How to Get Rid of Pepper Spray Fast
10th Oct 2025
How to get rid of pepper spray: If you’ve ever been exposed to pepper spray, you know it’s not just a little sting—it’s an intense burning in your eyes, skin, and lungs. Whether it happened during self-defense training, a real-life situation, or by accident, knowing how to get rid of pepper spray can make a huge difference in your recovery time.
Keynotes:
- Act fast—move to fresh air immediately. Avoid rubbing your eyes or skin.
- Flush eyes with cool water; wash skin thoroughly with dish soap.
- Symptoms (burning, irritation, pain) are intense but usually fade within an hour.
- Even small amounts on the skin can cause burns—clean affected areas quickly.
- In New York, pepper spray is legal only if purchased from a licensed seller.
My Experience Getting Pepper Sprayed
I volunteered to be sprayed during a self-defence class as part of the training. In a matter of seconds, my face was on fire. I couldn't see anything, and my skin felt like it was burning off.
Our teachers were lucky because they knew what to do. They swiftly led me outside to get some fresh air, cleansed my skin with dish soap and cool water, and flushed my eyes with saline. It took about 30 minutes for the burning to stop, and then I could work again.
I learnt two crucial things from that experience:
1. It's not a joke to use pepper spray.
2. You must know how to get rid of pepper spary quickly and correctly.
? Learn everything you need to know about pepper spray in this complete guide.
How to Get Rid of Pepper Spray: Step-by-Step
1. Go Outside
The first thing you need to do is get away from where the spray was emitted. Fresh air can help with the coughing and shortness of breath that pepper spray causes.
2. Don't touch your skin or eyes.
Rubbing the pepper spray might make it worse and spread it farther. Don't touch your face.
3. Rinse your eyes with saline or water.
If your eyes are impacted, gently rinse them with saline or clean, cool water. Pour from the inside corner out while tilting your head to one side. Blinking quickly can help get rid of the annoyance.
4. Use dish soap to wash the skin.
Because it's oil-based, pepper spray sticks. Use a soap that cuts grease, such dish soap or baby shampoo, and cool water to gently wash your face and skin. This is especially helpful if you're figuring out how to get pepper spray on skin removed safely.
5. Take off and wash any clothes that are dirty.
Remove any garments that got sprayed and wash them in cold water by themselves. Don't touch your face while you handle them.
6. Use cold compresses
To ease the burning feeling, put a cold, moist cloth on your face or skin. Don't use hot water; it will make things worse by opening your pores.
? Want to learn more about how long pepper spray effects last and how to recover safely?
Check out this complete guide by Fightsense.
How to Get Pepper Spray on Skin (Training or Accidental Contact)
If you're testing or training and want to know how to safely use pepper spray on skin, only use a very small amount with the help of an expert. Make sure you always have the right cleaning tools on hand.
If you don't handle it cautiously, even a small amount might hurt a lot. If you accidently touch the spray with your hands, wash them right away with dish soap and don't touch your eyes.
Getting Pepper Sprayed: What to Expect
Getting pepper sprayed is one of the most excruciating things that won't kill you.
- It makes the eyes burn and swell.
- Hard to breathe
- A lot of soreness on the skin
- Blindness for a short time
These symptoms usually fade within 30 to 60 minutes if treated properly. But the first 10 minutes can feel unbearable. That’s why knowing how to get rid of pepper spray is so important.
New York law allows pepper spray for personal protection, but only specific types are permitted. Always buy from trusted sellers like FightSense to ensure you get a legal and reliable product.
These symptoms usually fade within 30 to 60 minutes if treated properly. But the first 10 minutes can feel unbearable. That’s why knowing how to get rid of pepper spray is so important.
Where Can I Get Pepper Spray in NY?
If you're wondering where can I get pepper spray in NY, here’s what you need to know:
- You must be 18 years or older
- You cannot have a felony or assault conviction
- You can purchase from licensed pharmacies, gun stores, or authorized online retailers
New York law allows pepper spray for personal protection, but only specific types are permitted. Always buy from trusted sellers like FightSense to ensure you get a legal and reliable product.
Searching where I can get pepper spray in NY online will bring up several options—but double-check if the retailer is licensed to sell in the state.
What Not to Do After Pepper Spray Exposure
- Don't make these mistakes:
- Don't use hot water
- Don't use oils or lotions
- Don't scrape too hard
- Don't freak out; just take a deep breath and follow the directions.
Final Thoughts
Getting sprayed is a harsh experience—but it’s survivable if you know how to get rid of pepper spray quickly.The most important thing is to act right away: rinse, wash, and don't spread the spray.
If you're practicing or training with spray, understand how to put it on and take it off safely. Be aware of the dangers of getting pepper spray on your skin and how to react if you do.
And if you live in New York, make sure to verify the laws and rules about where to get pepper spray in NY before you do.
FAQs:
- What should I do right after being pepper sprayed?
Get to fresh air fast. Don’t rub your eyes or skin. Rinse eyes with water or saline and wash skin with dish soap. - How long do the effects last?
Symptoms peak in the first 10–15 minutes and usually fade within 30–60 minutes. - Can I use milk or vinegar to treat it?
No. Use cool water, saline, and grease-cutting soap. Avoid home remedies—they can make it worse. - Is pepper spray legal in NY?
Yes, if you're 18+, have no felony/assault record, and buy from a licensed seller. - How to handle it during training?
Use only with supervision. Have soap, water, and saline ready. Clean up fast and carefully.