Do not use bleach or ammonia to clean your silicone rubber products. Also be sure to avoid alcohol-based cleaners since they can damage silicone.
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.
When exposed to acidic aqueous solutions, silicone rubbers degrade through chemical decomposition of silicon based materials as well as leaching of fillers. With the increase in exposure time in aqueous solutions, the degradation of silicone rubbers becomes more severe.
While silicone is relatively resistant to mild acids, prolonged or frequent exposure to vinegar can degrade its performance over time. For occasional cleaning, vinegar is generally safe, but for regular maintenance, stick to silicone-safe alternatives.
While short-term exposure is usually safe, consistent use of rubbing alcohol can lead to silicone degradation over time.
Do not use a scouring pad or plastic scrubber on silicone. Abrasive cleaners and tools will damage the surface and destroy the nonstick qualities.
Hydrogen peroxide works wonders for removing stains and other forms of discoloration. In a small basin that can fit all the silicone rubber items you'll need to clean, pour hydrogen peroxide enough to cover the stained items. Let them soak overnight. The next day, remove the items and rinse them with clean water.
Only a few common materials, such as concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and high pressure steam, can damage silicone. Be cautious when exposing silicone to these chemicals.
Boiling helps to quickly expand the silicone pores, releasing trapped odours. At the same time, baking soda and vinegar paste can neutralise odours through a chemical reaction. These methods are fast and effective for routine freshening up of your silicone tableware.
While WD-40 isn't formulated to chemically break down something like silicone caulk, it can certainly loosen up particularly stubborn sealant. Just spray it on and let it sit for an hour. Be sure to clean up any remaining WD-40 with alcohol once the old caulk is removed to guarantee that the new caulk adheres properly.
Temperature, mechanical stress, and chemical exposure prominently affect the durability of silicone rubber. Temperature extremes can cause thermal degradation, while frequent mechanical stress can result in wear and tear over time.
Aging conditions (time, temperature, pH of solution), influenced silicone deterioration and caused changes in its properties. Harsher aging conditions caused more discolouration, non-uniformity of the surface, and micro-cracking.
D3 dissolved most silicones within 8 hours, and in some cases, within 3 hours. D2 completely dissolved most silicones within 24 hours. The silicone formulation may have a significant effect on how easily the silicone can be removed, with less influence from the substrates on removal.
Tear strength: Silicone rubber has a poor tear strength, it's the major disadvantage of it. This issue can be improved by adding some other ingredients, but it doesn't naturally offer strength or abrasion resistance. High Cost: It is a premium product similarly it has premium cost as compared to other rubber materials.
Once you're removed most of the silicone, use a cloth and some methylated spirits to wipe the remnants off. The methylated spirits act as a solvent in this scenario helping break down the last of the silicone and making it easier to manage and less sticky.
Hand sanitizers are comprised mainly of isopropyl alcohol, which will not degrade or “melt” your silicone ring in any way. Similarly, any ingredients in any hand soaps will do nothing but clean your ring.
Vinegar can potentially damage silicone bakeware by breaking down the surface of the silicone and causing discoloration. It is not recommended to use vinegar on silicone bakeware as it can cause the material to deteriorate over time. It's best to use mild detergents or soaps and warm water to clean silicone bakeware.
Can I use alcohol to clean silicone? No. Alcohol based cleaners should not be used for cleaning surfaces as alcohol inhibits the cure of silicones. Soaps or detergents used to clean the surface must be rinsed away thoroughly with clean water to ensure that all traces of the soaps are removed before sealing.
We recommend Better Life Dishwasher Gel or their Free and Clear Dish Soap as well as Seventh Generation Unscented dish detergent. A gel detergent is gentler over time on silicone products in the dishwasher (compared to tabs or abrasive powders that will slowly damage the silicone).
High-Temperature Use. Although silicone is heat resistant, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the material to degrade. Follow the product instructions for safe use.
Silicone is known for its strong adhesive properties, which means it binds very well to most surfaces creating a water-tight seal. However, introducing soapy water in the process can significantly impair the adhesive property of the silicone caulk.
Silicone is resistant to attack by most chemicals due to its non-reactive structure and low surface energy. However, a few inorganic chemicals, notably sulfuric and hydrofluoric acids at high concentrations, will damage silicones.
They said: “You might see vinegar or bleach recommended as cleaning solutions for silicone sealant elsewhere. However, although these products may work to some degree, they do not kill the spores and have the potential to damage the sealant bead.”
When rubber is exposed to hydrogen peroxide, it can cause significant damage. The rubber can become brittle, discolored, and have a reduced tensile strength. It can also become more susceptible to environmental factors, such as UV radiation, heat, and ozone.
Vinegar – or a combination of baking soda and vinegar – is touted as a safe, 'all-natural' cleaning solution for silicone sealant.