Rinse the gun. How to clean a foam gun? Tips and tricks. How to avoid gun clogging

Today, almost no construction or repair process can be completed without polyurethane foam. If you don’t delve into the chemical composition of the product, it is a sealant based on polyurethane foam and other additives. Used for sealing seams and joints when laying floors, installing windows, and roofs. Using the product is quite simple. The can has a plastic nozzle.

In order for the mounting mixture to “go”, the nozzle must be turned or opened, depending on the design of the can. The mounting gun is not supplied with the product; it must be purchased separately. In stores you can find metal, Teflon and plastic devices.

These cost from 200 to 1500 rubles. The most expensive is Teflon, the cheapest is plastic, and the most practical is metal.

During operation, the gun may become clogged with remnants of the mounting mixture, which, after hardening, hardens and expands. How to clean a foam gun?

The easiest way to clean a foam gun is to purchase a special cleaner. This is a chemical solvent that is sold in aerosol cans. One is enough for 3-5 uses.

A cleaner for a “foam” gun is an economical choice for a thrifty owner. The cylinder is enough for several uses (maximum 5)

Which cleaner should I choose for washing? It all depends on what kind of sealant you use.

The cost of the solvent is from 200 to 500 rubles per unit of product.

Instructions for using the cleaner look like this:

• prepare for cleaning work: spread several layers of newspaper or old unnecessary fabric on the floor or table (the contents of the device along with the solvent will come out, making it difficult and time-consuming to clean the dirty surface);
• open the can of cleaning agent for flushing and place the unit on it;
• tilt the resulting structure “head” down;
• gently pull the trigger at intervals of 5-10 seconds to flush;
• When the equipment is clean, the solvent container should be removed, closed and stored upright.

You will learn how to perform the washing procedure using a solvent from the video:

Safety precautions: we work without harm to health

The cleaner is a household chemical product. This is a caustic solvent that, if it comes into contact with the skin, can cause burns and an allergic reaction. If you intend to clean the gun from the foam, put on a long-sleeved jacket, pants and socks. Wear protective gloves on your hands. It is advisable to work with glasses. The cleaner may “shoot” in the wrong place.

When working with foam gun cleaner, wear safety glasses. Contact with eyes may cause blindness

These are the simplest safety rules. It is necessary to remember the following standards for handling the composition:

• it cannot be heated or cooled;
• It is prohibited to flush the mounting mixture near an open flame source;
• solvent cleaner is not a toy: do not give the can to children;
• the tube must not be pierced or cut after use;
• The liquid cannot be used for other purposes - eaten, added to paints to dilute them, etc.

If the composition suddenly gets on the skin, then clean the surface of the dermis as follows: dissolve 1 tablespoon of soda in a glass of warm water and wipe the stained area.

Important: 12-16 hours have passed since the procedure, but the itching and rash do not go away, but only get worse? Contact your doctor immediately as you may be experiencing an unusual allergic reaction that could have serious consequences.

The cleaner for the “foam” gun can cause a severe allergic reaction if it comes into contact with the skin. If the itching does not go away and gets worse, consult a doctor immediately to avoid shock.

How to clean a foam gun: gasoline, acetone and mechanical means

Purchasing a specialized solvent is not in your plans or does not fit into your budget? Try traditional methods:

• acetone;
• petrol;
• scraping with a knife;
• pushing with metal wire.

Which method is smarter to use? Let's find out below.

Gasoline to the rescue!

Gasoline is often used not only for its intended purpose (as fuel for equipment or tools), but also as a solvent. There is an opinion that it can remove nail polish and also clean the gun from frozen polyurethane foam. In the latter case, there are two options:

• immerse the product in a container with gasoline;
• drip fuel with a syringe or pipette into the unit.

The second cleaning method is obviously more economical than the first. But if you didn’t choose it, then you need to keep the tool in the fuel for at least 6 hours. More is possible.

When placing cleaning fuel inside the device, hold the product with the muzzle facing down. Pre-lay “protection” on the floor or table.

When rinsing the foam gun, hold it with the muzzle down so that the contents can come out easily. Be sure to lay down a rag or paper so as not to stain the floor or table

After the device is clean, you need to wipe it with a dry cloth to remove gasoline residues and put it into storage.

