Cleaning silicone joints When using the steam cleaner, they should only be steamed because mechanical scrubbing or the use of the power nozzle may quickly damage the surface. Mould can also form in silicone joints.
Silicone is used in a variety of medical instruments and equipment which must be sterilized before use. Three main methods of sterilization can be considered: steam sterilization (autoclave), irradiation and ethylene oxide.
Certain softer surfaces, such as synthetic fabrics, velvet or other delicate surfaces are also not recommended for steam cleaning. Other surfaces such as laminate floor and some plastics could potentially be damaged by the high temperature of steam.
Prolonged Drying Times
A soaking wet carpet takes an extremely long time to dry. Professionally steam cleaned carpets can take between 12 to 24 hours of drying time. Renting a steam cleaner with only moderate-strength suction power can leave your carpet (and floorboards) wet for up to two days.
So, where does the dirt go when you steam clean? Actually, it doesn't go anywhere. Instead, the heat and vapour of steam cleaning ensure that all the unwanted substances or stains are fully broken down and easy to get rid of.
Silicones offer excellent resistance to steam and hot water. The behaviour of different silicones in steam is however not uniform. Highly flexible grades tend to be more stable than those with high strength.
Yes, silicone is generally resistant to solvents and industrial chemicals, with only a few exceptions like concentrated sulphuric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Long-term exposure to high pressure steam can also affect silicone.
Silicone rubber can be immersed in water (cold water, warm water, boiling water) for long periods with water absorption of about 1%, and with virtually no effect on mechanical strength or electrical properties. Typically, under ordinary pressure, contact with steam causes almost no deterioration of silicone rubbers.
However, this technique may still cause damage to delicate fabrics and carpets so must be used with care. You can also use steam cleaners on other surfaces in the house such as sealed timber, concrete, tiles and grout but it is not recommended for silicone joints and anodised surfaces.
Do not use a scouring pad or plastic scrubber on silicone. Abrasive cleaners and tools will damage the surface and destroy the nonstick qualities.
Silicone is an absorbent material and can absorb the colours and smells of substances it comes in contact with. Although your silicone products can go in the dishwasher, we recommend hand washing with hot, soapy water. To sterilise, we recommend boiling in water for 2-3 minutes of using a steam steriliser.
Rubbing Alcohol: This is one of the easiest and most common methods of sterilizing medical grade silicone. This will kill off any bacteria that may be present, as well as dust or particles. Autoclave: An autoclave uses steam to sterilize platinum-cured LSR, which can destroy microorganisms.
If the residue is from a silicone sealant, try UniBond Silicone Sealant Remover. Alternatively, apply a cloth soaked in white spirit or methylated spirit. If in doubt, test the product on a small area of the residue first, and check for any discolouration. Wait for a few hours.
The common shiny grey lumps of silicon with a rather metal-like appearance are fairly unreactive. Most sources suggest that this form of silicon will react with steam at red heat to produce silicon dioxide and hydrogen.
Silicone does not have a melting point but instead remains solid until combustion occurs. At extreme temperatures (above 200 C) silicone slowly begins to lose its mechanical properties, becoming harder and more brittle. This process is further accelerated when met with even higher temperatures of over 300 C.
Silicone is generally considered to be safe for use with hot water, especially at temperatures typically encountered in daily activities. It has a high heat resistance and can withstand temperatures well above those typically used for hot water, such as boiling water or temperatures found in dishwashers.
Amorphous silicon (a-Si) transitions to crystalline silicon (c-Si) at around 700°C as part of its intrinsic physical properties, but when in direct contact with a metal substrate, crystallization of amorphous silicon can be catalyzed by the metal and occur at a lower temperature.
Reaction with Solvents
Certain solvents can dissolve or weaken silicone sealant. Solvents such as acetone, alcohol, and mineral spirits can degrade the sealant, making it less effective at providing a tight seal.
Silicon is a natural chemical element, silicone is a man-made product. The words are often used interchangeably but there are important differences. Whilst silicon is natural, silicone is a man-made polymer derived from silicon. There are also differences with the applications of silicon and silicone.
After steam cleaning, the surface can be rubbed dry using a cloth. Note for silicone grouting: apply steam only briefly to avoid damaging the material.
Steam cleaning is superior to traditional methods, such as shampooing, as it cleans more thoroughly and is gentler on surfaces like leather and fabric. Additionally, steam can reach areas difficult to access with other methods and penetrate deep into crevices where grease and dirt may have accumulated over time.
The steam's heat penetrates even the toughest grime, rejuvenating floors by lifting and removing dirt that traditional mops may leave behind. This makes the steam mop a superior choice for thorough cleaning, especially on surfaces that are often challenging to maintain, like textured tiles or deep grout lines.