Don’t use a fabric towel (especially one that you care about). Once silicone dries, it’s very difficult to get out. In addition, it’s basically waterproof, so even if it doesn’t ruin your towel’s appearance, it may make it less useful as a towel.
If you don’t have a grocery bag handy, most cheap plastic bags (like, for instance, trash can liners) should work well.
You may use soap if you wish. However, it’s unclear whether doing this has any significant effect.
Because a big part of keeping your hands clean when caulking is to be able to clean them right away, it can be very helpful to keep cleaning supplies with you as you do your caulking. Keeping a clean plastic bag and a few paper towels near you while you work can make the difference between completely clean hands at the end of your project and the lingering inconvenience of hands caked with dry silicone.
To use this method, soak the corner of a paper towel with pure acetone or a nail polish remover containing acetone and gently wet the spots on your hands covered with acetone. Don’t pour the acetone all over your hands — this is wasteful and can produce noxious unpleasant fumes. If using nail polish remover, check the ingredient label to be sure it contains acetone before using.
If you want to try this method, be sure to start with the lowest possible setting on the hair dryer. Gradually increase the heat as needed and stop immediately if the heat becomes intense or painful. Silicone isn’t worth burning yourself over — it will eventually fall off on its own.
Kitchen sponges Fine-grit sandpaper (if you’re careful) Pumice stones
While mineral spirits are usually not dangerous to touch, be sure to thoroughly wash yourself after coming into contact with them. Being in direct contact with mineral spirits for several hours or longer can lead to seriously nasty chemical burns. [2] X Research source
The human body usually takes about 27 days to completely shed and replenish an entire layer of skin. [3] X Research source The silicon gel dried to your hands will probably take less time to fall off (on the order of a week or so).
Bleach Drain cleaner Paint thinner Lye Strong acids or bases.
Bleach Drain cleaner Paint thinner Lye Strong acids or bases.