"Yield" of acetone

Using acetone to clean a foam gun is technically no different than using gasoline for cleaning.

Important: you must use pure acetone (like gasoline). It is not recommended to dilute it with water or any cleaners or household chemicals.

It has been experimentally proven that acetone acts more slowly when cleaning than gasoline. So be patient.

When using, ensure that the area in which you wash the foam gun is thoroughly ventilated. The vapors of the substance remain for a long time within the room.

After cleaning the foam gun with acetone, ventilate the room for about an hour. Vapors of the substance cause dizziness and nausea

Mechanics: wire and knife

To clean the mounting gun from dried foam, use a knife and wire. The process looks like this:

• using a sharp knife, scrape off the remaining mounting mixture from the outside of the device;
• a metal or copper wire is carefully placed inside the barrel;
• The wire is moved back and forth so that the dried foam comes out.

Important: the mechanical cleaning method is effective when the barrel is not 100 percent clogged. Otherwise, the cleaning will be performed poorly and only partially.

The video will tell you more about this process:

Do I need to disassemble the tool for cleaning?

Should the foam gun be cleaned when the unit is completely disassembled? It all depends on the time:

• if less than 6 hours have passed since the product was used, then it is not necessary to disassemble the instrument for cleaning;
• Has the barrel been clogged for a long time? The unit will have to be carefully disassembled for cleaning.

There is nothing complicated about the procedure. Structurally, the device consists of 2 parts - the trigger and the barrel. There are levers inside. With a careful and attentive approach to the matter, the equipment will return to operation after completion of the washing process.

For information on how to disassemble a foam gun, see here:

To not clean at all

With a good and experienced owner, the gun practically does not clog. He knows the secrets of proper operation of the unit:

• the foam along the muzzle should flow smoothly, evenly and slowly; rushing will not lead to the desired result;
• after use, remove the foam immediately, do not wait until it hardens (you can do this by placing the unit under a strong stream of water - the mixture will come out. But be careful: it can clog the sink);
• after washing with water or solvent, wipe the device with a dry cloth;
• store the product in a dry, warm place away from moisture and direct sunlight;
• Too frequent disassembly of the pistol leads to its premature failure.

With normal use, a metal device will last 5 years, a Teflon device will last 10 years, and a plastic device will last 12-18 months.

With proper care, a quality foam gun will last about 5 years. It makes sense to treat the instrument with respect

Finally

Cleaning the foam gun can be done using a special industrial solvent, gasoline, acetone, wire, and a knife. Which method is less energy-consuming? Of course, use a special solvent. It works in a matter of minutes, and the effect is almost always perfect.

A spray foam gun is a convenient device for construction work. The principle of its operation is to distribute a dosed amount of polyurethane foam.

Using this tool, various construction work is carried out to fill voids, holes and seams in walls, window frames, and doorways. Unlike conventional mounting cylinders, when using a gun, you get an even and high-quality seam without excessive use of sealant.

Installation gun device

The mounting device has a long metal rod for convenient distribution of foam along the seam. There is a ball valve inside that closes the outlet of the sealant. An adjusting screw is used to distribute the foam. It is advisable to choose pistol models made of reliable and durable metal.

When to clean the mounting gun

The installation tool is washed with a special strong solvent liquid every time after use so that it serves for a long time and properly. Moreover, polyurethane sealant is cleaned not only from the device itself, but also from hands, clothing and work surfaces. Aerosol cans with flushing liquid are sold by the same manufacturers that produce polyurethane foam.

Technical data for flushing from polyurethane foam:

• The main component is dimethyl ketone;
• The contents of the aerosol can are under pressure. Handle with care: do not disassemble, store out of reach of children;
• Does not tolerate direct sunlight;
• Do not allow the cylinder to overheat above 50 ° C. The recommended air temperature when working with the cylinder is +5 – +35 ° C;
• After use, under no circumstances should the container be burned or opened.

Instructions: how to use polyurethane foam cleaner

• Open the protective cap on the cleaner;
• Remove the used polyurethane foam container from the mounting gun gearbox;
• Install a flushing bottle on the gearbox;
• Pass the flushing liquid through the tool rod by pressing the adjusting trigger several times to supply the sealant;
• Remove the cleaner bottle;
• Check that all foam has been removed inside the instrument.

