cleanup of silicone caulk residue

[Tom7227]

It's time to regrout the bath/shower and I am using scrapers to get the old silicone caulk out of the cracks. What works to give it a final cleanup before putting in new grout? I just want to make sure that everything is is clean as possible to make sure the grout has a solid surface to bond to.

Thanks

Tom

[WallEYES]

I use rubbing alcohol

[echo2010]

Ditto on the alcohol

[Pat K]

There is a product called Motsenbachers Lift-Off that works for silicone or latex caulk. There are 4 different types of Lift-Off for removing different things (paint, glue, oil, tar, gum, etc...) make sure you grab the one for caulk.

[IFallsRon]

Try acetone if the alcohol doesn't work.

[Archerysniper]

Once you get the old stuff off make sure it is dry before reapplying the new once you get the new silicone bead down get a spray bottle of dishsoap and water spray the entire bead with this and use alot of it then spray your finger with it also and wipe the bead for a nice finish silicone will not stick to anyting that is wet so this works great for caulking fixtures. I should have said this is for latex and not acrilic silicone sooner since acrylic cleans up with just water. Acrylic silicone will shrink most times and require some touch up and I hate call backs so I use nothing but laytex.