How do you clean foam?

[lsquare]

I have a notebook sleeve made out of foam for the interior. It's getting dirty and I'm not sure how to clean it. Does anyone here have any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Huntsman]

As in an open-cell foam, like a really tight sponge? That's a tough one -- there are a number (that is, a countable infinity) of different kinds of foams. Perhaps dish soap (not dishwasher detergent!), or maybe some kind of carpet cleaner. But you have to be careful, most decent solvents will destroy it. Testing a small area would be important in this case.

I can't really think of a product made where the foam would be integral and exposed to long-term soiling, so there probably isn't anything specific. Windex and the like will probably degrade it even if it doesn't eat it immediately.

Regards,
Huntsman

 

[j]

I clean mousepads, which are made of neoprene, with hand soap in the sink. Use a dish brush or nail brush to smush it in there. Rinse a bunch of times, don't wring it out but squeeze it. It will dry in a day or so.

 

[lsquare]

What about polyurethane? How do you clean that?