The ceramic plates located on a hair straightener become dirty over time and require cleaning. People who don't regularly use a hair straightener will notice a buildup of dust on their straightener. Wipe this clean with a dry cloth. A hair straightener that received regular use, however, requires more intensive cleaning. A buildup of styling products and oils from the scalp will prevent the straightener from working as efficiently over time. Fortunately, cleaning the straightener is a simple process.
Step 1
Spritz hair straightener with cleaner. There are cleaners made specifically for straighteners. You can also use rubbing alcohol. Regardless of what you choose to use, let the liquid soak on the surface of the cool iron for a few minutes. Don't try to clean the iron while it is still warm, as the cleaner will evaporate before it has time to work.
Step 2
Wipe clean. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the ceramic plates clean. Clean in the small grooves of the hair straightener with a cotton swab.
Step 3
Remove stubborn stains. Some people regularly spray their hair with hair spray or heat protectant before styling. This helps the hair maintain its style for a longer period, but also creates a great deal of buildup on the hair straightener. For hair straighteners with a lot of product buildup, the previous steps will loosen the worst of it. Use a toothpick to clean in the smallest crevices, and follow up by dipping an old toothbrush in rubbing alcohol and scrubbing the ceramic plates.
Step 4
Check for damage. Cleaning is the perfect time to check the hair straightener for damage. Small nicks in the ceramic plates can catch on your hair, causing damage like split ends.
Step 5
Remove burnt-on buildup. Buildup that doesn't come off with a toothbrush may be removed with the gentle use of a steel wool pad. Check the plates frequently to make sure you aren't scratching them.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you clean your hair straightener, continue to clean it regularly to make the job go quicker and reduce the amount of buildup on the ceramic plates. When cleaning the hair straightener, also check the condition of the electrical cord. Replace if it develops any worn spots.
- Do not immerse the hair straightener in any liquid.
Things You'll Need
- Flat iron cleaner or rubbing alcohol
- Cleaning cloth or paper towels
- Toothbrush
- Toothpicks
- Steel wool
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