Expanding foam in a can is a great way to seal up cracks and gaps around your home. But if you don’t clean out the spray tube after using it, it can become clogged with foam, making it unable to use again.
To unclog an expanding foam spray tube, squirt liquid spray lubricant in the tube to soften the hardened foam. Then use a wire coat hanger to remove the softened foam from the tube.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- Choosing Caulking for Sealing Cracks (video)
- Sealing Around Windows and Doors (video)
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Joe Truini: Expanding foam sealant is a great way to seal up holes and cracks around the house and yard, especially around windows and doors. But the problem is once you use it, if you don’t clean off this nozzle, this spray tube, the sealant will harden in there and you won’t be able to reuse it.
So here’s the trick. Get a little spray lubricant and put it right into this spray tube from the sealant, and give it a couple of squirts. There you go. Just a little bit. What you’ll find is that the lubricant acts as a solvent, and dissolves the spray sealant.
And you run a wire, this is just a straightened-out coat hanger, run it through there a little bit to get out the excess. It might take two or three times to get all the expanding sealant out of there. There you go. That’s all it takes. Maybe give it one more squirt.
And what you’ll find is the tube will be clean and clear, and you’ll be able to put it back on the can and reuse it next time.
I find that the tube breaks easily when I take it on and off. Joe, any tips for that, and for spray foaming the underside of a floor?
Thanks!
Eric
That is brilliant. Thanks so much – worked like a charm .
The spray tube is made from a slick plastic. I get a tight grip on the tube then use a tight fitting nozzle on my air compressor blow gun- a couple of quick blasts clears the tube. Even better is to use compressed air BEFORE the foam hardens.
Umm.. read the instructions. Go to cvs and buy a bottle of 100% acetone. Takes 30 mins to cure, so as soon as u done spraying, pour a little acetone on it. It liquefies it. Completely dissolves it. Nice for when u get any on yer hands, etc. I pour a little on the nozzle and shake it off, too. Guarantees no clogs in the can if u have some left over.
If spray foam dries on your skin, you are screwed. Tried paint off, lacquer thinner and acetone. All don’t work once foam is dry
It’s important to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, before using spray foam.