How to Clean Flat Iron: An Easy DIY Guide

By Catherine Jordan

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Flat irons are super handy in styling your hair in the way you want them to be, however, it can be a pain to clean.

It’s not just the time it takes, but also the difficulty of getting into all those nooks and crannies. Plus, you have to worry about damaging your flat iron by using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface.

Cleaning your flat iron doesn’t need to be complicated! We’ve compiled a list of easy-to-follow steps for cleaning your hair straightener at home without any fancy equipment or expensive products. Follow these simple instructions and enjoy healthy, shiny locks in no time!

Why You Should Clean Your Flat Iron

Cleaning your flat iron will help you achieve flawless curls or straight hair in the morning. It also helps to extend the life of your expensive tool, which saves money and time on replacing it.

Below mentioned are the two ways in which you can clean your flat iron. Let’s check them out.

1. Cleaning Your Flat Iron Directly

To clean a flat iron directly, use rubbing alcohol as an all-purpose cleaner.

2. Cleaning Your Flat Iron Indirectly

The best way to clean your flat iron indirectly is by using a soft towel with warm water or rubbing alcohol, then wiping down the head of the tool in circular motions.

What You’ll Need

1. A Soft Towel

A soft, clean towel will help get the gunk and residue off your flat iron. There’s no need to use paper towels or anything abrasive like that!

2. Warm Water Or Rubbing Alcohol

Second, you need warm water or rubbing alcohol to disinfect the tool and remove any unwanted build-up of products from hair care treatments that may be stuck on.

3. Cotton Rounds

Cotton rounds are also useful for easily removing dirt and buildup in spots where it’s hard to reach with a towel (such as around the hinge).

Read More: A Guide to Choose the Best Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons

How to Clean Your Flat Iron

There are multiple ways to clean a flat iron using cleaning agents that you may already have at home. Let’s check out some of the easiest ways to clean your flat iron!

1. Heat the Flat Iron

To begin with the cleaning process, you need to heat up the flat iron. It’s important that it is completely cool before going on with this step (i.e., if it was used for styling or smoothing out a client’s hair). Make sure not to leave your locks in the device while heating.

2. Unplug the Flat Iron

When it turns warm, clean the plates, wipe them down with a damp cloth, and then dry off any excess water from around the base.

If your hair straightener is electric, be sure to use an appliance brush or nylon scrubber brush in order to clean up between the blades while it’s still hot.

3. Clean the Plates

To clean a flat iron directly, use rubbing alcohol as an all-purpose cleaner. To clean your flat iron indirectly, the best way is by using a soft towel with warm water or rubbing alcohol and wiping down the head of the tool in circular motions.

How To Clean Flat Iron With Alcohol

Spray rubbing alcohol on the plates of the flat iron.
Wipe off any residue with a moist, damp cloth.
Wait for 2-5 minutes for anything left on the plates to break down and dissolve.

Do not use alcohol when the flat iron is hot or plugged in.[1]

How To Clean Flat Iron With Nail Polish Remover

To clean your flat iron using nail polish remover, you will need three things which are Nail polish remover, cotton square, and a soft towel.

Before you begin, make sure that the power cable and plug are both disconnected from the source.
Place a fresh, clean cotton pad on one end of your flat iron.
Add nail polish remover to the cotton pad and gently wipe each side of the plate with this wetted cloth.

How To Clean A Flat Iron With Relaxer Cream

To clean your flat iron using Relaxer Cream, you will need Relaxer cream and a damp cloth.

In order to keep your flat stop in good condition, make sure that you clean it after every use. To do this,

Start by wiping off all products and dirt from the plates with a damp cloth and apply a thin layer of relaxer cream before running the hair through the straightener to prevent hair breakage.
Further, go with the damp cloth for the purpose of removing the cream after 3-5 minutes.

How To Clean A Flat Iron Using A DIY Method

To clean your flat iron using A DIY Method, you will need a couple of things, An old toothbrush, 1 tablespoon baking soda, Vinegar, and A damp cloth.

Cleaning your flatiron can be done by dipping a cloth in vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then wiping the plates down with it.
After two to five minutes, gently scrub the build-up with an old toothbrush.
Wipe the plates down with a damp cloth and let them dry before use.

When Should You Clean Your Flat Iron?

You might wonder how often you must clean your flat iron. Well, the answer is once a month, but you can also clean it every time after one use.

There are some points that can help you figure out when to clean your flat iron.

When you notice a buildup of product residue on the plates which is affecting heat distribution.
When your hair begins looking dull, limp, or greasy shortly after straightening it.
When you experience itchiness on your scalp, often accompanied by product build-up.
A burning odor from the plates means you need to clean your flat iron.

You should clean your flat iron daily with a damp cloth or once a week. However, it is best to deep clean it once a month for the best results.

Read More: A Guide to Choose the Best Flat Iron for Curly Hair

Conclusion

Caring for your hair styling tool is no less important than caring for your hair. Exercise caution when using an electric flat iron and remember to clean it after every use. A dirty flat iron can not only damage the health of your hair but also change its texture, affect its color, and prevent future growth.

We hope this guide helped you understand various ways in which you can clean your flat irons without damaging them. Always keep in mind that the best way to clean a flat iron is by hand rather than using any other device or chemical because it helps to get out all dirt and remains deeply stuck between the blades of this hair styling tool.

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