How to Remove Great Stuff from Hands

If you have ever used Great Stuff insulation foam, then you know how sticky and difficult it can be to remove. This foam cures immediately after application, making it almost impossible to get off your hands or any other surfaces.

But don’t worry – there are ways that you can remove spray foam insulation from your hands without too much trouble. You can use acetone, petroleum jelly, coffee grinds, olive oil, mineral turpentine, pumice stone, and other things to get rid of spray foam.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best tips. So, without any further ado, let’s move on to the detailed methods on how to remove Great Stuff from your hands.

how to remove great stuff from hands

Important

Removing great stuff from hands seems impossible as it is cured immediately after applying to the surfaces. However, it’s possible!

But the most important thing you should remember is that how fast and effortlessly you can remove spray foam insulation depends on whether it is dried up completely.

So, whatever method you use, try to take action as soon as the accident happens. Don’t let it be for a longer period.

Is Great Stuff Foam Removable?

Great stuff foam is an insulating foam used to make house pillars strong and for other purposes like filling and sealing. It cures immediately after applying, making it difficult to remove from any surfaces as it acts as a permanent sealant.

But What Will You Do if It Sticks on Your Skin?

However, there are ways that you can use to remove great stuff from your hands and other areas of your skin. Though removing method and time of uncured and cured spray foam may vary, they are removable.

For example – one way to remove spray foam from your skin is by using a solvent. Solvents are liquids that can dissolve or break down other substances. You can purchase solvents at most hardware stores. There are also some other ways that we will discuss further.

So, let’s get started!

Ways to Remove Great Stuff from Hands

You will find many ways to remove spray foam insulation from your hands. But here, we have gathered only the effective ones for giving you a hand. Hopefully, these will work on your hands and help you clean the spray foam mess quickly.

Method 1: Orange Cleaner

Fast Orange Cleaner is one of the most effective ways of removing spray foam from hands. Its natural citrus power cleans deep down to remove even the most stubborn grease and grime.

It is fortified with aloe, glycerin, lanolin, and other skin conditioners. That’s why it is gentle for your skin and removes the foam without any issues.

For using this, you will need to take a small amount of cleanser and gently rub it on the affected area. After that, you need to wait for some time so the cleaner can work on the foam.

Once it has loosened the foam grip, you can easily wash it off with warm water.

So, removing spray foam using this cleaner can be an ideal choice. Besides, it is also widely available in the super shops or online.

Method 2: Raw Acetone

Raw acetone works great on uncured great stuff. It means the foam is not completely dried yet and is still wet.

First, take a paper towel and remove the foam as much as possible. Since the foam is still wet, you can remove some of it using a paper towel.

Now, take a clean cloth and soak it in raw acetone. Apply the soaked cloth to the spray foam insulation on your hands and wait for a few minutes. After that, you will see the spray foam starts to dissolve.

Remember, don’t use too much pressure while removing the sticky mess from your skin. It can cause bleeding if you rub too hard.

Rather, please have some patience and remove it carefully. Later, you can easily remove it with the help of a putty knife.

Method 3: Hand Gloves with Vaseline

Vaseline is a great household product with many uses. It can be used as a lip balm, remove makeup, and even as a hand cream. But did you know that it can also be used for removing great stuff from hands?

You need to rub vaseline on your hands properly. Make sure you have covered your hands with a thick layer of vaseline.

Now, put on a pair of latex gloves or rubber gloves. Please keep it in the way overnight. It will help to loosen up the foamy stuff. And the vaseline will act as a barrier between your skin and the spray foam. It will ensure that your skin remains fresh.

The next morning, put off the gloves and use a paper towel to rub over the affected area. You will see that the spray foam insulation will come right off with it!

Once you’re done, simply wash your hands with warm soapy water.

Method 4: Mineral Turpentine

Mineral turpentine is one of the most effective ways to remove spray foam from your hands. But, it is also one of the most dangerous methods.

