How Do You Take Hairspray Off of a Curling Iron

Plain Water and a Rag

Unplug your curling iron from the electrical outlet. Do not begin cleaning until there is no chance you can get shocked. While your curling iron is still hot, wet a rag and start wiping on the curling iron. Make sure the rag is doubled over so that you don't get burned when the heat comes through the first layer of the rag. You will see steam when your rag initially touches the curling iron. The steam will help to loosen the caked-on hairspray. If you don't have too much hairspray on your iron, the wet rag will completely clean the iron.

Rubbing Alcohol

Allow the curling iron to cool off after using water and a rag. Once the iron is cool, you will need some rubbing alcohol and some cotton balls. Pour the rubbing alcohol on the cotton balls, and wipe down the front, sides and back of the curling iron. Then lift up the handle and wipe underneath. Alcohol is very successful at removing hairspray residue. There are only a few cases where the hairspray has built up over such a long time that the alcohol doesn't get rid of anything.

Oven Cleaner

Oven cleaner is extremely strong and should be breathed in. Use it only when the other methods fail. Take your curling iron outside where you have a lot of fresh air. Spray onto your curling iron and wait a few minutes. Then use a rag to wipe away all of the hairspray residue. It is recommended that you wear a mask while doing this. Once you get the hairspray off of the curling iron, wipe it down with some water and a little dish soap. You don't want oven cleaner getting in your hair the next time you use your curling iron.