How to Remove Hairspray From a Watch

Keep your watch in good shape.

If you wear a watch regularly, getting hairspray and grease on it becomes almost inevitable. Depending on what you use to style your hair, the hairspray may contain oil and other compounds that can harm the leather and etch the metal on the watch. Fortunately, removing hairspray from a watch is as simple as performing a regular cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Lint-free cloth
• Bowl
• Mild detergent
• Soft-bristle toothbrush
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Polishing cloth

Instructions

1. Spread a clean, lint-free cloth on a work table. Disconnect the bracelet from the watch, if possible. Place the watch face on top of the cloth to prevent it from getting scratched.

2. Place the bracelet in a bowl filled with soapy water made from mild detergent. Soak the bracelet in the soapy water for at least 10 minutes. Allow it to soak longer if the hairspray buildup is excessive.

3. Remove the bracelet from the soapy water and scrub it with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Focus on the areas where the hairspray is concentrated.

4. Rinse the bracelet using warm running water. Place the bracelet on the cloth on top of the work table.

5. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a clean, lint-free cloth. Use this alcohol-soaked cloth to rub the watch face. Rub the face in a circular motion making sure to focus on the areas where the hairspray is concentrated.

6. Reconnect the bracelet to the watch face. Set the watch on the lint-free cloth to air dry. It may take a few hours for the moisture to dry on the bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute isopropyl alcohol for a professional watch face cleaner. Be sure the cleaner you use is recommended for your watch. For instance, gold watch cleaner is not recommended for use on a silver watch.

References

• St. Patrick's Guild: Jewelry Care
• Overstock Guides; How to Clean a Leather Watch Strap
• Jewelry Information Center: How To Clean
• Shave Magazine; How to Properly Clean a Rolex