Silicone tubing, whether in aquariums or home installations, can turn yellow over time from UV exposure, mineral buildup, and other factors. This yellowing makes it look bad and less effective. Luckily, there are a few household items and a couple of techniques that work great for restoring silicone to its original condition. Here’s how to get rid of yellowing fast.
How to Remove Yellowing from Silicone Tubes
To remove the yellowing from your silicone hoses, you can apply household bleach directly to the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This will help remove the discoloration caused by oxidation and mineral buildup.
To keep your silicone tubes looking clean and lasting as long as possible, you’ll need to clean them regularly. Here are a few different ways to clean your silicone tubes.
How to Get Yellowing Out of Silicone
One way to deal with yellowing is by using simple household solutions:
- Rubbing Alcohol: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it on the yellowed areas of the silicone. This can help dissolve stains and bring back the original look.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Apply it to the yellowed areas and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly to reveal a cleaner surface.
- Commercial Silicone Cleaners: There are specific products designed to clean and restore silicone surfaces. These can be more potent for stubborn discoloration and often have ingredients to protect against further yellowing.
Can You Make the Yellow Silicone Clear Again?
In many cases, you can restore clarity to yellowed silicone. Here are a few methods that have worked for me:
- Rubbing Alcohol Method: Use rubbing alcohol either straight or with a cloth. Rub gently to remove the yellowing and restore the silicone to its original look.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Soak: Put the yellowed silicone in a container with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for a few hours. This method works really well with white silicone.
Why Has My Silicone Gone Yellow?
Silicone can turn yellow for a few reasons:
- Sunlight: If you leave silicone outside, the sun will eventually turn it yellow.
- Oxygen: Some silicone contains chemicals that react with oxygen and turn yellow.
- Minerals: If you use silicone in a bathroom or aquarium, minerals in the water can stick to the silicone and turn it yellow.
How to clean yellowed silicone caulking in the shower?
The shower presents unique challenges with moisture and soap scum. Here’s how to clean it:
- Bleach Solution: Mix equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle. Spray the yellowed areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the silicone, then spray vinegar. The foaming reaction helps break down tough stains. Scrub with a brush and rinse.
How to Get Rid of the Yellow Color from White Silicone?
To make your white silicone tubes white again, you need to pay more attention to keep them white:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Soak the silicone in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water for several hours. This can effectively whiten the silicone.
- Bleach: Apply bleach as described above, but make sure you rinse it thoroughly so that it doesn’t leave any residual effect.
Is silicone turning yellow? What to do?
If your silicone is turning yellow:
- Check the quality of the product: Cheap silicone yellows quickly. Use the good stuff that doesn’t yellow.
- Use UV-protective sealants: Apply a sealant that is designed to resist UV rays.
How to Keep Silicone from Turning Yellow?
Here’s what you can do:
- Clean It Often: Clean your silicone regularly to get rid of any gunk.
- Get UV-Resistant Stuff: If you can’t keep it out of the sun, use UV-resistant silicone.
- Keep It Dry: Make sure your wet areas have good airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Summary
It’s frustrating when your silicone tubing turns yellow, but it’s usually reversible with the right cleaning methods. By understanding what causes it and using effective cleaning techniques, you can keep the silicone in your home or aquarium looking and working great. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping silicone clear and pristine.
