Hello all! I have been experimenting and testing different products and I would like to share what I have found to be the most successful. DISCLAIMER: There is potential for damage, especially to fabric, use caution and set realistic expectations with your client!
Caulk on Textured Plastic: (PSA: test the cleaner on your plastic in a discreet spot, each companies plastic is formulated differently, also DO NOT use Goo Gone on rubber)
Gently scrape as much caulk as possible from the surface, applying steam helps loosen the material and makes it pliable, dry completely before next step
Carefully apply Goo Gone Spray Gel to the affected area, try to avoid runs and drips, I find spreading it around with a finger while it dwells for a minute or two helps
Agitate with a firm bristle brush or drill brush
Wipe clean with APC or a light degreaser (surface safe) insure ALL Goo Gone is removed, this takes some time since its a petroleum based product
Once dry it will look like the cleaner burnt the plastic, BUT it is actually a thin layer of caulk, you can apply 91-99% Isopropyl alcohol or do the next step dry
Scrub the affected area with a Dobie pad or firm Scrub Daddy, this step seems to work best dry
Apply your favorite surface conditioner and et voila the caulk is gone!
Caulk on Fabric (seats): (PSA: I have found that no matter what chemical you use the mechanical agitation required for removal will damage the seats, leaving a fuzzy texture, I am currently exploring ways to correct the fuzz)
Gently scrape as much caulk as possible from the surface, applying steam helps loosen the material and makes it pliable, dry completely before next step
Carefully apply Goo Gone Spray Gel to the affected area, try to avoid runs and drips, minimize the dwell time as much as possible
Agitate with a firm bristle brush or drill brush
Repeat steps two and three as necessary but try to avoid saturating the upholstery with Goo Gone
Follow up with an upholstery extractor making sure to remove all Goo Gone from the fabric and cushion, this takes awhile because Goo Gone is a petroleum distillate (repels water), use of an upholstery cleaner may help remove the Goo Gone
Complete cleaning/extraction of the upholstered surface is recommended.
And just like that the caulk is gone!
I will make a follow up post on once I run into cured spray foam again, the spray foam is much more difficult to remove and I would definitely like some pointers with that stuff. I will also follow up eventually on the upholstery fuzz remedy, currently looking at "fabric shavers", does anyone here have experience with these? I appreciate everyone's responses, they have all been very helpful!