.
It can also be very dangerous to remove from windows by hand. Silicone is a liquid rubber that heats up and contracts when dry. This can result in serious injury if you try to remove it without first taking proper precautions.
How to Remove Silicone from Glass : 6 Steps
You can take a few steps to remove silicone from the glass without hurting yourself.
Step 1: Take your glassware and place it in the freezer for an hour or two. This will help harden up the silicone and make it easier to scrape off later on.
Step 2: Once you’ve taken out your glassware, grab a plastic scraper, and you’re clear to get started.
Step 3: Get ready to get your hands wet. Fill up a bucket with warm water and dish soap. Make sure the bucket is big enough for you to immerse the glassware in the water completely. The deeper, the better!
Step 4: Take each piece of glassware with silicone stuck on it, and submerge it in the bucket. Let it soak for a few minutes and check to see if all of the silicone comes off easily. If so, dry off the glassware with a towel and get ready to go!
Step 5: If your glass doesn’t come clean after a few minutes of soaking, grab another plastic scraper and start scrubbing. Try not to apply too much pressure as this may damage the glassware.
Step 6: Once all of your glassware is clean, dry it off with a towel and admire your work! If you have any leftover issues after following these steps, please feel free to contact us here at Glass Doctor for more help. We’re happy to assist!
The Dangers of Removing Silicone without Taking Precautions
Silicone is a very widely used material in the manufacture of many items which are essential to our day-to-day life. Silicone rubber is particularly useful in making sealants and adhesives.
For example, silicone sealants are often used on kitchen worktops to seal them against water damage; they’re also popularly used for sealing bathroom tiles.
Silicone adhesives are common for sticking down vinyl flooring as well as many other items such as wallpaper and carpets. In short, silicone is a very widely used material with the main property of being very durable and flexible.
But, even though it’s one of the most versatile materials known to man, it can be a pain to remove when it’s gotten somewhere you don’t want it to be. This article aims to teach you how easy this can be done without risking your health in the process.
Safety Precautions for Removing Silicone from Glass
Removing silicone can be very dangerous if not done properly.
Silicone heats up and contracts when it dries, which may result in dangerous effects if not treated with respect. Here are some quick tips to follow to avoid injury while working on your project:
If you get any of the liquid on yourself, it will be very difficult to remove. If this happens, don’t panic! Just head to the bathroom and take a shower right away. This is one of the most important safety precautions you can take while working with silicone.
Wear gloves when handling any equipment involved in the removal process, so you don’t develop any rashes or infected wounds after handling the silicone.
Don’t use too much heat or you risk burning yourself. If you have a blowdryer, use it on the lowest setting possible. If you are using any equipment that requires fire to operate, do so outdoors and away from anything flammable.
If you get any liquid on yourself, remove the respective cloth and wash the area immediately. If your skin begins to tingle or burn after contact, head to the nearest shower and turn it on cold for two minutes before washing with soap and water again.
Try not to work in an area where there are other people or pets unless they know what you are doing and the proper precautions to remove silicone.
It’s time to get started when you are ready with the equipment, safety precautions, and area setup!
Tips for Preventing Silicone Build-Up on Glassware In The Future
Now that you know how to remove silicone from a glass surface, you may be wondering how you can prevent it from happening again.
There are a few things you can do in order to maintain your glassware and make sure no silicone builds up over time.
- Avoid using silicone-based lubricants with your glassware. Some commercial lubricants are made to be safe on glass, but check for this information before buying if you want to be sure
- Use a dry cloth/towel instead of a moist one when drying your glasses. This should prevent too much moisture from building up inside the glass and causing silicone to adhere
- Use rubbing alcohol to remove excess liquid silicone if there are any spills or it gets onto your glassware in any way. This should prevent it from sticking in the future.
- Store your glassware in a cool, dry location to prevent moisture build-up due to condensation. Be mindful of where you place the glasses while stored so they are not knocked over or easily accessible by pets/children/other individuals who may break them
Conclusion
So, now that you know how to remove silicone from glass and some preventative tips for the future, you can rest assured that your glassware will be safe and sound. Just remember to take the necessary precautions before starting the removal process and everything will go smoothly. Thanks for reading!