Match the method to the residue
CS tear gas leaves a fine dry powder. Wiping it with a dry cloth smears some and lifts the rest into the air; sweeping or blowing does worse. The first step is a HEPA vacuum, followed by wiping with a damp cloth and detergent. Capsaicin from bear or pepper spray is an oily resin. Water alone barely touches it, and a dry wipe spreads it. It needs a degreasing detergent, applied and wiped off, then rinsed, often more than once.
Work from the top of a room down, so residue falls onto surfaces not yet cleaned, and change cloths often.
Technician dusting a hallway wall with a long-handled tool. A general example of this kind of work, not a photo of a particular home, business or job.
Surface by surface
| Surface | CS powder | Capsaicin oil |
|---|---|---|
| Counters and tables | HEPA vacuum, then damp wipe with detergent | Degreasing detergent, wipe, rinse twice |
| Painted walls | HEPA vacuum with brush, then gentle damp wipe | Degreaser on a cloth, light pressure, rinse |
| Glass and mirrors | Damp wipe, then glass cleaner | Degreaser, then glass cleaner |
| Hard floors | HEPA vacuum, then damp mop | Degreasing mop solution, then clean-water mop |
| Trim and cabinets | Vacuum crevices, damp wipe | Degreaser on a cloth; test finish first |
A careful sequence
Protect yourself
Nitrile gloves, sealed goggles and, for CS dust, a particulate respirator.
Collect dry residue first
HEPA vacuum horizontal surfaces and crevices before any wet cleaning.
Wash
Use detergent or degreaser suited to the residue and surface; small sections at a time.
Rinse
Wipe again with clean water to lift what the detergent loosened.
Check
Wipe a surface with a damp white cloth and touch it to the back of your wrist; any sting means another pass.
Questions before you start
- Is the residue powder, oil, or possibly both?
- Do you have a HEPA vacuum, gloves, goggles and a respirator for powder?
- Which finishes are delicate, such as old paint, stone or wood?
- Is the air system off so residue is not stirred up while you work?
- Where will you put used cloths and vacuum contents?
Disposing of cleaning waste
Used cloths, paper towels and vacuum bags or canister contents hold the residue you removed. Bag them as you go and seal the bags before carrying them out, so you do not shake residue back into clean rooms. Empty vacuum canisters outdoors, upwind, wearing gloves and goggles.
Common questions
Why does the sting come back on sunny days?
Warmth and sunlight can make leftover residue more noticeable. A surface that stings when warm needs another cleaning pass.
Can I use a steam cleaner?
Steam can vaporize residue into the air you breathe. Most guidance favors vacuuming and wiping instead.
General information for Berkeley, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.