Working with spray foam insulation is a messy job. Not only is the insulation difficult to work with, but it’s also incredibly sticky on hands. Getting spray foam off your hands can be a real challenge. But don’t worry – there are ways to get the goo off without damaging your skin.
Use Warm Soapy Water
This method works to remove dried spray foam and wet spray foam.
Use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove as much excess spray foam as possible.
Next, put some warm soapy water in a bowl and soak your hands in it for a few minutes.
Use a soft cloth to scrub your hands until the insulation is removed.
Rinse your hands with warm water and dry them with a clean towel.
Repeat this process as necessary until the spray foam is completely removed from your hands.
With Baking Soda and Vegetable Oil
Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of oil in a bowl or dish. Mix the ingredients together until you form a thick paste.
Next, rub the paste onto your hands with the dried foam and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Rinse your hands with water, then scrub gently to remove any remaining spray foam insulation.
If needed, repeat the process until the spray foam is removed from your hands.
Once you’re done, rinse your hands with soapy water to remove any residual baking soda or vegetable oil.
With Hand Sanitizer
If your hands are covered in spray foam insulation, you can use hand sanitizer to help remove dried spray foam insulation.
Pour some hand sanitizer onto your hands, and rub them together to remove the spray foam from skin.
Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water afterward to remove any remaining residue.
Using Toothpaste
Another great method to remove spray foam from skin is using toothpaste.
Rub a small amount of toothpaste on your hands with the wet spray foam and scrub until the foam is removed.
Rinse your hands with warm water and dry them off.
Repeat as necessary until the spray foam is completely removed from your hands.
With Petroleum Jelly
If you’re using petroleum jelly for removing spray foam, make sure to put on a thick layer and let it sit for at least five minutes. Then, use a wet cloth to wipe it away.
Repeat as necessary until the foam is gone. You can also use a dish soap and water solution to remove the foam, but petroleum jelly will work just as well.
With Dish Soap
Dish soap can also remove spray foam insulation from your hands.
Just add a few drops of dish soap to some water and wash your hands.
The dish soap will help break down the foam and make it easier to remove. You can also use a scrub brush to help loosen the spray foam from your skin.
Once you’ve removed the foam, rinse your hands with clean water.
With Vaseline
Use Vaseline to remove dried foam from your hands.
Apply a thick layer of Vaseline to your hands and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, use a gentle soap to wash your hands.
The Vaseline will help to break down the cured spray foam and make it easier to remove.
With Nail Polish Remover
You can also remove spray foam with nail polish remover.
Pour a small amount of nail polish onto a cloth and rub it into the spray foam.
Rinse your hands with soap and water to wash off the nail polish remover. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the spray foam.
Using Acetone
Acetone is a strong solvent that can help to dissolve the cured spray foam.
Apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton ball and rub it over the dry foam Let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing with soap and water.
If the acetone method does not work, you may need to use a stronger solvent. Try using naphtha or mineral spirits. These are both powerful chemicals that can dissolve the cured foam and remove it from your hands. However, they should only be used as a last resort, as they may cause skin irritation or other side effects.
Rubber Gloves and Dish Soap
To get spray foam off your hands with the glove method, you will need a pair of rubber gloves.
Fill the rubber gloves with warm water and add dish soap. Glide your hands into the gloves filled with water and dish soap.
Tighten the gloves around your wrists with tape to prevent leaking.
The gloves should be left on for 60 minutes, but you may want to leave them on for longer if the spray foam is stubbornly sticking to your skin. After an hour, remove the gloves and wash your hands again. Your hands may look like they sponges, but hopefully with no dried spray foam.
The gloves work by trapping the warm water and dish soap against your skin. The combination of heat and soap will help to loosen the spray foam insulation.
If the spray foam is still clinging to your skin, you can try repeating the process with fresh gloves and water.
With Vinegar
Vinegar is a great way to remove spray foam from skin.
Pour vinegar onto your hands and gently rub them together. The vinegar will dissolve the foam insulation and make it easy to wash off.
You can also use vinegar to remove spray foam insulation from clothing. Just pour it onto the affected area and rub it in. Then, wash the clothing as usual.
Summary
To remove spray foam from hands, rub them with a pumice stone or nail file soaked in acetone or nail polish remover, then wash thoroughly with soap and water. But ultimately, the best way to remove spray foam insulation from your hands will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of insulation you are working with and how stubborn it is.
Once you have removed the spray foam from your hands, it is important that you take steps to prevent getting it on your hands again in the future. Wear gloves to ensure that you are able to enjoy the benefits of spray foam without having to worry about getting it on your hands.
