[Jason Hedges]

Morning all,

Just had a call asking about removing expanding foam and silicone sealant from an 80/20 wool nylon mix carpet. Mess was left by window fitter, aparently not very much but would like me to have a go at getting it out.

Any suggestions?

Kind regards,
Jason.

[Ian Gourlay]

Never tried on carpet but still trying to get it off my bath as my son got in a muddle when I asked him to put it round the bath we put in.

[Jason Hedges]

I know its a nightmare thats why i'm wondering about the chance of it coming out. I've got expanding foam stuck to a jumper i used when doing some DIY ages ago, been through the wash a hundred times and its going no-where.

Jason.

[prodry]

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=75778&ts=23666

This stuff works a treat, but never used on a carpet before.

[Jason Hedges]

Thanks prodry,

Had a quick look at product, just a bit concerned if it will break down expanding foam might do the same to carpet. Might be worth a try if custy has an offcut or in inconspocuous place though.

Cheers!

Jason.

[murky]

How much foam is there, it might be possible to just tease it off with napping shears  or retuft it if there is spare carpet.

Murky

[prodry]

As I say never used it on a carpet before but does work a treat on other things.

Just looked on the tin and it seems to be just a mix of solvents. Still sounds very risky, especially on wool.

Expanding foam is a polyurethane so it may also effect the nylon

[Jason Hedges]

Hi murky,

Yes thats what i was thinking as well!

Going to look at it this afternoon, i will get a better idea then.

Thanks.

[Jason Hedges]

Hi prodry,

I did the same, as you said solvents and wool / nylon dont mix so wont be first thing i try, if i do will be on spare or inconspicuous area for sure!!

Thanks again.

[Ian Gourlay]

I was going to say solvents but thought it could be a bit dodgy. 

Not even on my bath.

Might have to claim acidental damage

[Jason Hedges]

Didnt get time to see it this afternoon so going tomorrow afternoon instead.

Any ideas on the silicone sealant, i'm guessing solvents again

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Jason

No reason to be scared of solvents , they certainly won't dissolve a wool carpet and Nylon is much harder to dissolve than you may think.

The key is to use sparingly and extract well with a detergent .

Silicone doesn't stick very well so you shold be able to remove by lighty agitating with a towell and white spirit.

It is also worth bearing in mind that, although silcone rubber has good heat reistance, it will soften and also has poor tensile strenth.

This means you may well be able to peel it off having softened with a hot detergent solution without the need for any hydrocarbon solvent.

Cheers

Doug

[Jason Hedges]

Thanks Doug, thats helped me out a treat.

Thanks everyone else for your help,  well appreciated.

Kind regards,
Jason.

[Seers]

Hi Jason,

We get this problem all the time with new build apartments, usually use white spirit or pvc solvent cleaner, then HWE, did two flats this morning actually.

Cheers,

Huw.

[Ian Gourlay]

Whats PVC Solvent cleaner perhaps that would work on bath

[Jason Hedges]

Thanks Huw,

Will definately try white spirit.

Ian,

Stop trying to hyjack my post talking about your bloody bath, a scouring pad and cif works a treat, used it on my worst enemies last week

Take care all and thanks again,

Jason.

[Jason Hedges]

Thanks guys for all your help!

Did job today, custy very happy!!!

White spirit and lots of patience provailed with sealant, foam filler just trimmed off as was on surface - batteries ran out on camera before I had a chance to take pics.

Silicone sealant on stairs before:



Silicone sealant on stairs after:



All the best and thanks again,
Jason.