Supplies You’ll Need
- Soft, clean cloth or paper towels
- Cotton swabs/pads
- Rubbing alcohol or flat iron cleaner
- Old toothbrush (optional)
Unplug and Allow to Cool
Before cleaning, always make sure to unplug your flat iron and allow it to cool completely. Attempting to clean the iron while hot can lead to burns or damage the electrical components.
Wipe Away Surface Buildup
Use a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any visible buildup, dirt, or debris on the outer plates and handle. Take care not to scratch the plates. If needed, dip the cloth in a small amount of rubbing alcohol to help break up and dissolve oily residue.
Deep Clean Plates
For a more thorough clean, use cotton pads or swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Gently swab the cool iron plates, moving in one direction only, to avoid spreading around grime. Take extra care when cleaning the edges and crevices where buildup tends to accumulate. Allow plates to fully dry before using again.
Remove Stubborn Buildup
For tougher baked-on gunk, an old toothbrush and rubbing alcohol can help scrub it away. Dip the toothbrush in alcohol and gently scrub areas of stubborn residue buildup. Take care not to vigorously scrub, as this can damage the coating on ceramic tourmaline plates.
Use a Specialty Cleaner
For best results, invest in a specialty flat iron cleaner. These solutions are designed to dissolve product buildup and sanitize the plates without damaging the iron. Spray or wipe a small amount onto cool plates and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Rinse Removable Plates
Some flat irons have removable plates that can be taken out and rinsed under water for a more thorough cleaning. Avoid submerging the entire iron. Make sure plates are 100% dry before reattaching.
Clean Handles and Housing
Use rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to wipe down the handles and outer housing of the flat iron to remove oils and germs. Take care to avoid getting alcohol on any circuit boards or switches.
Maintain With Regular Cleanings
To prevent excessive buildup, get in the habit of quick wipe downs with a clean cloth after each use. Deep clean your flat iron every 1-2 weeks for best results. Proper maintenance will keep your iron gliding smoothly for years.
How to Properly Clean Your Flat Iron
- Always unplug the flat iron and allow it to fully cool before cleaning.
- Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe away any surface debris, dirt or oil.
- For a deeper clean, use cotton pads and rubbing alcohol to gently swab the plates.
- Use an old toothbrush and rubbing alcohol to scrub away stubborn residue.
- Invest in a specialty flat iron cleaner for the best clean.
- Remove plates, if possible, to rinse under water and ensure they are completely dry before reattaching.
- Wipe down handles and housing to disinfect.
- Quick wipe downs after each use prevents excessive buildup.
- Deep clean every 1-2 weeks for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Flat Irons
How often should I deep clean my flat iron?
For best results, aim to deep clean your flat iron every 1-2 weeks with rubbing alcohol or a specialty cleaner. Quick wipe downs after each use helps prevent heavy buildup between deep cleans.
Can I wash removable plates in the dishwasher?
No, you should always handwash removable plates to avoid potential damage. Rinse thoroughly under warm water and allow to fully air dry before reattaching.
What kind of cloth should I use to wipe down my flat iron?
Use a soft, clean lint-free cloth or paper towels. Avoid rougher towel materials that could scratch the plates. You can also use cotton pads or cotton swabs for cleaning crevices.
Is it safe to clean the flat iron while it’s still hot?
Always allow your flat iron to cool fully before attempting to clean it. Cleaning a hot iron can lead to burns or damage due to moisture contacting heated surfaces.
Can I use household cleaners on my flat iron?
Avoid household cleaners like bleach, ammonia or soap, as these can be too harsh and damage the plates over time. Rubbing alcohol or a specialty flat iron cleaner is best.
What should I do if the plates look corroded or damaged?
If you notice corrosion, pitting or damage on the flat iron plates, it likely means the iron needs to be replaced, as the damage can’t be repaired or reversed. Invest in a new high-quality flat iron.
How can I prevent buildup between full cleanings?
Get in the habit of wiping plates with a soft, dry cloth after each use while the iron is still warm. This helps prevent product and oil from baking on and removes residue before it builds up.
Conclusion
Cleaning your flat iron properly is easy when you follow these simple steps. Allow it to fully cool, use rubbing alcohol and cotton pads for the plates, scrub with a toothbrush if needed, wipe down the body, and deep clean every 1-2 weeks. Proper flat iron hygiene results in smooth, debris-free plates that glide easily through hair for flawless, fast styling every time.