Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

 
  >   name        Barbara Headlee
 >   status      other
 >   age         50s

 >   Question -  I am looking for a solvent that would remove a terrible
 > buildup of hair spray on ceramic tiles. I have contacted the manufacturer
 > of the hair spray, and ceramic tile companies to no avail. This is a
 > nasty problem that I would appreciate any help to address the situation.

First of all, if the ceramic tiles are waxed, you can kiss the wax good-bye.
Anything that gets up the hairspray will also remove some of the wax.  I
think your best bet would be wax stripper, which is available from
janatorial supply stores.  This should not affect the ceramic tiles
themselves.  It is nasty stuff - use only as directed, and with good
ventilation.

Rubbing alcohol might not be a bad solvent for the hairspray residue, but it
may be slow, and the stuff is fairly volatile.  The wax stripper will
probably work better.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois

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