How to Clean Hairspray Off Eyeglasses

lovely woman in spectacles

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Like Batman and the Joker, oil and water, and cats and vacuums, eyeglasses and hairspray are natural foes. Glasses can usually withstand a lot of abuse: dirt, liquid splashes, drops and bumps, but the sticky residue of hairspray is your eyewear's kryptonite. A little hairspray on your lenses won't ruin your spectacles, but removing it takes heavy-duty cleaning power. Clean your specs like a pro to keep the hairspray on your 'do and off your eyeglasses.

Careful Cleaning

As soon as you notice hairspray on your glasses, try washing it off with warm tap water and a squirt of either liquid dishwasher detergent or a nonmoisturizing hand soap. To prevent damage to the lenses, never use an antibacterial soap or one that contains lotion or bleach. Wait for your glasses to air-dry or dry them off with a soft, clean cloth. If the hairspray remains, pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the lenses to remove the residue. Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful cleaner, but it should be used sparingly on glasses. Regular use of it may cause damage. If the alcohol doesn't do the trick, leave your lenses in the hands of an eye care professional. In the future, remove your glasses from your face before pulling the hairspray trigger.