Cleaning Silicone Sealeant

[Thepipdoc]

Is there a product out there that makes a good job of cleaning silicone sealant?
I don't want to remove it, I'm just wanting to make it white again.
Thanks

 

[lynall]

HG mould spray worked on a shower whilst i was trying to get up the energy to fix it
Its either got chlorine or something in it as it stinks pretty bad.
Got it from a tile shop


Lynall

 

[Robg71]

Mold removers only work for so long before its back again.
If it was bad I would buy sealant eater, remove it and but new down.

 

[jrudge]

I use a handheld mini steam cleaner. About £10 on eBay. Magic!

 

[Croc]

Vast experience with silicone sealant going mouldy....we have a lot of student flats and the students will not open windows and ventilate the rooms.
This experience tells me it is a waste of time and money trying to clean the sealant.
Once mould has got into it all you can do is strip it off and replace. However not all silicone sealants are of the same quality. We have found Dow Corning to be worth paying a bit extra for but having said that even the best fungal resistant silicone sealant will eventually go mouldy if the conditions are right.

 

[Thepipdoc]

The silicone isn't what I would call mouldy, it just generally dirty.
I should have perhaps explained that the silicone I'm talking about is the stuff that is used to seal the various panels on the flybridge and cockpit areas. Instead of it being white, its a dirty grey colour.
Is removal and re-applying the only option?

 

[Momac]

try this - dilute with water first
http://www.cloverchem.co.uk/uk/products/hard_virosol_uk.htm




.

 

[alruss]

How old is the mastic you want to clean, it could be degrading due to age and U V light, from your description sounds like it. The only cure for that is replacement.

 

[Marine Reflections]

1) Melamine sponge, small amount of any detergent, just to provide slip (but not too much, you want some bite), less pressure offers better results.
2) Acetone on a microfibre cloth.

The sealant is slightly porous, so will hold dirt in the very top of the surface, if it is just normal fallout that has darkened it, then the above methods should work well.

 

[jfm]

agreed, acetone

 

[rafiki_]

Does this mean I've found yet another use for SWMBO's nail varnish remover?

 

[T1ony]

cleaner

Citic bang scale remover cleanes a treat, but make sure you rinse it off in 5mins with water

 

[Davegriff]

Use acetone with a liitle care. Too much for too long will soften gelcoat.