PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
DIY
How to Get Spray Foam off Your Hands Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Acetone 2 Baby Powder 3 Water and Dish Soap 4 Baking Soda and Oil 5 Pumice Stone 6 Exfoliating Soap 7 Petroleum Jelly 8 Isopropyl Alcohol 9 Gasoline 10 Time and Patience + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Josh Goldenberg and Nihal Shetty
Last Updated: July 3, 2024 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Josh Goldenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty. Josh Goldenberg is a Residential Remodeling Expert and the Co-Founder of 5blox, based in the Greater Los Angeles area. With more than seven years of experience, Josh and his team specialize in luxurious and sustainable home renovations. 5blox is fully licensed and bonded. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 211,749 times.
Using spray foam insulation or sealant and accidentally got some on your hands? Spray foams are meant to be tough to remove, especially after they’ve dried—thankfully, however, they’ll fall off your skin on their own in a few days. But if you don’t want to wait that long, you can speed up this process with a few simple tricks. We’ll walk you through them in this complete guide on how to get spray foam off hands.
The Best Ways to Get Spray Foam Off Your Hands
If the foam hasn’t dried, wipe it with a cloth dipped in acetone. Or, rub your hands with baby powder. If the foam is dried, cover your hands in cooking oil and then sprinkle on some baking soda.
Steps
1
Acetone
Download Article
If the spray foam hasn’t dried, acetone can remove its stickiness. Dip a rag in acetone or nail polish remover and gently rub at the spray foam. Doing this before the foam has dried keeps it from attaching to your skin.
Avoid pouring acetone directly onto your skin, since this can cause irritation.[1]X Trustworthy Source Official UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
Acetone will evaporate by itself very rapidly, but you can wash it off with water if you prefer. It can, however, dry out your skin, so apply a moisturizer after using it.
Acetone also works great for spray glue, not just spray foam. With a few drops of acetone, you can get any glue or other spray adhesives off your hands easily.
Advertisement 2
Baby Powder
Download Article
Baby powder gets rid of spray foam while being gentle on skin. Pour a generous amount of baby powder on both the front and the backs of your hands, enough so that there’s a decent layer of powder all over. Rub your hands together for 15 seconds, then rinse them off. Repeat this process 3-4 times—although you may not be able to get everything off at once, your hands should be noticeably more free of the spray foam.[2]XResearch source
Although this method works best if the spray foam or insulation is still a little wet, it can also help you get dried foam insulation off your hands.
3
Water and Dish Soap
Download Article
Water and dish soap can loosen up dried spray foam. Fill a pair of rubber gloves halfway full will a mixture of water and several drops of dish soap. Put the gloves on your hands, tape them around your wrists, and leave them on for a couple of hours. When you remove them, the spray foam may have loosened up enough to be scrubbed off.[3]XResearch source
If you have spray glue or adhesive on your hands, washing your hands with water and dish soap thoroughly should be enough to remove the glue. You may have to wash your hands several times before it’s all off.
Advertisement 4
Baking Soda and Oil
Download Article
Baking soda and oil dislodge dried spray foam from your hands. Lather your hands in oil—any moisturizing or cooking oil, like canola, is totally fine—then sprinkle a heavy coating of baking soda on your hands. Rub the mixture together, then let it sit for a few minutes. Wash your hands with warm water to remove the spray foam.
5
Pumice Stone
Download Article
A pumice stone can scrape off the toughest dried spray foam. Use gentle strokes to scrub the spray foam on your hands, and lighten up on the pressure if the skin of your hand experiences any pain. When you’ve loosened up the spray foam, wash your hands with warm water and soap to get it off your skin.
If you don’t have a pumice stone, you can use a nail file instead.
Advertisement 6
Exfoliating Soap
Download Article
Exfoliating soap gently removes dried spray foam from your hands. This kind of soap includes small exfoliating beads that scrub away dead skin cells and any reside leftover from the foam. Best of all, you can use exfoliating soap in your daily life, so it doesn’t have to sit in the closet after you finally get the spray foam off.[4]XResearch source
7
Petroleum Jelly
Download Article
Petroleum jelly can soften up dried foam. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly onto your hands, then slip your hands into a pair of disposable gloves or wrap them in plastic. Let your hands rest for an hour, then remove the gloves or plastic, and wash them with warm soap and water. Much of the spray foam should wash off along with the petroleum jelly.
Instead of petroleum jelly, you can also use lanolin, which works the same way.
Advertisement 8
Isopropyl Alcohol
Download Article
91% isopropyl alcohol is a disinfectant that breaks up dried spray foam. Fill a deep dish with 91% isopropyl alcohol and place your hands in it for no longer than 10 minutes. Then, remove your hands and wipe off the spray foam with a clean rag or towel.[5]XResearch source
Be sure not to leave your hands in the alcohol for longer than 10 minutes. The alcohol can enter your skin and cause irritation.
9
Gasoline
Download Article
Gasoline dissolves all kinds of sticky material, including spray foam. Dip a rag in gasoline, then rub it onto your hands. Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The spray foam should be much easier to remove with a bit of light scrubbing.
Remember that gasoline is extremely flammable. Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, very far from any open flames or heat sources.
Gasoline works best if the spray foam is still wet and sticky.
After using gasoline, be sure to scrub your hands with enough soap and water to remove all of it from your skin.
