How can I effectively remove stubborn clear silicone from my fiberglass tub without causing damage, even after trying various methods like razor scraping, Goo Gone, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar?
Asked by Nadja Fleury 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 30, 2024
So, I took off the glass doors from my fiberglass tub and now I’m dealing with some really stubborn clear silicone residue that wouldn’t budge even after using a razor. The doors were only on there for about 7 years, so it’s not super old silicone. I’m hesitant to keep scraping because I don’t want to damage the tub. I tried using Goo Gone, but that didn’t do the trick. I also attempted rubbing alcohol and vinegar like the internet suggested, but they didn’t work either. Any other suggestions on what might work to get rid of this stubborn silicone residue?
There is a silicone remover called Goo Gone that comes in a spray bottle. I managed to remove most of the silicone from one that had been up for 8 years, but it was tough.
We decided to replace the tub with a shower because we couldn’t remove the silicone after taking off the doors.
You could give pumice hand cleaner a shot with a nonmetal abrasive pad. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might have to sand it off starting with 600 grit, then 1000, 2000, and 3000, followed by buffing with a final cut cleaner. Haha
I opted for a steam cleaner along with a plastic spoon.
There’s a silicone remover available that dissolves it, but I’m not sure how it would affect the fiberglass. You could try contacting the manufacturer for advice.
Consider using a large pencil eraser. Trust me, the bigger the better.
Tamaki 6 Pack Pencil Erasers, Big White Erasers for School Office, Art Erasers for Drawing https://a.co/d/iF2Zj13
Go ahead and try it for just six dollars.
I’m in the process of doing this, but I plan on replacing my old tub with an upgrade in the future.
Create a scraper using a plastic item, such as an ice cream pail lid or a similar object. It may not remove everything, but it will help with a lot of it.
Nope, that’s not just leftover silicone. The silicone actually damaged the glazing. It’s there to stay. Sorry to break it to you. I had the same issue.
I tried using a plastic scraper and silicone remover, but couldn’t completely remove it. It should be fine though.
I wiped it down with acetone and a soft cloth.
Use a flat edge razor to carefully scrape it off. It won’t harm the tub as long as you focus on the silicone and not the tub.
I’ve had amazing success with baking soda dissolved in hot water. You could soak some towels in it and leave it overnight.
WD -40 is really effective on silicone.
It really depends on the material of the bath. There are spray cans of silicone remover available that should be effective on an acrylic tub. However, if it’s enamel, the silicone might have damaged the enamel.
Try spraying with wd40 and then scraping it off
If you’re scraping off silicone, try using a plastic spatula.
WD40 and using a sharp new razor did the trick. I appreciate all the help.