Expanding foam gun cleaners.

[jb1468]

I had a lot of gaps/spaces around an old house that needed filling in various areas and prior to decorating I decided to use expanding foam. Invested in a gun (previously used hand-held ones) and glad I did. So much more control and as a result a neater job requiring less tidy up and cleaning.

Can you use car carb cleaners (some folk seem to do so) in place of the ones manufactured for foam guns? I ask as they are half the price of the proper ones. What are the downsides to using this cheaper option if any at all or is it essentially the same product. Don't want to damage the gun. Over the next few years I will go through several cans I imagine

 

[kingandy2nd]

Foam gun cleaner is less that a fiver a can, so not sure it’s worth penny pinching on it.

You screw it to the top of the gun and squirt it through to clean the inside. I’m guessing car cleaner won’t have the threaded top to it, but I don’t know.

I have only used the cleaner immediately after using the foam gun. I’m not sure how or if the cleaner is effective once the foam is dry. Therefore if you’ve used the gun already and not cleaned it, you may need to replace the gun anyway.

 

[mrrusty]

leave the foam can on the gun - it's OK for up to 2-3 months at least. If you take it off, attach cleaner can and squirt through. No need to clean between foam cans.

 

[jb1468]

leave the foam can on the gun - it's OK for up to 2-3 months at least. If you take it off, attach cleaner can and squirt through. No need to clean between foam cans.

I knew it was good for a few weeks but didn't realise I could leave that long. Thanks that's a help.

 

[jb1468]

Foam gun cleaner is less that a fiver a can, so not sure it’s worth penny pinching on it.

You screw it to the top of the gun and squirt it through to clean the inside. I’m guessing car cleaner won’t have the threaded top to it, but I don’t know.

I have only used the cleaner immediately after using the foam gun. I’m not sure how or if the cleaner is effective once the foam is dry. Therefore if you’ve used the gun already and not cleaned it, you may need to replace the gun anyway.

Can get it for £5 a can, but not less unless I buy bulk. The car carb cleaner is £2 a can and has the same fitting. The cleaner only works on uncured foam so won't work if its dry. Gun has been cleaned thanks. If it were pennies I wouldn't mind, but I suspect the carb cleaner is the same or very similar product. Just wondering if anyone knows for sure or has used it.

 

[^woody^]

If it's 2 quid, buy a can and try it and let everyone know.

I suspect nail polish remover is even cheaper

 

[RandomGrinch]

If it's 2 quid, buy a can and try it and let everyone know.

I suspect nail polish remover is even cheaper

Yup,
CoSHH form (attached) states main constituent is Acetone, Butane and Propane are the propellants

 

[foxhole]

I use lighter fuel, left in soak also removes dry foam.

 

[mrrusty]

I knew it was good for a few weeks but didn't realise I could leave that long

I've no idea what the actual limit is, all I know is that I've had some on my gun for that long and it's been fine. I suspect it's not ideal, but I've also found taking the part-used cans off the gun, they go off anyway. It probably also depends on the quality of the gun and the seals.

 

[mikeey84]

As woody says, nail polish remover works well, and is about a quid a bottle

Even cheaper if you can steal some of your wifes/girlfriends/daughters/sons/husbands

 

[jb1468]

As much as I can see all of these products working, the reason I mention car carb cleaner is, not only is it cheap, but its in a pressurised can. Quick squirt and the nozzle etc is clean. Nail polish requires a bit more effort as I suspect anything that you require to steep. I would always keep the actual proper cleaner for cleaning out the internals of the gun

 

[RandomGrinch]

As much as I can see all of these products working, the reason I mention car carb cleaner is, not only is it cheap, but its in a pressurised can. Quick squirt and the nozzle etc is clean. Nail polish requires a bit more effort as I suspect anything that you require to steep. I would always keep the actual proper cleaner for cleaning out the internals of the gun

Whether the carb cleaner works effectively may depend on the brand.
For example the main constituent in Holt's carb cleaner (MSDS attached), is Toluene.
It too is a solvent, but has a way lower workplace exposure limit than acetone alone.
So, it might not be as effective, and it might not be as good for you!