How to Properly Use and Clean Up Pepper Spray Indoors

Using Pepper Spray Indoors

When most of us envision protecting ourselves from attackers, we imagine being in the proverbial dark alley or a lonely parking lot at night. What we often don't realize is that an attack is just as likely to happen indoors as it is in the open. That means it's just as important to be prepared for an attack indoors as it is to be prepared for an attack outdoors. If you use pepper spray as a self-defense tool, it's essential that you understand the difference between using pepper spray indoors and using it outdoors, as well as how to deal with the aftermath.

Pepper Spray Use

The biggest difference between using pepper spray indoors and using it outdoors is the fact that using it in an enclosed area means it won't dissipate as quickly from the air. How long does pepper spray last in the air? It depends on the circulation of air in the room. With ventilation or open windows and a fan or air conditioning running, the lingering smell of pepper spray may only last a few minutes after its use. In rooms where the air is still or there's little ventilation, it can last for up to 30 minutes. For this reason, it's generally advised that you not practice using pepper spray indoors. If you need to use it indoors to protect yourself, don't stay in the area if you can get away. Staying in the room only increases your risk of being exposed to the residual pepper spray in the air and becoming incapacitated yourself.

It's also important to keep in mind that when your life is in danger, nothing else matters beyond getting to safety. It may seem ridiculous, but many people may instinctively hesitate to use pepper spray indoors because they worry about damaging walls, rugs or furniture. In a crisis situation, hesitating for even a fraction of a second can be fatal. That's why being prepared to defend yourself means doing whatever it takes to make yourself safe. As we'll discuss below, cleaning up pepper spray isn't as difficult as you might expect.

Pepper Spray Cleanup: Dealing with the Aftermath of Indoor Pepper Spray Use

If you're wondering how to clean pepper spray off your walls, be grateful - the immediate threat to your safety is over and now your biggest worry is cleaning. Fortunately, it's possible to clean up pepper spray with the right techniques.

First, make sure you're wearing gloves, safety glasses and something to cover your nose and mouth. Open doors and windows to increase ventilation, then use oil-free soaps such as dishwashing liquid to clean the pepper spray off walls. For rugs or furniture, scrub the area, let the soap sit for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. If you happen to get any pepper spray on your exposed skin, use milk followed by oil-free soap to wash off the spray.

Protecting yourself means being prepared no matter what the circumstances. Pepper spray can be just as effective indoors as it is outdoors, if you know what you're doing. SABRE's line of self-defense pepper spray products are designed for maximum effectiveness no matter where you are. Take a look at our selection today and choose the product that's right for you.

You'll find compact pepper spray cans with clips that can attach to a belt or clothing, pepper spray key rings and pepper gel with adjustable hand strap that's perfect for runners. We even have pepper spray designed to look like a lipstick case for women who like to be discreet while staying well-protected. Heavy duty tactical pepper gel is available in a flip-top can with a belt holster. Those are just some of our best-selling models - we have many more!