Have you ever wondered how to clean your curling iron? There are several ways, and here is one of my favorites…
Well… I’ve got a confession to make… I’ve got had gunk.
Gunk on my curling iron ~ lots and lots of hairspray gunk.
Eeks ~ just look at this scary picture…
Well, it was high time to clean it, so I wanted to share this simple technique with you, too!
Turn the curling iron on for a few seconds to warm it up a bit. {it will be easier to clean when warm}
Then… unplug the curling iron.
Dip a cloth or sturdy paper towel {folded several times} in rubbing alcohol, then start cleaning the curling iron plates.
I cleaned mine outside {less fumes}. 
{for the really stubborn build-up, I used my fingernails to scrape it off through the cloth}
Repeat as necessary ~ warming the curling iron up and scrubbing it with the alcohol ~ until the gunky grime is gone.
After cleaning, dry off with a clean cloth or towel, to avoid rust stains.
It took a bit of scrubbing, but look how nice my curling iron looks now…
Give it a try… your curling iron can only get cleaner!
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for sharing! I was wondering how to do that without just using my fingernails–will have to try on my flat iron.
You didn’t mention if you unplugged it after it was warm. Shouldn’t you before touching it with something wet? Just thought you might want to add a disclaimer!
Use 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol instead of 70% since the concentration is higher in 91% than 70%. Also, do NOT breath the fumes if you use a warm iron since the fumes ARE toxic. The BEST thing to do is use 91% on a COLD iron and let the alcohol evaporate.
HOWEVER, while this is the cheapest way to clean your curling iron (or flat iron) you can get Dissolve All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate which is meant to remove gunk from curling irons, flat irons and the like. It costs around $5 to $7 at a beauty supply store. No scrubbing or fussing at all and it will last a very long time.
Yes Shel ~ you’re right!
You definitely want to unplug the curling iron before cleaning it.
~ Heidi
Well, look at that. Why didn’t I think of that. I can’t wait to go clean mine. Thanks for the tip.
I needed this info for my flat iron, tho I rarely use it now. Stills needs a cleaning tho. Thanks!
As a hairstylist, I use oven cleaner.Get your iron hot. Unplug it and spray with oven cleaner. Place your iron on a sylicone hot pad. Let it sit for a while then wipe away.
Heidi, you are SO cute! I’m definitely going to share this one with my readers!
Thanks for sharing!
Great tip! I’ll have to give it a try.
awesome idea. i’ve always wanted to clean mine up real good and was neve able to. i’ll sure try it out
~ Emily N. from “too Blessed to Stress”
I’ve always cleaned mine with a little Comet. It does take a bit of scrubbing but in the end it looks nice and new – never thought about alcohol.