How to Clean a Flat Iron in 5 Simple Steps (+Pro Tips!)

If you swear by your flat iron, we get you - it’s our favourite tool for achieving beautiful hairstyles without much effort. However, frequent use can inevitably lead to build-up of product residue or oils that can transfer to your hair and cause damage.

If you want to learn how to clean a flat iron so you can maintain its efficiency and reduce damage, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you the 5 simple steps you need to follow to ensure that your flat iron is clean and shiny.

So, let’s go:

How to clean a flat iron in 5 simple steps

1. Turn your flat iron on the lowest heat setting

If you are wondering how to clean a flat iron, the first step you’ll need to take is to turn it on the lowest heat setting possible, and leave it on for a couple of minutes. This is important because the heat will loosen up the product and oil build-up, and allow for more effective cleaning.

If your flat iron doesn’t have a temperature control setting, be very careful with this step to avoid burning yourself. In fact, it might be a good time to invest in a high-quality flat iron that lets you set the best temperature for your hair type.

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Frequent exposure to high heat, especially if you can achieve great results on a lower heat setting, can lead to hair damage over the long run. High-quality flat irons made from tourmaline plates such as the NuMe Megastar can go as low as 130°F (90°C).

2. Turn off and unplug your flat iron

Once your flat iron has loosened up the buildup, it’s time to turn it off and unplug it - double-check to make sure it’s fully unplugged from the outlet. Let it cool for approximately 5 minutes, ideally on a heat-resistant surface to avoid burning your counter or sink.

3. Use a soft damp cloth or towel to wipe the plates

If you are wondering how to clean a flat iron effectively, the next step is to take a soft cloth or a towel - make sure it’s damp, because a fully dry one won’t achieve the results that you are looking for.

While your hair straightener is still cooling down, hold your hand an inch above the plates to see if it’s safe to touch. It should feel slightly warm, but not too hot, and you should be very careful if you want to avoid burning yourself.

Then, wipe the plates of your flat iron, removing any residue and buildup.

4. Remove stubborn stains with a sanitizer

If you’ve been using your flat iron for a while without regular cleaning, you may have stubborn buildup and stains that won’t go away with just a damp cloth. If that’s the case, don’t worry; there is a solution.

For a homemade remedy, you can mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the plates, and let it sit for a few minutes before removing it.

However, cleaning will be much more effective with a professional cleaning solution designed for cleaning hot tools, such as the NuMe Ironmaid Sanitizer.

This powerful sanitizer with natural ingredients and without harsh chemicals will remove even the most stubborn stains, and you can use it for your hands, too!

5. Carefully rinse the plates of your flat iron with water

If you want to learn how to clean a flat iron, it’s easy. The last step of the cleaning process is to rinse the plates with water and dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

Always make sure to double-check that your flat iron is completely turned off, unplugged, and cooled down, especially while doing this step - you don’t want to get harmed in the process.

You see - it’s easy and takes just a few minutes of your time!

Cleaning your flat iron like a pro: our top tips

Here are some of our professional tips when it comes to cleaning your flat iron:

• Don’t scrub too hard - if you are using a brush to remove the stubborn stains and build up on your plates, avoid scrubbing too hard as it may damage them.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals - don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals on your flat iron as they may lead to corrosion, melting, and even potential health hazards.
• Store properly - storing your flat iron in a dry, cool place without humidity and moisture is essential for keeping it clean. For maximum protection, make sure to keep it in a heat-resistant mat or pouch.
• Use rubbing alcohol - rubbing alcohol can be a great tool for dissolving stubborn buildup on the plates of your flat iron. Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and use it to gently rub the plates. Be sure to avoid getting any liquid on the electrical components or the cord.

Why should I clean my flat iron regularly?

Learning how to clean a flat iron properly may not be as fun as the actual flat ironing process, but it’s important for a variety of reasons:

To prevent hair damage

Hair is extremely delicate, and cleaning your flat iron frequently is essential if you want to straighten your hair without damage. A dirty flat iron with plates full of oil and product buildup, can pull at your hair, leading to breakage and split ends. Regular cleaning is a great way to prevent damage.

Maintain optimal performance

If you let hair products and oils accumulate on the plates of your flat iron, your thermal hair styling tool may lose its optimal performance over time.

When that happens, you may notice that heat distribution becomes uneven, causing you to do multiple passes over a hair strand without the same efficiency (while causing damage). Cleaning ensures good long-term performance.

Extend the lifespan of your flat iron

The buildup on your flat iron plates may also cause them to degrade or corrode over time. Which, you guessed it - means that your hair straightening tool may not achieve its expected lifespan. Regular cleaning ensures that this buildup isn’t affecting the longevity of your flat iron.

Prevent buildup transferring to your hair

If you use your flat iron and other hair products frequently, the build up accumulates on your plates, and then transfers to your hair. Which means that it may leave it greasy, dull, or weighed down, and it’s not the best feeling in the world.

With regular cleaning, you will ensure that this transfer won’t happen, and your hair will look its best without being affected by product buildup.

FAQ

How often should I clean my flat iron?

You should clean your flat iron at least once per month, or once per week if you are using it on a regular basis. If you only use it occasionally, you may get away with cleaning it as often as you see stains and build up accumulation. Always aim to keep your flat iron in the best possible condition to avoid reducing its lifespan or causing damage to your hair.

How do I clean sticky residue from my flat iron?

To clean sticky residue from your flat iron, dampen a soft cloth with warm water, remove any excess moisture, and gently rub the cloth over the residue. If it’s particularly stubborn, you can use a small amount of professional cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol instead of water. Finally, dry the plates with a clean, dry cloth.

How can I clean a flat iron without alcohol?

You can clean a flat iron without alcohol by using a professional cleaning solution instead. As an alternative, you can also try cleaning stains and residue using warm water and a soft cloth only; if the residue is too stubborn and still won’t go away, try mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use this as a cleaning solution.

How can I clean a hair straightener that smells?

To clean a hair straightener with an unpleasant smell, you can prepare a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the solution onto the plates, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe away with a clean, damp cloth. Vinegar has natural deodorizing properties that can help neutralize unpleasant odors.

How can I clean a flat iron after lice?

To clean a flat iron after lice, start by wiping down the plates of the flat iron with a damp cloth to remove any visible debris or lice. Then, use a vinegar solution or a professional cleaning solution to wipe the plates, covering the entire surface. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes, and wipe away with a clean, damp cloth.