Do Not Use Hair Spray to Clean Leather

Hair spray has always been a favorite fix-all among old wives’ tale believers. It has been hailed as a solution for stain removal and stopping runs in tights and is now used to remove stains from leather couches, leather chairs, leather sofas, and anything else.

While many of the ladies here at Fibrenew insist that it works wonders on stocking runs, we are all 100% in agreement that you should NEVER try using it on leather.

In the world of quick fixes and DIY solutions, many unconventional methods have gained popularity due to their perceived convenience. One such method that has surfaced is using hair spray to remove stains from leather surfaces.

Although this might seem like an ingenious hack, it is essential to understand why this practice should be avoided.

There are several other home remedies and wives’ tales about using home products on leather.  We do not advise using:

• Olive oil
• Beeswax
• Shoe polish
• Markers
• Window cleaner
• Fingernail polish remover
• Disposable cleaning supplies and wipes

This article will explore why hair spray is not suitable for cleaning leather furniture, the potential damage it can cause, and safer alternatives for maintaining the pristine condition of leather items.

The composition of hair spray

Hair spray is designed to keep hair in place, not clean surfaces. Its primary ingredients include polymers and solvents. Polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), give hair spray its firm hold characteristics.

Solvents, typically alcohol-based, ensure these polymers are distributed evenly but evaporate quickly once sprayed. When applied to leather, these chemicals do not act as cleaning agents. Instead, they can react with the leather’s finish, leading to deterioration and damage over time.

Two main reasons to avoid hair spray

1. A lot of hair spray contains alcohol, and rubbing alcohol damages the surface of all types of leather upholstery—even if only a small dab.  While you may not see the damage right after you spray it on, you will notice that it breaks down the leather’s ability to protect itself from damage down the road.  This is especially true for fully-finished leather.
2. Hair spray is always going to leave your leather feeling a little sticky.  You might think of this as a minor nuisance and wait for it to wear off, but the truth is that “just a little sticky” is actually more problematic than you might think.  The hair spray residue will attract little tiny pieces of dirt and dust that you might not be able to see with the naked eye.  This will cause abrasion as people move around on your upholstery, breaking down the protective topcoat on fully-finished leather and digging into and damaging semi-aniline or aniline leather.

Effects of hair spray on leather

1. Drying Out Leather: Leather contains natural oils that maintain its flexibility and smooth texture. Alcohol in hair spray can strip away these oils, causing the leather to become dry and brittle. This increases the risk of cracking and splitting, especially in areas of frequent use such as seats or handbags.
2. Discoloration: The solvents and chemicals in hair spray can cause discoloration to leather surfaces. Depending on the type of leather and the dye used, this could manifest as blotches or fade spots, significantly detracting from the appearance and potentially devaluing the item.
3. Build up of Residue: The polymers in hair spray are not water-soluble and can leave a sticky residue when sprayed on leather. This residue attracts dirt and dust, leading to further soiling instead of cleaning. Over time, this buildup becomes harder to remove, requiring professional treatment to restore the leather’s condition.

Safer alternatives for cleaning leather

Rather than resorting to harmful DIY methods, consider the following safe alternatives for cleaning leather:

• Specialized Leather Cleaners: Use cleaners specifically formulated for leather. These products are pH-balanced to ensure they do not harm the leather’s structural integrity while effectively removing dirt and stains.
• Mild Soap Cleaning Solution: For light cleaning, a mild soap solution (like saddle soap or dish soap) mixed with warm water can be gently applied with a soft cloth. This method can help remove surface dirt without harsh chemicals.
• Household items solution: White vinegar and baking soda will also do the trick. Just make sure you wipe the solution away afterwards to avoid any smell.
• Professional Cleaning: For persistent stains or valuable leather items, professional cleaning is the best choice. Leather experts have the tools and knowledge to treat stains without causing damage.

Let Fibrenew take care of your leather repair needs

Using hair spray to clean leather is risky and can lead to long-term damage. The solvents and chemicals in hair spray are unsuited for leather care and can degrade its quality and appearance.

Instead of quick fixes, investing in proper leather care products and techniques will ensure your leather items remain in excellent condition for years. By understanding the properties of leather and how to care for it appropriately, you can avoid common pitfalls and preserve the value and beauty of your leather goods.

Get in touch with your local Fibrenew professional for all your leather, plastic, and vinyl repair needs.

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