Help with these stains on dash?

[WaxAddict]

My car is getting up in age and has started to spit foam insulation out of the vents. This is a known issue and isn't a big deal, other than the foam stains badly! If I get it off in time, I'm OK. If not, the pieces leave hard thick stains on the dash. See Pics.

These stains are hard to the touch - a fingernail doesn't make much impression. The are brownish and ugly. :wall

Any advice cleaning these stains? I assume the staining is from the adhesive that used to hold the foam to the sides of the ducts, but I'm not sure. I've got some Poorboy's Bio APC and some Einzett Deep Plastic Cleaner comming in a few days. I haven't tried anything yet other than Megs Quick Interior Detail because I'm afraid of messing up the otherwise mint dash!

 

[WaxAddict]

Nothing? I'm thinking warm solution of APC and a decent brush. If that doesn't work, I'm wondering if Goo Gone is safe for dashboards.

 

[RaysWay]

Nothing? I'm thinking warm solution of APC and a decent brush. If that doesn't work, I'm wondering if Goo Gone is safe for dashboards.

That sounds good. I think the APC with a little agitation will do it. If that doesn't work I'd use 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner before I tried Goo Gone.

 

[Ronkh]

was also thinking goo gone, but try rays advice first

 

[Docpeanut]

I would avoid goo gone and goof off, I've seen them strip color from plastics.

Do you have a steamer? If so, I'd hit it with that

 

[WaxAddict]

Thanks for the advice! We'll see this weekend what works.

 

[Beemerboy]

Whatever you start with do not spray the cleaner directly on the surface, you want to also dab at the spots do not try wiping that could spread it and I wouldn't use a brush either that could take color off and lighten that area up.

WD 40 on a cotton rag or Qtip would be a starter for me, then 3M adhesive done the same as WD40..lastly Acetone... I removed Gorillia glue from a dash with this

 

[WaxAddict]

No luck with the APC or Einszet Deep Plastic Cleaner, which didn't surprise me. The WD40 worked on some of the newer stains, but left a shiny spot where I used it. I'm not sure if this is the adhesive leftover or the WD40; either way, degreaser helped and my dressing will even that out. The older stains aren't budging, yet. I think the WD would work with more effort but I'm afraid what saturation might do. I'm giving it another shot, then Looks like its time for the 3M Adehisive Remover.

 

[WaxAddict]

That sounds good. I think the APC with a little agitation will do it. If that doesn't work I'd use 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner before I tried Goo Gone.

That worked! It completely worked on the newer stains, and lessened the appearance of the older stains where you have to look for them to see them. Thanks for the tip.
:autopia:

 

[alexxxx89]

What happens is that when the foam comes into contact with moisture, it becomes tar. Learned that from the person who replaced a headliner for me. Nasty stuff.

 

[WaxAddict]

What happens is that when the foam comes into contact with moisture, it becomes tar. Learned that from the person who replaced a headliner for me. Nasty stuff.

Spot on. If a chunk blows out onto the console, it looks like harmless foam. When I go yo pick it up, it instantly becomes sticky and black. Tar.