To clean work surfaces from dried polyurethane foam, tightly put on the special sprayer supplied with the washing aerosol and direct it to the contaminated area.

Do not bring your working tool to such a state that the sealant dries right in the gun, since washing it is a rather labor-intensive and lengthy process. If your adjusting trigger suddenly stops working, the tool may be dirty and it's time to clean it.

If this happens, remove the mounting bottle with polyurethane foam and carefully cut off the excess foam from the rod. Then lower the gun down and drip flushing into the gearbox. Make sure that the liquid does not spill or get on other parts of the installation tool. Gently press the trigger and squeeze out the dried sealant.

If this does not help, then carefully disassemble the gun and clean the main valve with solvent, dripping it onto it at the junction with the cylinder. If the mounting device is still clogged with foam, remove the valve and flush that part with solvent. Cleaning completed. Afterwards, carefully assemble the tool and it is ready for use.

Safety precautions when working with flushing:

• The composition is fire hazardous as it contains flammable substances, therefore, it must be kept away from open flames, electrical appliances, heated surfaces and spark-producing equipment. Smoking is prohibited in the premises where work is being carried out;
• Minimally toxic. In case of contact with the eyes or inside, you should immediately consult a doctor, because the components of the cleaning liquid irritate the skin, respiratory tract, eyes and can cause allergies. If inhaled for a long time, it is hazardous to health. Before use, it is advisable to cover your eyes with safety glasses and wear gloves;

• After cleaning the skin of your hands from foam using a cleaner, wash your hands thoroughly under running water and soap;
• Work carefully in clothes made of artificial fabrics so that there is no chemical reaction between synthetic fibers and washing;
• Spray in a ventilated area. If ventilation is not working satisfactorily, use respiratory protection.

The mounting gun will serve its entire intended life if you follow these simple rules and regularly use flushing liquid to remove polyurethane foam residues. This is why it will be useful

The main difficulty in operating the gun is cleaning the structure after using polyurethane foam. Despite the convenient design of use and the advantageous advantages of the tool over household cylinders with a conventional applicator, the design has an inconvenient structure for trouble-free cleaning.

Cleaning of the foam is carried out immediately after application, before the sealant has had time to completely dry. But if the material has hardened, there are methods to get rid of contaminants.

Pistol design

Under no circumstances should the foam be washed off with water, because it is a kind of catalyst that enhances the polymerization process of this material.

To avoid unforeseen situations, you should acquire a cleaner in advance to remove traces of polyurethane foam. It is recommended by specialists to purchase a product of the same brand as the sealant used in the work.

This requirement is due to the fact that manufacturers create cleaners based on their own formulas for making polyurethane foam. Using products from one brand leads to effective results.

System for using foam remover:

1. After applying the mounting sealant to the appropriate areas, the can is removed.
2. The cleaner bottle is screwed into its place.
3. The trigger is pressed until the stream from the gun is free of traces of polyurethane foam.

This completes cleaning the device. All that remains is to check the structure for the absence of sealant residues. If further use of the cylinder with material for filling sutures is expected, the cap is returned to its place until the next use.

Any cleaners are essentially solvents. All of them can be harmful to health. Therefore, they follow safety rules.

Protective measures:

• The product should not be stored in direct sunlight or near objects with high temperatures;
• Empty cylinders must not be burned or opened after use;
• The tool is directed away from you during the work process. Getting the material into the nose, eyes and mouth is unacceptable; if this happens, you should immediately seek medical help;
• The product should not be stored near open flame sources;
• It is recommended to ventilate the room well.

Method for removing hardened sealant accumulations

In cases where flushing with the cleaner is not completed on time and foam has blocked the trigger, another method of combating contamination is used.

Do not press too hard on the frozen trigger. If the mechanism does not yield to pressure when gently pressed, then applying force will break it.

The action plan in this case is as follows:

• First, the tool barrel is freed from external contaminants. Often foam sticks to the gun and a knife is used to remove it. The structure should be cleaned very carefully so as not to damage the piston.

