How to Get Hairspray Off of a Bathroom

Hairspray appears dingy on bathroom surfaces.

As a common hairstyling product, hairspray is prevalently used in bathrooms, where grooming generally takes place. Since hairspray is an aerosol product, it inevitably gets on bathroom walls, countertops and mirrors when sprayed onto hair. Hairspray is actually a combination of polymers, solvents, glues and propellants that all like to stick to bathroom surfaces. The longer hairspray dwells on bathroom walls and fixtures, the harder the aerosol spray becomes to remove. Promptly get hairspray off bathroom surfaces to prevent sticky buildup.

Things You'll Need

• 2 oz. baking soda
• Bowl
• 2 tbs. warm water
• Spoon
• 3 clean cloths
• Towel
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the baking soda into a bowl. Pour in the warm water and then stir the mixture to form paste.

2. Dampen a clean cloth with water. Dip the cloth in the paste.

3. Rub the hairspray-stained walls and countertop gently with the paste using a circular motion.

4. Moisten another cloth with water. Wipe the paste off the walls and countertop, thoroughly rinsing the hard surfaces.

5. Dry the bathroom walls and countertop with a towel.

6. Inspect the bathroom mirror for hairspray residue. If sticky spots mar the mirror, dampen another cloth with rubbing alcohol.

7. Rub the hairspray-stained mirror with the rubbing alcohol using a circular motion. Remove all hairspray from the mirror.

8. Buff the mirror with paper towels. Remove all rubbing alcohol from the mirror.

Tips & Warnings

• Rubbing alcohol can also be used on walls and countertops for more stubborn residue.

• Spot-test the rubbing alcohol on the walls and countertop to check for potential damage to the surfaces.

References

• The Chemical Industry Archives: Cancer In A Can: What The Chemical Industry Kept Secret About Vinyl Chloride in Hair Spray
• "Good Housekeeping": Removing Hairspray Residue from Walls
• BellaSugar: How-To: Get Hairspray Off Your Walls