7 products
Expanding Foam & Cleaners
expanding-foam-cleaners
TIMCO Fill & Fix Fire Rated Expanding PU Foam B1 Gun Grade - 750ml
- Pack quantity
- 1 Each
- Price
- £10.00Incl. VAT
TIMCO Fill & Fix Fire Rated Expanding PU Foam B1 Hand Held - 750ml
- Pack quantity
- 1 Each
- Price
- £10.00Incl. VAT
TIMCO Fill & Fix Expanding Foam Straws - To fit 750ml (12pcs)
- Pack quantity
- 12 Pieces
- Price
- £2.60Incl. VAT
Expanding Foam Cleaners and Straws for Trade and DIY
Uncured expanding foam is messy. It sticks fast and dries hard. Without the right cleaner, you waste product and ruin tools. Here you will find expanding foam cleaners, expanding foam straws, and foam gun cleaners. These products are suited to trade and DIY use across the UK. Keep your tools clean and your foam flowing every time.
Why Expanding Foam Cleaner Matters
Expanding foam is one of the most useful products on a building site. It fills gaps, seals drafts, and bonds materials fast. But it cures quickly and bonds to almost everything.
Once it dries, you cannot remove it with water or a standard solvent. You need a dedicated expanding foam cleaner or foam gun solvent. Using the right product saves your tools and prevents waste.
This range covers foam gun cleaner spray, replacement expanding foam straws, and gun-compatible cleaning solutions. All products are suited for use with standard polyurethane expanding foam. Whether you are working on fire door foam, roof insulation, or general draught sealing, clean tools make every job easier.
Pro tip: Always clean your foam gun or nozzle immediately after use. Once polyurethane foam cures inside a gun, the gun is usually ruined. A quick clean takes seconds. Replacing a foam gun costs far more.
Available Expanding Foam & Cleaners
This range covers the essential items for using and maintaining expanding foam products. Here is what you will find and when to use each one.
Expanding Foam Gun Cleaner
Foam gun cleaner is a solvent-based spray. It dissolves uncured polyurethane foam before it sets. Attach it to your foam gun and purge the nozzle after use. Regular cleaning extends the life of your foam applicator gun. Do not use water. It will not work on uncured foam.
Expanding Foam Cleaner Spray
Expanding foam cleaner spray removes fresh, uncured foam from surfaces. It works on tools, gloves, frames, and work surfaces. Spray directly onto the uncured foam and wipe clean. It is not suitable for cured or hardened foam. Always use before the foam fully sets for best results.
Expanding Foam Straws
Expanding foam straws fit standard aerosol foam cans. They replace lost or blocked straws on spray foam canisters. A blocked straw stops the foam from flowing properly. Replacement straws let you get more use from each can. They are low-cost and simple to fit.
Foam Gun Solvent Cleaner
Foam gun solvent is designed to flush out foam gun barrels. It removes residue left behind after foam application. Attach a solvent canister to your foam gun and trigger it through. This keeps the internal mechanism and nozzle clear. It is the most thorough way to maintain a professional foam gun.
Fire Door Foam Cleaner Accessories
Fire door foam is a specialist product used around fire-rated door frames. It requires the same cleaning accessories as standard expanding foam. Keeping the gun and nozzle clean is especially important. Residue build-up can affect foam consistency and seal quality. Use compatible gun cleaner after every fire door foam application.
Replacement Nozzles and Tips
Blocked or missing nozzle tips are a common problem on site. Replacement tips and straws make sure you can always apply foam cleanly. They are inexpensive items that prevent product waste. Keep a few spares in your tool bag or van. They fit most standard aerosol expanding foam cans.
When to Use Foam Cleaner and When Not To
Expanding foam cleaner works only on uncured foam. Timing is everything when it comes to cleaning up expanding foam products.
| Foam Stage | Cleaner Effective? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly applied (wet) | Yes | Spray cleaner and wipe away immediately |
| Tacky (part-cured) | Partially | Act fast. Use cleaner spray and scrape carefully |
| Fully cured (dry, hard) | No | Cut away mechanically with a knife or saw |
| Inside foam gun (uncured) | Yes | Purge immediately with foam gun solvent cleaner |
| Inside foam gun (cured) | No | The gun barrel is likely blocked and unrecoverable |
The single most important rule is this: clean immediately after use. Do not leave foam in a gun or on a surface and come back to it later.
How to Clean a Foam Applicator Gun Properly
A foam gun is an investment. It costs more than a straw-applied aerosol can. Cleaning it correctly after every use is essential.