So, you have to be very careful while using it. Also, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area while using it.

For removing spray foam, use a cotton ball to take a small amount of mineral turpentine on it. Apply it to the spray foam stuck on your hands and wait for a few seconds. After that, you will see the hardened foam coming off your hands.

Now, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove the residue of mineral turpentine.

Method 5: Methylated Spirits

Methylated spirits, also known as denatured alcohol. It can also be used to remove spray foam from surfaces like glass, metal, plastic, and hands!

Since it is made with undrinkable ethanol, you should first test it on a small area of your hands. It is to check whether you feel any irritation or not. If all is okay, use a clean cloth and soak it into the denatured alcohol.

Then use the wet cloth to remove the foamy stain slowly. You can also use a wire brush and rub gently over the area. But be careful enough that you don’t hurt yourself.

Method 6: Pumice Stone

A pumice stone can be very useful in this regard. You can use it to rub the great stuff off your hands. All you need to do is wet your hands and then rub the pumice stone on the sticky parts. But it’s time-consuming and can harm your skin if not done properly.

So, first of all, get a quality pumice stone from nearby stores. And then follow the below steps:

  • Wet your hands and the pumice stone under running water.
  • Rub the pumice stone over the cured foam on your hands.
  • Rinse your hands with warm soapy water.
  • Repeat this process until the spray foam is removed from your hands. While using the stone on your hands, be kind to your skin and don’t rub too hard.

But it will take time to remove all of the sticky foams.

So, you must need to keep patience! And wash your hands using a mild hand-washing soap and warm water to make the area soft.

Method 7: Coffee Grinds with Olive Oil

The combination of coffee grinds and olive oil can be a helpful remedy to remove spray foam insulation from your hands. First, fill a small bowl with a generous amount of coffee grinds. Then, pour some olive oil into the bowl and mix them. Make sure that the coffee grinds don’t melt out.

Now, apply this paste to your hands and rub it on your hands in a hand-washing motion. Continue the process until the foam starts to loosen up.

After that, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then rub over the loose foam again until all the sticky thing comes off. You can also use a pumice stone for the rubbing process.

Finally, rinse the area with warm water. Repeat the process if necessary!

Method 8: High-Quality Exfoliator

If you’re looking for a product that will remove spray foam from your hands without damaging your skin, try using a high-quality exfoliator. You can find these products at most drugstores or beauty stores. Just read the label carefully to find one that’s right for your skin type.

However, you need to use these just like your regular skin exfoliators. One of our friends tried Super Acai Exfoliator on the affected area. Though this is a face scrub it works for him.

So, you can also try using your regular face scrubs! Or, you can also follow the instructions given on the label.

Method 9: Oil and Baking Soda Mixture

Another option for removing spray foam from your hands is to make a paste out of olive oil and baking soda.

Mix equal parts of each until you have a thick paste, then rub it onto the affected area until the sticky foam disappears. You can add some tea tree oil to the mixture if you want.

Finally, rinse the area with warm water.

Method 10: Hair Dryer is Great

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any of the above products, you can try using a hair dryer. Just turn it on to the highest setting and hold it close to the area where the spray foam is stuck.

After a few minutes, the heat will cause the spray foam to loosen its grip, and you should be able to peel it off. Don’t forget to use a moisturizer on the hands after removing the stuff!

Warning

Great Stuff can cause serious damage to the skin if you are not careful enough. So, always wear gloves, masks, goggles, and other safety gear while using this product. And the methods mentioned above may need several attempts while removing the foam.

Removing the dried spray foam insulation can cause bleeding if not handled properly.

So, always choose methods wisely and try another one if one fails. And always try to remove the foam as soon as it gets on your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does WD-40 Remove Expanding Foam?

If you are working with expanding foam, you may need a method to remove them to clean up the messy area. So, have you ever wondered whether WD-40 could clean up the foamy mess or not?

