Hairspray at home: 3 smart uses for grip, stains, and pet hair

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Hairspray sits in almost every home. We usually reach for it to set a hairstyle, yet that little spray often comes to the rescue in everyday life. Here are three proven tricks that take care of small hassles without extra spending.

Trick one: keep shoes from slipping

Ballet dancers have leaned on this for years, misting the soles of their pointe shoes to stand more securely on slick stages. The same approach works with regular footwear. If the soles of heels or boots are too smooth, spray them with hairspray and let it dry for a couple of minutes. A thin, tacky film forms and boosts traction on the floor—especially useful in winter or on polished surfaces.

Trick two: lift marker stains

Kids love to draw—and not always on paper. If marker stains show up on a table or another smooth surface, there’s no need to panic. Use an alcohol-based hairspray: spritz it directly on the ink, wait a few seconds, then gently wipe with a clean cloth. The alcohol works like a solvent and often helps remove fresh marks.

Trick three: gather pet hair

Pet hair clings to sofas, carpets, and clothes. Regular cloths or lint rollers don’t always keep up. Try a microfiber cloth lightly misted with hairspray so it’s just slightly damp and tacky. Wipe down upholstery or car seats—the hair and dust will cling to the fabric far better. Wash the cloth after you’re done.

Important note

Before trying any of these, test the spray on a small, inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t damage the surface. Used thoughtfully, ordinary hairspray can be a surprisingly handy helper around the house.