• After this, the device is lowered down. Using a special solvent designed to remove hardened sealant, treat the beginning of the structure with a small amount of the substance. In this case, you should avoid getting the solvent liquid on other components of the instrument. This leads to damage to the gun and damage.
• After waiting a little, try to squeeze out the foam by carefully pressing the trigger. This must be done without sudden movements or use of force. If the situation is not too advanced, the liquefied sealant will gradually come out. Otherwise, you will need to change tactics.
• A tightly fixed trigger in the gun indicates that the main valve is clogged with sealant. In the area where the cylinders are attached, there is a small ball onto which you need to pour a very small amount of dissolving liquid. After a ten-minute wait, a bottle of cleaner is attached and cleaning is performed in the standard way.

And finally

Typically, following these steps will help resolve the problem:

As a last resort, more radical measures are used. The tool should be held at the bottom (under the socket) and unscrew the crown. Remove the valve from the structure and set it aside.

Pour a small amount of solvent (literally a few drops) into the inside and into the nest itself. The holding time is at least a quarter of an hour. Then, by pressing the ball, all internal components should be cleared of foam.

Then they begin to assemble the tool. The procedure is performed in reverse order. Under no circumstances should you pull the trigger of a gun unless it is equipped with a sealant bottle. This reduces the service life of the device.

In contact with

When a house is being renovated, many people have to use a construction gun. The most important question that arises after using a gun is how to clean it from dried polyurethane foam? The main elementary rule that should be remembered for the future is immediately, when the foam is still fresh. Before cleaning it is important to know:

• The gun must be kept away from you when washing.
• Protect your hands with rubber gloves so that the cleaning agent does not damage the skin of your hands or cause a burn.
• Smoking is prohibited to avoid any problems.

How to clean a gun from dried foam

So, to clean the construction gun we need:

1. Special tools and solutions that we can purchase at a hardware store

We take the foam bottle and remove it from the gun; instead, screw in a special bottle for cleaning. Take a deep dish, maybe a bucket, so that the liquid flows out of the gun there, and gently press the trigger for 3-5 seconds.

Wipe the edge with a rag and wait 5-10 minutes, then press the trigger again for 5-10 seconds. It is worth repeating until all the liquid in the cylinder is used up. Then you need to unscrew the can and shake out the liquid that remains in the gun.

2. Solvent, which should contain acetone or white spirit

You need to carefully cut off the dried foam from the barrel of the gun and its opening. You need to pour solvent into this hole and wait 10-15 minutes. You need to do everything carefully so that the solution does not get on other parts of the plastic. Clean the nozzles with a thin needle.

But what if the trigger refuses to be pulled? You need to find a steel ball on the mounting gun, drip it with solvent and wait a few seconds. Then you need to install a can of cleaner there and try to blow it out. After blowing, pull the trigger slowly and carefully, without pushing it through. The tool will work if the solvent has acted on the foam adhering around the ball.

More complex cleaning methods

1. If everything is much worse and this advice did not help, you can try to disassemble the instrument, to do this you need to remove the crown and valve, then carefully drip the wash into the nest where the cylinder and barrel of the instrument are attached. We wait 20 to 30 minutes until the wash dissolves the adhering foam. Then gently press the ball and the foam should come out of the spout. We squeeze everything out of the spout and rinse the gun.

• Article on the topic -

2. Another cleaning method: disassemble the gun, clean where there is frozen foam with a utility knife. Sprinkle a couple of drops of acetone over minor dirt, and after the mounting foam has softened, you can scrape it off with a wire. Once the trigger and valve are clean, you can start washing the tool itself. You will have to remove the plug with wire. Pour a little acetone into the barrel and after 10 minutes push the foam or pick out a small piece of it. You need to do this until the wire moves freely and comes out of the barrel. The final stage is washing with an aerosol cleaner.

Cleaning a gun from dried foam - video

A spray foam gun will come in handy if you decide to do some repairs or construction yourself. It uses foam economically, but quickly becomes clogged. Therefore, it is important to know how to clean it from fresh foam and whether it is possible to remove the hardened substance.

Types of foam guns

Cylinders with polyurethane foam are available for professional and household use. Professional ones require a special gun, which is sold separately. The kit for household models already includes a plastic adapter with a tube attached to it through which the foam comes out.

