How to Clean a Ceramic Straightening Iron

The ceramic straightening iron is a valuable tool for those who do not have naturally straight hair. However, with all of the products that one must apply to the hair to help the iron do its job, the iron can get quite dirty fairly quickly. This guide will show you how clean the built-up gunk off your iron and how to prevent such build-up with daily maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Lint-free paper towels
• Cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol
• Small container of soapy water

Instructions

1. Make sure the iron is unplugged. If you used any hair-styling product while straightening with the iron, wipe the iron with a paper towel. Place the paper towel between the plates. Close the plates together, and pull through as though you were pulling the iron through your hair. This will get rid of excess product and make cleaning easier.

2. Dip a few sheets of paper towels into the container of soapy water. Squeeze the excess water out by balling the towels in your fist. Once the iron is cooled, wipe the exterior of the iron with the damp towels.

3. Place a sheet of paper towel on top of an open bottle of rubbing alcohol. Turn the bottle of alcohol over just enough for it to wet the portion of the paper towel covering the opening of the bottle. Swipe the ceramic blades of the iron with the alcohol-soaked portion of the towel. This step may need to be repeated depending on how dirty the blades are.

4. Clean the space between the ceramic plate and the exterior--if there is one-- with a cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab in the rubbing alcohol. Swipe this area as many times as needed to remove all dirt.

5. Fold a piece of paper towelit in half. Slide the fold into the spaces just swiped by the cotton swab, and slide it back and forth through the spaces. Repeat if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the least amount of hair styling product on your hair as possible. Stay away from oil or petroleum-based stylers, as these can corrode the coating on some ceramic straighteners. Swipe the plates of the iron between straightening strands of hair to prevent product build-up. Daily cleaning of the iron is best for optimal performance, however, the iron must be cleaned at least once a week. If you are not sure that all liquid has been dried from the iron, a quick blast over the suspect section with a blow dryer will quickly rid the iron of any liquid.

• Never clean with any liquid solution while iron is plugged in. Never leave liquid laying in any crevice. Do not use any abrasive materials on the ceramic plates such as sponges or emory paper. Do not use any harsh cleansers or chemical stronger than rubbing alcohol.

Resources

• FHI Straightening Iron Maintenance