How to Get Hairspray Off of Floors

Regular use of hairspray contributes to sticky buildup on floors.

You may not notice the hairspray droplets as they drift from the air down to the floor, but after hairspray accumulates over time, the sticky residue is hard to miss. By the time hairspray builds up enough to be noticed, a tacky film is present on your floor that doesn't respond to just any old cleaner. To remove hairspray film from your floor surface, you must break down the sticky residue to loosen its grip on your floor.

Things You'll Need

• 1 ounce liquid fabric softener
• Spray bottle
• Clean cloths
• Bowl
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• Dishwashing detergent
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Pour 1 ounce of liquid fabric softener into a spray bottle. Add 1 ounce of water. Close the bottle and shake it to mix the solution.

2. Spritz the diluted fabric softener solution onto the hairspray buildup on your floor. Allow the fabric softener to remain on the stain for one to two minutes to break down the stickiness.

3. Wipe your floor with a clean, dry cloth to lift the sticky hairspray stain. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to remove as much of the hairspray residue as possible.

4. Fill a small bowl with 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol. Add three drops of dishwashing detergent. Stir the mixture with a spoon.

5. Dip a clean cloth into the rubbing alcohol solution. Rub the remaining hairspray stain with the mixture to loosen and remove it.

6. Rinse your floor surface with a damp cloth. Dry it with another cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute warmed white vinegar to break down the sticky hairspray residue.

• After using hairspray, wipe the surrounding floor with a damp cloth to avoid sticky buildup.

• Use these steps to remove hairspray buildup from walls and hair styling appliances.

References

• "Reader's Digest": Fabulous Uses for Fabric Softener
• "Real Simple": How Do I Clean Hairspray Residue Off My Walls?
• Environmental Law Centre: The Five Basics for Non-Toxic Cleaning