Yes, WD-40 can remove expanding foam from the messy areas. WD-40 is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean up various things. It can remove the sticky foam residue left behind.

The spray foam is a water-displacing solution in an aerosol can. The most frequent use for WD-40 is to keep a can on hand to muffle the hinges of a door when it creaks. It can also be used to dissolve expanding foam.

To use WD-40 to remove expanding foam, you need to spray it on the overfilling area from where you want to remove the foam. After spraying, let it sit there for a few minutes. Then, you can wipe away the foam with a clean cloth.

Q: How Long Does Great Stuff Take to Dry?

People think that spray foam dries immediately after the application. But actually, it takes 12 hours to dry completely.

If you need to trim away any excess foam, use a sharp knife and trim it. Within 9 minutes, the foam will be tack-free and can be trimmed in 1 hour.

So, it doesn’t dry up immediately; rather, it takes at least 12 hours to dry off completely.

Q: What is the Best way to Remove Great Stuff from Clothing?

The best way to remove expanding spray foam from clothing is to use acetone. But, at first, you need a putty knife or a razor blade to scrape off the dried foam as much as possible without harming the clothes.

Then, use a brush, soak it in acetone or nail polish remover, and apply it over the area. Use as much as acetone is needed and remove the stains brushing off carefully.

Finally, wash the area with dish soap and warm water. Repeat this process if necessary.

However, we always recommend using acetone in an inconspicuous area of the clothes to avoid unwanted situations.

Q: Is Expanding foam Permanent?

Expanding foam is a plastic type used in many different applications. It is permanent because it will not break down over time. However, it can be removed from surfaces if you know how to do it.

There are two types of expanding foam: water-based and oil-based. Water-based expanding foam is easier to remove than oil-based expanding foam. However, both types can be removed with the right method.

The first thing you need to do is to identify the expanding foam you are dealing with. If you are unsure, test a small area with a solvent such as acetone or nail polish remover. If the solvent dissolves the foam, then you have water-based expanding foam. If the solvent does not dissolve the foam, you have oil-based expanding foam.

Whatever the type, it is permanent, but you can remove them with some elbow grease.

Q: Is Great Stuff Spray foam Ttoxic?

No, Great Stuff spray foam insulation is not toxic. However, it is important to use gloves and a mask, as the fumes can irritate. If you get the foam on your skin, wash it off with soap and water as soon as possible.

If not handled correctly, the substances used in spray foam insulation may be extremely harmful to a person’s health. It is also recommended to avoid any skin contact with the foam.

And if you are using it for your home, you should leave the house for 24 hours after the foam insulation. Great stuff insulation foam is a great product for many different purposes.

However, it can be dangerous for health and difficult to remove from surfaces if you’re not careful enough.

Q: Will Gasoline Get Spray foam Off Hands?

Yes, you can use gasoline in a pinch to remove spray foam. It works as an alternative to acetone. But it is recommended to use gasoline in a well-ventilated area. And after removing the foam, you must wash your hands immediately with soap and water.

As gasoline can be harsh on the skin, it is a good idea to use a high-quality moisturizer or hand lotion as the last step.

Wrap Up

There you have it! Ten simple ways to remove spray from your hands. So next time you find yourself in this sticky situation, don’t panic – just grab one of these household items, and you’ll be good as new in no time.

Great stuff is a sticky mess, but with a little know-how, it’s easy to get rid of. With these tips, you’ll be able to easily remove spray foam from your hands.

Do you have any other tips for removing spray foam? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends if they’re struggling with the same problem. Until next time, happy cleaning!

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Melia Karneva

This is Melia Karneva, a mother of two young gentlemen. A stay-at-home mom, she loves nothing more than cleaning and cooking for her family. Her true passion, is writing, which she pursues with great zeal. She loves putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) in her spare time. Karneva thinks of herself as a Renaissance woman - she can do many things but doesn't like to brag about them.

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