The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Pepper Spray Indoors

The vast majority of us spend the bulk of our time indoors. We live indoors, a lot of us work indoors, go to school indoors, shop indoors, etc. Most of us picture a violent attack occurring outdoors because we aren’t comfortable with being outdoors. The fact of a matter is that because of the time spent indoors, our chance of being attacked indoors is often greater than we expect. Carrying a pepper spray-based weapon means understanding how to use it indoors and outdoors.

The good news is that some forms of pepper spray are easier to use indoors than out. The majority of citizens carrying pepper spray are carrying a ballistic stream model. This means it is a concentrated spray going in a single direction. There are alternatives, like foggers, but ballistic stream is best suited for civilians. A ballistic stream can be thwarted by the wind, but when indoors this is less likely to be a problem.

Unfortunately some pepper spray is messy, smells bad and just isn’t pleasant. All the things that make it a great weapon make it a terrible air freshener. Pepper spray is still a safe and effective weapon indoors; however, it is important you know how it works and how to handle it. The main concern is a lack of ventilation - it will smell a little foul. Worst case scenario, you experience a low to medium level air contamination. It is still effective and is still completely safe to be used.

There a few best practices to follow when carrying pepper spray and using it indoors.

Best Practices for Pepper Spray Usage

Do

Do be sure of your aim. Accuracy indoors will be incredibly important. Accuracy is always important, but indoors even more so. Indoors you want to minimize the potential risks involved accidentally spraying someone innocent who may be trying to help. You also want to minimize the impact on your indoor environment.

Do Not

Do not ‘test’ your pepper spray indoors. Training is incredibly important, and it makes sense to ‘test’ or train with it, but never do it indoors. Take it outside on a nice calm day, in an area where you won’t affect anyone or anything.

Do

Do whatever it takes to protect yourself. If your life is in danger, do not worry about ruining a carpet or a rug.

Do Not

Do not stick around after you spray someone indoors. If you do, you will experience low to mid level air contamination. This is not a pleasant experience and could put you in more danger. After you deal with the threat, escape, and call the police.

One of the biggest benefits of a pepper spray gun, such as the SALT Pepper Spray Gun, is the extra range and power behind it. High pressured pepper spray guns like the SALT, Kimber Pepper Blaster, and JPX are less likely to be diverted, and that extra range makes accidental exposure a lesser issue.

The SALT Pepper Spray Gun by far has the longest range and gives you over 150 feet of effective range. The SALT Pepper Spray Gun also fires a projectile versus a stream. This means there is less of a chance spraying a wild stream of spray that covers the floor, rugs, walls, or couches. The only thing affected is where the projectile strikes. When it does strike something hard, it explodes and sends a 4-foot cloud of gas outwards.

Clean Up

So what do you do after you spray someone with pepper spray? Well, they get arrested, and you get to be safe. Maybe you spilled a little inside your home. How do you clean it up?

When cleaning up pepper spray, you need to protect yourself. Strap on some gloves and safety glasses. Use a bandana, a paper mask, or even wrap a shirt around your nose and mouth if the contamination is really strong. Make sure you open as many doors and windows as possible to start airing your home or the building out.

For fabrics, you need to use oil free soaps. Most dish soap are oil free, or you can even use facial cold cream. These soaps and creams will cause the oil to lift out of the fabrics. Use a tool (like a spoon) to spread the soap so you can avoid making hand contact on the affected area. Let the soap (or cream) sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

For clothing or other washable goods, after the soap sits, wash the soap off with cold water. Soak the cloth in cold water for half an hour, then wash as usual. If it is something like a couch or rug, scrub with a formula of water and dish soap. If you were using the SALT self-defense gun, it may be a good idea to vacuum.

If you happen to get some on your skin, you should apply whole milk to the area, followed by an oil lifting soap like Dawn.