Step 1: Act Immediately
Do not wait until the end of the day. Clean the gun as soon as you finish applying foam. Uncured foam is solvent-soluble. Cured foam is not.
Step 2: Attach the Solvent Canister
Remove the foam canister from the gun. Attach a foam gun cleaner or solvent canister in its place. Make sure it is fully seated before triggering.
Step 3: Purge the Gun Barrel
Trigger the gun into a bin or onto a rag. Solvent will flush out remaining foam from the barrel and nozzle. Repeat until the solvent runs clear.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Gun Body
Use a cloth dampened with foam cleaner spray. Wipe any foam residue from the outside of the gun. Pay attention to the trigger mechanism and nozzle threads.
Step 5: Store With Solvent Attached
Leave the solvent canister attached when storing the gun. This keeps the barrel and nozzle moist and prevents blockage. The gun will be ready to use next time without issues.
Step 6: Replace Straws When Needed
For straw-type aerosol cans, pull out the straw after use. Store it separately or replace with a new expanding foam straw. Replacement straws are inexpensive and widely available.
Foam Gun Cans vs Straw Aerosol Cans
These are two different ways to apply expanding foam. They need slightly different cleaning accessories.
Foam gun cans do not have a built-in straw. They screw onto a foam applicator gun. The gun controls the flow rate and bead size. You clean these using a foam gun solvent canister. These are better for larger jobs and give more precise application.
Straw aerosol cans come with a thin plastic straw. The straw fits into the nozzle valve on the can. These are more convenient for small jobs and occasional use. After use, remove the straw and spray a short burst to clear the valve. Replacement expanding foam straws are available if the original is lost or blocked.
Note: Straw aerosol cans are harder to control on large gaps. For fire door foam or larger cavity fills, a foam gun gives better results. A foam gun also reduces product waste on bigger applications.
Fire Door Foam and Cleanliness on Fire-Rated Installations
Fire door foam is not the same as general expanding foam. It is a fire-rated intumescent foam used around fire-rated door and window frames. It expands when exposed to high temperatures and seals gaps against fire and smoke.
When installing fire door foam, clean application matters. Excess foam must be removed before it cures. Use an expanding foam cleaner spray to remove any overspray from the door frame or leaf. Do not allow cured fire door foam to obstruct the door operation.
After application, clean your foam gun immediately using a compatible gun cleaner. Fire door foam has the same polyurethane chemistry as standard expanding foam. The same cleaning products apply. See our fire protection range for fire door foam products and accessories.
Keep Your Foam Tools in Good Condition
Use the filters above to find expanding foam straws, gun cleaner spray, and foam gun solvents. Check individual product pages for compatibility with your foam brand and gun type.
Whether you need expanding foam cleaner spray for fresh overspray, replacement straws for aerosol cans, or gun solvent for professional foam applicators, this range has the right product for the job. All items are available for UK delivery.
For the foam itself, see our expanding foam range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What removes expanding foam before it cures?
A dedicated expanding foam cleaner spray removes uncured polyurethane foam. Apply it directly to the wet foam and wipe it away immediately. Water will not work. You must use a solvent-based foam cleaner.
Can you remove cured expanding foam with a cleaner spray?
No. Once expanding foam has fully cured, no chemical cleaner will dissolve it. You must cut or scrape it away mechanically. Always clean up uncured foam as soon as possible.
What is an expanding foam straw used for?
An expanding foam straw connects to the nozzle valve on an aerosol foam can. It directs the foam into gaps and cavities with more precision. Replacement straws are available if the original straw is lost or blocked.
How do you clean a foam applicator gun?
Attach a foam gun cleaner or solvent canister to the gun immediately after use. Trigger it through until the barrel runs clear. Then store the gun with the solvent canister still attached.
Is fire door foam cleaned the same way as regular expanding foam?
Yes. Fire door foam uses the same polyurethane chemistry as standard expanding foam. The same gun cleaner spray and solvent products apply. Always clean the gun immediately after applying fire door foam.
How long does expanding foam take to cure?
Most polyurethane expanding foam becomes tack-free within 60 minutes. Full cure takes around 8 to 24 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Foam cleaners only work on uncured foam, so act quickly after overspray.
Can I use the same foam straw on a different brand of aerosol can?
Most expanding foam straw replacement straws use a standard nozzle size. They fit most aerosol foam cans sold in the UK. Check the straw dimensions against your can's nozzle before ordering.
Related Products
Foam cleaners are often used alongside other sealing and insulation products. See our expanding foam range for gun-type and aerosol foam cans.
For fire-rated sealing products, see our fire protection range.