If you are looking for how to clean flat iron, you may have already witnessed changes in its performance. While a straightener is a tool that you use almost every day, not many women are aware of the cleaning procedures that must be performed at least once in a while.
Like many other tools, this one also requires basic care procedures. And cleaning flat iron is not that hard at all. The whole procedure is simple and fast; besides, it is not money-consuming. You should learn how to clean your straightener before you lose it for good or damage your hair with the unclean tool in poor condition.
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Guide on How to Clean Flat Iron
If you notice that the straightener is dirty and does not work as well as before, you have to start with cleaning the tool. You don’t have to order a professional flat iron cleaner. You can use products you probably have in your bathroom.
Why You Should Regularly Clean Flat Iron
Before we start learning how to clean flat iron plates, I want to tell you why it is important to clean them, at least once a month. Apart from the problems with the iron’s work, you put your hair in danger every time you use dirty iron. Here are the reasons why you need to clean hair straightener:
- Your instrument does not perform as well as before. You may notice the temperature is lower, and the result is poor;
- Your hair can get stuck in the flat iron and get burned by it;
- All the protective effects from ceramic plates and titanium ion formula may be lost because of the dirt;
- The residue that is built upon the plates from the oils and natural grease of your hair can lower down the effectiveness of the tool, causing uneven distribution of heat.
Step 1. Heat the iron
Turn your flat iron at the lowest temperature if it is possible. Wait for the device to reach it. Don’t touch the tool with your hands. It is easier to clean the straightener while it is heated.
Make sure it is not overheated, just warm. Now, turn it off and disconnect it from the outlet so that you will not burn yourself accidentally during the cleaning.
Step 2. Take all supplies you need
You may do it in advance before you heat up the instrument. However, you still have to wait till the temperature increases, and you can gather all the supplies during this time. You will need:
- Soft towel or cotton swabs;
- Warm water;
- If the iron is incredibly dirty, you can use another helpful hair straightener cleaner, which is alcohol.
Step 3. Clean iron’s plates
So, the flat iron is warm, and your hands don’t touch it. Try to be extremely careful during this procedure, but don’t hesitate either. Put the iron on the heat-resistant mat.
Once the plates are cold, you have to heat them again. Take the iron in one hand and scrub the plates gently with a clean towel folded several times to avoid burning your hands. If you don’t have any towel you can spare for this procedure, use cotton swabs.
You can dip them in alcohol beforehand. Don’t scrub too hard or you will leave scratches on the plates and damage the iron. In this case, you will spoil the protective coating and have to buy new flat iron.
Step 4. Repeat this procedure every month
You can’t possibly imagine how greasy and dirty the surface of the flat iron is until it becomes visible. The buildup, in the meantime, damages your hair every day. Layer by layer, it covers the plates, especially if you use protective hair products.
You may already know that the best way to clean flat iron is quite simple. So why don’t you try to repeat this procedure every month? This way, you will extend the lifespan of your favorite styling tool.
Hard stains removal
How to clean ceramic flat iron with hard stains on its plates? Follow this simple procedure that requires more ingredients. Try to rub the plates with the cotton ball dipped in alcohol at first.
Do it when the iron is cold. Soak several cotton balls in the alcohol and gently press them to the plates. Use a q-tip to clean the crannies and nooks. Wipe the surface with a clean towel lightly moistened with fresh clean water.
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FAQ About How to Clean Flat Iron
Here are a few questions that I frequently encounter on the Internet. I believe that answers to them will be helpful for every owner of the straightener. Read them before you start the cleaning procedure.
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Can I clean the gunk off my flat iron?
Yes, you can. You will find the detailed instructions on how to clean your styling instruments above. Follow them step by step, and you will see the result. Repeat it every three-four weeks, and your flat iron will serve you for years.
How do you clean a flat iron without rubbing alcohol?
Alcohol is often used as a cleaning treatment in severe cases. For regular dirt removal, you need only washing the straightener with water and a towel. You can also buy professional stain removers without alcohol. If you have hard to get stains, use baking soda, vinegar, or a toothbrush.
Can you clean a flat iron with hydrogen peroxide?
Yes, you can. Use it with baking soda for a better effect. Apply a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to the plates. Rub this paste gently with your fingers. Clean the flat iron with a towel and water afterward.
How to Prolong Flat Iron’s Life?
Your tool helps you look flawless everyday, asking nothing in return. If you don’t want to change it after several months of use, you have to take care of it. We don’t usually hear about the necessity to clean straighteners.
While I am still not sure why this question is always left somewhere in the corner, the problem remains with us. The buildup on the plates of your straightener must be carefully removed.
If you know other recipes for cleaning of the device, share them in the comments below. How old is your flat iron? How often do you clean it?
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