How do I clean hairspray stains from a collared shirt?

Blot the stain with a cloth, apply rubbing alcohol to the area with a cotton swab and rinse with lukewarm water. Finally, launder the garment according to the manufacturer's instructions.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Hairspray > Collared shirt

Eliminate Hairspray Stains From Your Collared Shirt With These Easy Steps

Q: What if the stain doesn't go away after laundering?

You may have to repeat the process again. You can also use a specialized stain remover meant specifically for tackling hairspray stains- simply follow the instructions on the product label.

Accidentally getting hairspray on your clothes can be frustrating, but with right techniques, it is possible to remove hairspray stains from collared shirts. Read on to learn how to restore your shirt with ease.

Updated 03 Mar 2023

By Blaž Stančič

A typical hairspray bottle may boast about its ability to give you lots of hold and volume for a perfect hairstyle, but what it does not tell you is how easily this product can transfer onto your clothes! If you have ever used hairspray and had unfortunate experience of seeing it splattered onto your collared shirt, don’t despair. With the following steps, you can easily remove stain and get your shirt looking as good as new.

Step 1: Blot the Stain

Start by taking a paper towel or cloth and blotting affected area. You don't want to rub it, as this can spread stain further or even damage the fabric. Instead, use light pressing motions to draw out as much hairspray from the fabric as possible.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Next, take some rubbing alcohol and apply it to stain using a cotton swab. Gently massage area with the swab until stain has been removed. If the stain persists, repeat the process.

Step 3: Rinse and Launder

Rinse the area with lukewarm water and, if needed, use a mild soap or detergent. Once complete, launder garment as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You can either air dry or tumble dry the shirt- but make sure to choose the lowest setting to prevent the garment from shrinking or discoloring.

Step 4: Repeat Process If Necessary

If the stain hasn’t completely gone after laundering, you may need to repeat process again. You can use a combination of methods described above and maybe even a specialized stain remover meant specifically for tackling hairspray stains- simply follow instructions on the product label. After that, you should be able to say goodbye to that pesky stain without any difficulty.

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