Construction Company Mayhem: Cured Caulk and Spray Foam Removal from Interior Surfaces

[benji details]

Hello, my name is Ben and I work for a construction company as their detailer/fleet technician, I essentially take care of 27 trucks (and counting) they are all 2020-present RAM 1500 Classics and E-Torques (mix of upholstered and vinyl/rubber interiors). A common issue I am encountering is cured caulking and cured spray foam on various interior surfaces, from the fabric, to the carpet, to the textured plastics, this stuff is proving to be a PITA to remove. I have tried 99% isopropyl alcohol, acetone (at the risk of causing damage), P&S detailing APC, dish soap diluted in water, among others and mechanical agitation only does so much when the cleaner can't break down the product. For mechanical I have tried magic eraser (works on smooth surfaces but can scuff plastic), firm bristle drill brushes, firm bristle manual brushes, and microfiber towels all to no avail. Does anyone have the remedy? I have heard WD-40 could work on the non-absorbent surfaces, is that worth a shot? Would steam do much to loosen cured caulking? 

Edited July 20, 2023 by benji details

[falcaineer]

My recommendation would also be to try steam. Especially given you tried the other methods already.

[benji details]

22 hours ago, falcaineer said:

My recommendation would also be to try steam. Especially given you tried the other methods already.

Steam seems to help a bit, it definitely loosens the caulking and makes it more pliable. It has been a heck of a time but I think I have developed a foolproof method that has been successful while not damaging interior parts. I will be making another reply with the steps I took to correct the mess. 

[RayS]

On smooth surfaces you can use a lubricant such as Detail Spray and a plastic razor blade for the spray foam.   Just get enough of a gap to let the plastic razor blade slide under and then put the Detail Spray on on the surface and both sides of the plastic razor blade.   The objective is to break the bond between the spray foam and surface and then you can pull it off in chunks.   The one thing that I do know is that is a pain to get off, especially on rough surfaces.

[benji details]

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)

1.  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
2. 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 
3. Agitate with a firm bristle brush or drill brush 
4. 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 
5. 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 
6. Scrub the affected area with a Dobie pad or firm Scrub Daddy, this step seems to work best dry 
7. 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) 

 

1. 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
2. Carefully apply Goo Gone Spray Gel to the affected area, try to avoid runs and drips, minimize the dwell time as much as possible  
3. Agitate with a firm bristle brush or drill brush 
4. Repeat steps two and three as necessary but try to avoid saturating the upholstery with Goo Gone  
5. 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
6. Complete cleaning/extraction of the upholstered surface is recommended. 
7. 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! 

Edited July 24, 2023 by benji details