Proven ways to clean dried foam from various surfaces
Polyurethane foam sealant (popularly called polyurethane foam) is a professional product, the use of which significantly increases the sound and heat insulation properties of the treated surface and helps securely fasten individual structural elements.
After application, the airy foam turns into a dense mass in a matter of minutes, which is very difficult to clean.
Only with the right products is it possible to solve the problem of dried sealant stains. Read the article about how to clean dried polyurethane foam from various surfaces.
Content
How to remove using improvised means?
Regardless of which product is chosen to remove traces of polyurethane foam, The surface cleaning process takes place in the following sequence:
Using a sharp construction blade, cut off the frozen mass from the surface as much as possible. It is important to ensure that the blade only touches the polyurethane layer- The remaining very thin layer of polyurethane foam sealant is treated with the selected composition. First of all, use the most gentle available means.
- After fifteen to twenty minutes, the softened layer is cleaned off with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge.
Instead of a sponge, you can use a piece of rubber or a stationery eraser.
How to wash off old sealant with Dimexide?
A popular pharmaceutical drug with anti-inflammatory action, Dimexide, has established itself as an effective remedy in the fight against hardened polyurethane foam.
Do not apply Dimexide to a foam sponge (pharmaceuticals corrode foam rubber). You can work with Dimexide only with rubber gloves (there is a high risk of chemical burns to the skin).
The video will show you how to remove hardened polyurethane foam with Dimexide:
Sunflower oil
Vegetable oil can gently and delicately remove hardened foam from the skin. The contamination is moistened with lukewarm oil (heated in a water bath), left for half an hour, after which it is easily removed with a soft, damp sponge.
A preliminary procedure of steaming your hands in hot water will speed up the process of removing polyurethane foam sealant.
Table vinegar
Vinegar will help clean plastic and metal surfaces from dried foam. Contaminants are generously moistened with a solution of vinegar and water. (mix in a 1:1 ratio) and leave to soak for twenty to thirty minutes. Afterwards, the dirt can be easily removed with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge.
Pumice
A proven product - pumice - will help you clean your hands from frozen foam.
Dirty hands are immersed in warm water for thirty minutes, after which, after lubricating the skin with a thick layer of cream, they begin to scrub off the frozen foam with a pumice stone.
You need to act slowly and carefully. After the last piece of pumice is removed, hands are rinsed with warm water and lubricated with a nourishing protective cream.
How to remove with special chemicals?
In a situation where the first stage of cleaning hardened polyurethane foam with improvised means was unsuccessful, it makes sense to use more aggressive, special cleaning compounds. TOP 3 most effective professional tools:
Cleaner Cosmofen 5
Leader among special professional compounds. In one treatment it will clean any surfaces from stubborn dirt:
- glue,
- oils,
- polyurethane foam.
In addition, Cosmofen 5 smoothes treated surfaces and eliminates scratches and abrasions. After treatment, it leaves a protective layer on the surface that is resistant to ultraviolet rays.
Cosmofen 5 cleaner does not burn and does not have a strong, pronounced chemical odor. The average cost is 430 rubles. (cylinder 1 l).
Mastertex Premium
Designed to remove particles of hardened polyurethane sealant from any surfaces, incl. cylinder valves and construction guns. Simultaneously cleans, degreases and disinfects surfaces.
The method of application is simple: shake the can and spray onto contaminated areas. After ten minutes, the remaining polyurethane foam sealant is removed with a cloth. The average cost is 290 rubles. (500 ml bottle).
ATOLL
Designed to quickly clean the surface from residues of hardened polyurethane foam. Ideal for cleaning:
- working tools and clothing,
- window and door frames.
After use it does not leave marks or streaks (does not react with PVC and other plastics). It is enough to spray the product onto the frozen foam, leave for ten minutes, and then wipe with a damp sponge. The average cost is 150 rubles. (500 ml bottle).
To ensure that the product does not completely lose its appearance after cleaning with special compounds, the selected product must be tested in advance on an inconspicuous, small area of the contaminated surface.
Work with professional chemical compounds only in a well-ventilated area, wearing gloves and a respirator. Spray cleaning aerosols away from heating devices and open flames.
What not to do and why?
There are several restrictions that you should remember before starting the process of removing hardened polyurethane foam.
Do not scrape the frozen layer from the surfaces with a knife or rub with abrasive powders. (scratches and abrasions that remain in place of dried foam cannot be removed).
Do not apply solvents to varnished or painted surfaces. The result of such cleaning is whitish, worn-out gray hair, which is impossible to get rid of.
Acetone-based compounds should not be used to clean iron doors. By reacting with the surface, the polyurethane foam penetrates even more deeply into the thickness of the metal. Subsequently, under direct sunlight, particles of sealant appear on the iron surface in the form of yellow, indelible stains.
Adviсe
A layer of hardened foam on the glass will help remove a sharp blade.. Carefully, trying not to press too hard on the glass, layer by layer of the frozen sealant is simply cut off from the smooth glass surface.
If foam gets on your clothes, you need to wait until it dries and only then can you start cleaning.By smearing fresh marks on clothes, you can achieve only one thing - the sealant will be absorbed into the fibers of the fabric, and it will no longer be possible to remove it.
Freezing is a good way to remove cured construction foam. Place contaminated clothing in the freezer for at least twelve hours. Frosted sealant loses its density, as a result of which it is easy to clean off with a stiff brush or scraper.
The easiest way to remove traces of foam from a wooden surface is to sand it. The sealant is cut off as much as possible with a sharp knife, the remaining part is sanded off. The cleaned surface is re-coated with varnish or paint.
You will find useful tips and recommendations on how to remove polyurethane foam from various surfaces and objects. here.
Conclusion
Cleaning frozen foam is a labor-intensive task. But with just a little persistence and patience, using proven methods and means, you can achieve the desired result - a clean surface without traces of polyurethane foam sealant.
