I have a couple of aerosol canisters that are not spraying.

Carolina Benham
by Carolina Benham
They still have product in them, but not working. Can these be fixed? or are they toast? One is a spray paint, the other a cleaner. Thanks for your help.

  8 answers
  • William William on May 24, 2017

    Check the expiration date in the cans. If its past the time they are toast. Over time the propellant leaks out. If they are still good try this. Pull the nozzle off the paint can. Soak it overnight in mineral spirits or paint thinner. Put it back on the can and see if anything comes out. Do the same for the cleaner but soak the nozzle in rubbing alcohol.

  • Donna Donna on May 24, 2017

    Try turning can upside down and spraying

  • K K on May 24, 2017

    You can try switching nozzles with a spray can that works. I do this with hairspray all the time and it saves me from throwing it away just because of a clogged nozzle. It doesn't even have to be the same brand, as long as the nozzle fits.

  • Irene Irene on May 24, 2017

    I often found running the nozzle under hot water for several seconds will work.

  • Barry Dingle Barry Dingle on May 24, 2017

    Yes, you can make them spray again. First you have to find out why they are not spraying. The orifice, (hole) in the nozzle might be clogged or the pressure may be depleted. (Those are the most common causes of a can that doesn't spray. To find out if the nozzle is clogged you can simply test the can with a nozzle from a can with a nozzle that is known to be good. If the good nozzle works you may be able to soak the clogged nozzle in solvent such as paint thinnerthat will dissolve the dried product that is clogging the nozzle and not damage the plastic that the nozzle is made of. You may have to use a straight pin or thin sewing needle to open the hole,( you might be able to do that without using solvent). I like to save good nozzles from empty cans so I have a spare handy when one plugs.

    If a plugged nozzle isn't the problem and there is still product left in the can the propellant is most likely depleted. This video shows you how you can easily recharge the can with air pressure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mimSDtqljMA

    I haven't personally tried this method but I can't see why it wouldn't work. Pay attention to the cautions he mentions during the video and read the disclaimer at the end, try this at your own risk. Wear safety glasses or a face shield for your protection in case something doesn't go as planned.

    Good luck.

  • Barry Dingle Barry Dingle on May 24, 2017

    Dang it! I can't find a way to edit my last comment to separate the link from the rest of my text. The link works but I just don't like the way my comment looks.

    • Carolina Benham Carolina Benham on May 24, 2017

      Thank you Barry Dingle. I watched the video. Will try to see if nozzles are clogged first of course.

      Thanks for the ideas.

  • Carolina Benham Carolina Benham on May 24, 2017

    Thank you. I'll try that!


  • Barry Dingle Barry Dingle on May 25, 2017

    You're welcome. Good luck!