Home Garden

How to Remove Silicone Residue From New Window Glass

Caulking around new window glass is an important part of window installation. Caulk closes off gaps to prevent cold or hot air from coming into your home, and it keeps out insects. If silicone caulk is accidentally smeared on your new windows, there's no reason to be distressed. You can remove the silicone and any stuck-on residue by using effective supplies and techniques that are safe for the glass.

Things You'll Need

  • Razor-edged glass scraper
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean cloths
  • Mineral spirits
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Nonabrasive scrubber
  • Glass cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrape silicone caulk off the surface of your new glass windows using a razor-edged glass scraper.

    • 2

      Remove any soft, uncured silicone residue with rubbing alcohol poured onto a cloth. Gently rub the uncured silicone residue with the alcohol to break down the stickiness and remove it from the surface.

    • 3

      Treat hardened, cured silicone caulk residue by wiping it with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Repeatedly wipe the window to remove the caulk residue from the surface. As the residue softens, scrape it off with the razor-edged glass scraper.

    • 4

      Add a drop of dishwashing detergent to a damp nonabrasive scrubber. Scrub the surface of your new glass window to remove any last trace of silicone residue.

    • 5

      Rinse the window surface by wiping it off with a damp cloth. Dry the glass with another cloth.

    • 6

      Spritz the new window glass with glass cleaner. Wipe to remove detergent residue and any other cleaning agents.