I spray inside the printer pretty liberally, as I don't like removing the glass. As the glass is stuck down also with hairspray, I find that it will always need re-levelling if I do remove it (I'm not as keen as carl is on cleaning it...). So there's at least one reason I can see to continue this reckless behaviour...
That said, I have linear bearings on x & y: the plastic seals on the bearings seem to push most contamination out of the way without getting jammed. The hairspray overspray doesn't stick to the oily surface very well. The bronze bushings, I suspect, are much fussier.
The bushings will push most of the grease out of the way, whatever's left is as much grease as is ever going to stay on those rods. So once you've got full coverage and a touch spare at the ends, it's enough grease. I guess maybe a more frequent clean and lube of the rods will be all you need to do to avoid this in the future. Reminds me I should probably attend to mine!
And yeah, ditch the tape (how well they work does seem to vary by brand, some are waxier than others). Instead, get a piece of glass (hardware store might cut-to size, otherwise IKEA has 20x20cm mirrors I think - any old glass is fine, 3mm and up), and basically do what you're doing now (hairspray + 60C for PLA). You'll be super pleased.
SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi