My wife and I are in the middle of remodeling our hall bath.  We elected to not have the bathtub replaced and it had a sliding shower door, which had the lower track silicon caulked to the tub.  It is getting to where we must remove the old silicone caulk from the tub.  After the old silicone caulk has been removed with a scraper, what is your go-to method to remove any residual caulk?  It was suggested to me to use mineral spirits.  Will mineral spirits remove the white paint sheen?  The tub is ~ 29 years old steel tub.  Looking for advice.  Thanks in advance.   Danl

That has to be porcelain I would think, on a steel tub. If true it should be pretty resistant to staining. That said, it always pays to test in a small area fist and see what happens. But the other thing is that if it is porcelain you might be able to take a razor and scrap the remnants off without damaging the finish. You might even be able to rub it off with a scotch brite pad.

There is something called "Goo Gone Caulk Remover" although I haven't tried it. Low heat from a heat gun will help soften caulk but from what you are describing you are beyond that stage.

Like Lew noted, the Goo Gone Chaulk removal is a commercial product available but I have no personal experience with it. I've used the Goo Gone paint remover product with excellent results for its intended use.

You might try isopropyl alcohol. I've used it in automotive applications to help remove silicone sealant residue. I've read or heard that white vinegar also works.

To prevent scratches while scraping you might get some plastic razor blades like THESE. I've had good luck using them as well.

I can second the Goo Gone product, we've used it safely on items that regular solvent or cleaning products would destroy, but yes, test on a spot first.