OOPS! Spilled in the car! Help!

[Ernie]

After completing a couple of small repair jobs, I packed my materials in a cardboard box and loaded it in the backseat of my car. I didn't know that the can of W.S. "205" Hardener (with the mini-pump still installed) had tipped over and leaked through the cardboard and into the car upholstery. Now there's a gooey stain that I don't know how to treat. Any suggestions?

 

[Steve Dion]

Think about an upholstery shop for a replacement

[nm]

 

[Steve O.]

try acetone

What have you got to lose at this point? Or call a carpet cleaner/stain removal specialist.

 

[Bruce Niederer]

Cleaning spilled hardener

The hardeners are all water soluble, so use hot water initially, add some dish soap to deal with the stain. Solvents won't work and may damage you upholstery. A steam cleaner should work too.

 

[Eric]

What about resins?

Very interesting re clean up of hardeners Bruce!What about resin cleanup, same situation as Ernie(hypothetically)? Acetone?Thanks for the great advice you're giving out!Great forum!Eric

 

[Bruce Niederer]

Resin cleanup

Epoxy resin is not water soluble so a solvent like acetone or lacquer thinner is usually needed, but depending on what the material is you're trying to clean, those solvents may do damage as well. If that's the case and the spill is dealt with quickly, a waterless or citrus hand cleaner works pretty well and will not stain or damage most fabrics. The waterless cleaner also works well for removing mixed epoxy from clothes before it cures. Basically, if it gets on your clothes, just rub some in the spot and toss it in the wash whenyou get home.