I even found a green scrub pad with the alcohol worked nicely to remove the gunk. It does get gunky quickly. I cleaned and oiled my sewing machine after doing this because it caused a mess. But it works in a pinch. As you said to return it would cost just as much as you spent. I noticed most trouble when there were multiple layers to sew through. It doesn't happen as much when there are only two layers or a thinner quilt sandwich. It will work out in the end. Good luck.