How to Clean Silicone Off of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops provide an elegant look, and they will last a lifetime with the proper care. A granite countertop is a heavy, solid surface that will protect your cabinets while giving you a stout work surface, but it has its weaknesses.
Silicone caulk is used to seal the edges of your countertop so that water will not find its way behind the counter to damage your wall and cabinets. Silicone caulk that gets onto your granite countertops in unwanted places must be removed gently so you do not damage the countertop and make it weak.
Things You Will Need
- 1-inch plastic putty knife
- Wet rag
- Soft, dry rag
Warning
Metal objects will scratch your granite countertop. Never use metal tools to remove silicone from finished granite surfaces.
Chemicals can discolor or weaken a granite countertop. Chemicals are not necessary to remove silicone from a finished granite surface. If you must use a chemical, never use anything more harsh than a mild, liquid dish soap.
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Rub your bare hand across the silicone several times to loosen and remove as much of the material as possible. Scrape stubborn spots with your fingernail to remove as much of the silicone from your granite countertop as you can.
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Hold a plastic putty knife at a 30-degree angle to the countertop. Push the blade into the silicone to lift it from the granite surface. Continue scraping until the silicone is completely removed.
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Wipe the area with a wet rag to remove any silicone residue. Wipe in a circular motion to get the countertop clean. Dry and shine the granite countertop with a soft rag.
The Drip Cap
- Granite countertops provide an elegant look, and they will last a lifetime with the proper care.
- Silicone caulk that gets onto your granite countertops in unwanted places must be removed gently so you do not damage the countertop and make it weak.
- Wipe in a circular motion to get the countertop clean.
Writer Bio
After learning electronics in the U.S. Navy in the 1980s, Danny Donahue spent a lifetime in the construction industry. He has worked with some of the finest construction talent in the Southeastern United States. Donahue has been a freelance writer since 2008, focusing his efforts on his beloved construction projects.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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