Buzz
While hairspray and curling irons are a common duo, hot styling tools and hair products don't always get along. If you often curl your hair, it's crucial to know how to properly clean your curling iron and maintain its cleanliness.
Blogger Jillee Nystul from One Good Thing By Jillee reveals her easy cleaning method for curling irons using two simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and medicine cabinet. 'I came across this idea while trying to clean some cookie sheets, which tend to accumulate that stubborn brown residue from baking,' she shares. She also suggests other uses for her 'Miracle Cleaner.'
How Often Should You Clean Your Curling Iron?
If you're a regular user—styling your hair daily with a curling iron or any hot tool and hair products—it’s a good idea to give your iron a quick clean every week. Simply wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth, then follow up with a dry one. If you notice a stubborn buildup that a quick clean can't remove, continue reading for a more thorough cleaning method.
Important Precautions Before You Begin
Electricity and water don't mix! Never submerge the barrel of your curling iron (or any other electrical styling tool) under running water, even if it’s unplugged. Doing so can let water seep into areas where it shouldn’t be, which can cause your curling iron to stop working. Also, always ensure the curling iron is completely dry before plugging it back in.
Essential Items You’ll Need:
- Small glass mixing bowl
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking powder
- Cleaning cloths or paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Curling Iron
If you've noticed residue building up on the barrel of your curling wand, curling iron, or the edges of your flat iron, it’s likely due to hairspray, leave-in conditioner, or heat protection spray. These products tend to leave behind a mess. Follow these easy steps for a cleaner, more efficient styling tool.
Step 1: Unplug
Make sure your heat styling tool is unplugged and has cooled down completely. While the chance of a shock is minimal, it’s always best to never clean an appliance while it’s plugged in.
Step 2: Prepare the Paste
In a small glass mixing bowl, create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking powder. Nystul suggests starting with 2 tablespoons of baking powder and gradually adding the hydrogen peroxide, stirring continuously, until you achieve a consistency similar to toothpaste.
"It may bubble up a little, but it settles down quickly, leaving you with a smooth paste," says Nystul. If you accidentally add too much hydrogen peroxide and the mixture turns too runny, simply add more baking powder to thicken it back up.
If you're having difficulty getting the right ratio, Nystul recommends using a spray bottle to apply the hydrogen peroxide. Spraying it directly onto the baking powder gives you more control over the mixture’s consistency.
"Most standard cleaner bottles will have a spray head that fits perfectly onto your hydrogen peroxide bottle," Nystul explains, adding that some hydrogen peroxide bottles are sold with a spray head if you'd like to keep it handy for other cleaning tasks. Remember, hydrogen peroxide should always be stored in an opaque bottle, so ensure your container isn’t clear.
Step 3: Apply the Paste
Spread the paste onto the areas of your styling tool that have the most buildup, taking care to avoid the cord, buttons, and any electrical components. "I just use my fingers to apply a thick layer," says Nystul.
Step 4: Wait
Allow the baking powder and hydrogen peroxide paste to sit. "Time works wonders here," says Nystul. She typically lets the cleaner do its job for 30 to 60 minutes.
This step is crucial for ensuring the cleaner penetrates and lifts away the buildup. "If you return and the paste has dried out, you can spray a little more hydrogen peroxide directly onto it as it dries," advises Nystul.
Step 5: Wipe
You’ll know it's time to wipe when the paste has absorbed the color of the buildup in certain areas. Nystul recommends wiping off the paste with your finger, then using a damp paper towel to clean your styling tool.
Other Uses for the "Miracle Cleaner"
This baking powder and hydrogen peroxide mixture, which Nystul refers to as her "Miracle Cleaner," is versatile enough to clean your clothing iron and flat iron, among other things. "We've also used it on cookie sheets and stove burners," she adds.
"I've even used it to remove sticker residue and clean silverware or other utensils that have white marks from the dishwasher," she explains. "It’s also great for removing gunk that builds up inside your sink."
How to Keep a Curling Iron Clean Longer
To maintain your curling iron’s cleanliness and performance for a longer period, follow these helpful tips:
- Quickly clean it once a week to prevent product buildup, like hairspray and other residues.
- Store it in a place where it won’t get sprayed, splashed, or exposed to soap when not in use. Avoid placing it in drawers with leaky makeup, toothpaste, or other items that could damage it.
- Unplug it when you’re done using it, even if the switch is turned off.
- Allow it to cool completely before storing or cleaning.
- Replace it when you notice any signs of wear. If you spot frayed cords, smell a burnt odor, see scratches or dents on the plates, or it’s either too hot or not hot enough, it’s time to purchase a new curling iron.
How to Eliminate Odors from a Curling Iron
When dirt, oils from your hair, and styling products build up on your curling iron and burn onto the surface, it can cause a foul smell. If you don’t remove the source of the odor, it may transfer to your hair. A deep cleaning usually works, but if the smell persists, try these alternative remedies for stubborn odors.
- Rubbing alcohol. Soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol, just enough to dampen it, and wipe it over your curling iron. Repeat if necessary.
- Vinegar or lemon juice (whether fresh or bottled). To cut through the grime and smell, wrap your curling iron in a cloth soaked with vinegar or lemon juice for about 15 minutes.
Once you’ve chosen your solution, wipe your curling iron with a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove the solution, and finish by drying it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
