How to Remove Expanding Foam from Fabric

Jessica said, “My friend got white expanding foundation foam on his brand new black polyester shirt what would he use to get it out ?”

You Will Need:

• Gloves
• Nail polish remover (acetone)
• A mask
• A nail file
• A pumice stone
• A dull knife
• Mineral spirits
• Polyurethane stripper

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. Put on gloves.
2. If the foam has not yet fully hardened, wipe off as much as possible with a cloth or paper towel.
3. Blot the remaining foam with some acetone nail polish remover. (Be sure to test this first on a small hidden area to look for any damage to the fabric.)
4. Continue blotting the foam with the acetone until it is removed.
5. If the foam has hardened, the only way to remove it will be to mechanically break it off. First, put on a mask or respirator to prevent inhaling any of the dust that will be created.
6. Rasp the foam off the fabric with a nail file, pumice stone, scouring pad or a dull knife until it is gone. Use caution not to file the fibers of the fabric.
7. It may help to loosen the foam by applying mineral spirits or a polyurethane stripper to the back of the fabric behind the stain. (Test this on a small hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction with the fabric.)

• If there is any foam embedded in the fibers of the fabric that is impossible to remove, you can try to dye it to match the color of the shirt so that it will be less noticeable. See our guide How to Fix Bleach-Stained Clothes for ideas on how to cover the spots.

1. Great Stuff Consumer Safety Information by The Dow Chemical Company
2. Safe Use, Storage and Handling for Low-Pressure Spray Foam Products by Convenience Products
3. The Complete Household Handbook by Good Housekeeping