The design of all pistols is almost the same, but there are collapsible and solid models.

How to clean the nozzle on a cylinder

To remove remaining foam, release the fitting on the cylinder itself (the place at the top of the cylinder where the nozzle is inserted) from the foam column.

After this, lightly press on the fitting: if you hear the hiss of escaping air, the cylinder is suitable for further use - the foam in it is under pressure.

Now we clean the nozzle itself:

To release the tube, lightly knead it by squeezing it with your fingers where the foam remains. The remaining air bubbles in the foam will come out and the column will decrease in volume.

If a professional gun is clogged: how to remove foam at home

It is better to clean the gun after each use. For this, there are special aerosol products produced by manufacturers of polyurethane foam. When buying foam, it makes sense to immediately buy a cleaner. This will always keep the tool in working condition. It is recommended to use it in accordance with the instructions.

But even without cleaning the gun every time after use, you can avoid the foam from drying out if you leave the container with it in the gun and screw the regulator all the way. Air will not get inside and the foam will remain liquid. In this form, the instrument will remain operational for up to six months.

If it does not move when you pull the trigger, the gun is clogged. You should not try to press the trigger in the hope that with force you will “break through” the blockage. This will not happen, but you will break the tool.

How to clean foam from a tool

Immediately after use, you can clean the gun from any remaining foam using acetone.

1. First, let's free the outside of the trunk from dried foam. This can be done with a regular or stationery knife. It's okay if you scratch the outside of the barrel; it won't affect the operation of the tool.
2. We lower the gun to the ground and carefully bury a little acetone into the hole in the barrel near the trigger.
3. We wait a couple of minutes and smoothly pull the trigger. If the trigger gives way and foam begins to come out of the barrel, then the problem is solved. We install a can of cleaner on the gun and clean the tool as usual. If the trigger still does not budge, we proceed further.
4. We check the main valve - a small ball next to the place where the cylinder is installed. We drip a little solvent onto it and wait ten minutes. If the trigger begins to move when pressed, install a bottle of cleaner and try to clean it again. If this does not help, the gun will have to be disassembled.
5. Holding it carefully, unscrew the adapter and remove the valve.
6. We drip the solvent into the gun. After 20-25 minutes, press the ball with a wooden or plastic stick.
7. Then assemble the tool, rinse it, wait until it dries and use it immediately or leave it until the next use.

If this does not help, the time has come for brute force - mechanical cleaning.

How to clean a pistol mechanically

To mechanically clean the nozzle, we disassemble the tool completely.

1. We unscrew and take out everything we can. Detailed instructions for disassembly are in the instructions for the tool. When disassembling, try not to break anything or strip the threads.
2. As you disassemble, remove foam and wipe all removed parts with a clean rag. Remove the needle and clean the barrel. To do this, you will need an improvised cleaning rod, such as wire or a knitting needle.
3. Pour a little wash or acetone into the barrel, then clean it of any remaining substance with wire. Repeat until it moves freely in the trunk and appears from the opposite end. If the foam in the barrel of the gun has long hardened, it will not be possible to remove it with acetone.
4. Clean the barrel especially carefully, otherwise during operation the remaining flakes of foam will interfere with the progress of the foam.
5. After cleaning the tool, lubricate its connecting parts, assemble and rinse with cleaner.
6. The tool is ready for use again.

How to properly clean a gun - video

Is it possible to wash old foam that has long hardened

Mechanical cleaning of a pistol is quite effective, but if foam has long frozen inside the barrel, then it is unlikely to be completely removed. As a result, the next time you use the foam, the pressure will decrease, as it will be retained by the remaining particles of the substance. The disadvantage of this method is that it is labor intensive and difficult to clean. Only proper care of the instrument after use, i.e. regular and timely washing, will help solve the problem.

How to wash tools after work - video

Do not try to save money by pumping acetone or other solvent into a used cleaner bottle. Is it dangerous! It is strictly forbidden to open a cylinder that is under pressure. Acetone is a caustic and toxic liquid that requires careful handling.

The tool can be saved even if it is severely clogged, but you should not wait until the foam hardens. Long-dried material is difficult to clean. If you wash the foam gun promptly after use, you won’t have to resort to labor-intensive cleaning methods.