Advertisement 10
Time and Patience
Download Article
Within a week, the spray foam will naturally fall or peel off. Don’t worry about spray foam too much if you have some on your hands—although it’s annoying, it’s also harmless. Regularly wash your hands or do the dishes for a few days, and the dried foam will come off on its own.[6]XResearch source
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Avoid using commercial solvents, like WD-40, to get spray foam off your hands. Lacquer thinners may also cause irritation. These chemicals can be absorbed into your skin.[7]X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZOnline clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How to Get Silicone Caulk Off Your HandsHow to Remove Polyurethane From Your Hands9 Effective Spray Paint Removal MethodsHow toGet Spray Paint off Your HandsHow toGet Gorilla Glue off HandsHow to Get Glue off Your HandsHow toRemove Bandage Adhesive from Skin10 Ways to Get Super Glue off Your Skin, Hands, and FingersThe Best Ways to Remove Gorilla Glue from Skin, Plastic, & MoreQuick & Easy Ways to Remove Resin From Skin and HandsHow toClean Rubber GripsHow to Remove Super Glue FastHow toGet Tree Sap Off Your HandsHow toRemove Acrylic Paint from Skin Advertisement
Co-authored by: Josh Goldenberg Residential Remodeling Expert This article was co-authored by Josh Goldenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty. Josh Goldenberg is a Residential Remodeling Expert and the Co-Founder of 5blox, based in the Greater Los Angeles area. With more than seven years of experience, Josh and his team specialize in luxurious and sustainable home renovations. 5blox is fully licensed and bonded. This article has been viewed 211,749 times. 34 votes - 77% Co-authors: 4Updated: July 3, 2024 Views: 211,749 Categories: DIY In other languages Portuguese Dutch Indonesian French Italian Spanish German Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 211,749 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Josh Goldenberg Residential Remodeling Expert 34 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 4Updated: July 3, 2024 Views: 211,749
Quizzes & Games
What Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to Get Silicone Caulk Off Your HandsHow to Remove Polyurethane From Your Hands9 Effective Spray Paint Removal MethodsHow toGet Spray Paint off Your Hands
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?How toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?
Watch Articles
How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint
Trending Articles
Why Can't I Sleep QuizHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?
Quizzes & Games
What Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Take QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizBrain Fog TestTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
DIY
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Acetone 2 Baby Powder 3 Water and Dish Soap 4 Baking Soda and Oil 5 Pumice Stone 6 Exfoliating Soap 7 Petroleum Jelly 8 Isopropyl Alcohol 9 Gasoline 10 Time and Patience + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Josh Goldenberg and Nihal Shetty 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Josh Goldenberg Residential Remodeling Expert This article was co-authored by Josh Goldenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty. Josh Goldenberg is a Residential Remodeling Expert and the Co-Founder of 5blox, based in the Greater Los Angeles area. With more than seven years of experience, Josh and his team specialize in luxurious and sustainable home renovations. 5blox is fully licensed and bonded. This article has been viewed 211,749 times. 34 votes - 77% Co-authors: 4 Updated: July 3, 2024 Views: 211,749 Categories: DIY In other languages Portuguese Dutch Indonesian French Italian Spanish German Japanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
435 
If the spray foam hasn’t dried, acetone can remove its stickiness. Dip a rag in acetone or nail polish remover and gently rub at the spray foam. Doing this before the foam has dried keeps it from attaching to your skin. 
Baby powder gets rid of spray foam while being gentle on skin. Pour a generous amount of baby powder on both the front and the backs of your hands, enough so that there’s a decent layer of powder all over. Rub your hands together for 15 seconds, then rinse them off. Repeat this process 3-4 times—although you may not be able to get everything off at once, your hands should be noticeably more free of the spray foam.[2] 
Water and dish soap can loosen up dried spray foam. Fill a pair of rubber gloves halfway full will a mixture of water and several drops of dish soap. Put the gloves on your hands, tape them around your wrists, and leave them on for a couple of hours. When you remove them, the spray foam may have loosened up enough to be scrubbed off.[3] 
Baking soda and oil dislodge dried spray foam from your hands. Lather your hands in oil—any moisturizing or cooking oil, like canola, is totally fine—then sprinkle a heavy coating of baking soda on your hands. Rub the mixture together, then let it sit for a few minutes. Wash your hands with warm water to remove the spray foam. 
A pumice stone can scrape off the toughest dried spray foam. Use gentle strokes to scrub the spray foam on your hands, and lighten up on the pressure if the skin of your hand experiences any pain. When you’ve loosened up the spray foam, wash your hands with warm water and soap to get it off your skin. 
Exfoliating soap gently removes dried spray foam from your hands. This kind of soap includes small exfoliating beads that scrub away dead skin cells and any reside leftover from the foam. Best of all, you can use exfoliating soap in your daily life, so it doesn’t have to sit in the closet after you finally get the spray foam off.[4] 
Petroleum jelly can soften up dried foam. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly onto your hands, then slip your hands into a pair of disposable gloves or wrap them in plastic. Let your hands rest for an hour, then remove the gloves or plastic, and wash them with warm soap and water. Much of the spray foam should wash off along with the petroleum jelly. 
91% isopropyl alcohol is a disinfectant that breaks up dried spray foam. Fill a deep dish with 91% isopropyl alcohol and place your hands in it for no longer than 10 minutes. Then, remove your hands and wipe off the spray foam with a clean rag or towel.[5] 
Gasoline dissolves all kinds of sticky material, including spray foam. Dip a rag in gasoline, then rub it onto your hands. Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The spray foam should be much easier to remove with a bit of light scrubbing. 
Within a week, the spray foam will naturally fall or peel off. Don’t worry about spray foam too much if you have some on your hands—although it’s annoying, it’s also harmless. Regularly wash your hands or do the dishes for a few days, and the dried foam will come off on its own.[6] 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.