Silicone Oil Removal - Is it Safe?

One of the most common requests we receive from our clients is for silicone oil removal. Silicone has become an integral part of many household items; including, but not limited to, shower curtains, cooking pots, oven mitts, toasters, and more. Even though it's relatively cheap (and increasingly affordable), it can be hard to remove. That's because while silicone does leave a transparent sheen on whatever it's applied to, it also attracts and retains a lot of dirt, grease, and grime, which means it can be nearly impossible to completely remove it without damaging the surface it's applied to.

There are a number of different ways you might attempt to remove the silicone oil. Some of these are more appropriate for household items and easier to do at home than others; and some are more suited to the professional market than the domestic one. Depending on your needs, the methods will vary as well. So in this article, we'll talk about some of the most common options you have when choosing how to remove it.

For the household item - like, for example, a shower curtain - you can use some of the more traditional recipes for removing silicone oil. Using vinegar or baking soda to strip it away is one option; or you could try some of the more high-tech methods that are available. One of these is the cold-press method, where you hold the baking soda or vinegar over the oily area for several minutes; then just wipe it off with a paper towel or cloth. These aren't only a little more work than the standard method above; they tend to leave a very strong residue behind, which tends to leave a nasty film on the next cleaning attempt.

Of course, one of the more high-tech solutions is to look into a type of industrial product such as a silicon oil remover. Now, unlike the household items we've discussed above, there's a whole class of industrial removers dedicated to this purpose. Some have advanced heat fusion properties; others have anti-microbial properties that fight off microorganism growth - or even offer a complete anti-fungal barrier that repels all yeast, fungus, mold, and other types of harmful bacteria. And some of these tools use solvents that will dissolve the oil completely; leaving no oily residue at all behind.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you choose a specific cleaner, though. First, do a little research on the internet to find out what kinds of products are reviewed favorably online. Also, take a look at customer reviews of the brand you're considering. Finally, check with your safety department - whether you should be using an household cleaning product for this purpose, and if so, what kind of advice they may give. You may find that they have specific guidelines that must be followed.

At the end of the day, though, the decision will largely be up to you. If you feel you need to use a silicone oil removal product to help clean your home or workspace, go ahead and do so. If you don't want to deal with any health or safety hazards, don't. However, it's a good idea to be cautious - that way you can protect yourself, your family, and your investments. Just keep in mind that although silicone oil removal is generally safe, you should still pay close attention to the ingredients in the cleaner or alternative solution.