The Frugal Girls

  • HOME
  • RECIPES
  • CROCKPOT
  • PARTY
  • GIFT IDEAS
  • CRAFT
  • FREEBIES
  • SAVE MONEY
  • BABY
  • TRAVEL
  • SUBSCRIBE

How to Clean Your Curling Iron Barrel (It Works!)

February 15, 2010 By Heidi 29 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Is your curling iron, wand or flat iron loaded with buildup?  Check out this simple trick for How To Clean Your Curling Iron!

Be sure to also try this clever method for How to Clean your Hair Brush!

How to Clean Your Ceramic Curling Iron Tips

How To Clean Your Curling Iron

Have you ever wondered How to Clean Your Curling Iron?  It’s SO much easier than you think!

Whether you’ve got a newer style ceramic curling wand or flat iron… or an older style curling iron with plates, this simple little trick works like a charm!

Why Should I Clean My Curling Iron?

But wait… why should you bother cleaning your curling iron?

Well, there are several reasons actually that you’ll wan to keep it nice and clean…

Product buildup on your curling iron will make it less effective when curling your hair.

That same buildup can also transfer back from your curling iron to your clean hair… eww!

It will look SO much nicer, and make getting ready in the morning even more fun!

It’s amazing how much a clean hairbrush and clean styling tools can make your whole bathroom look nicer, too!

Nobody likes gunky hairstyling tools, right?

Related: Clever Bath and Body Works Shopping Hacks

How to Clean Your Curling Iron

Most newer curling irons, flat irons and wands are now made with a smooth ceramic coating, making them a lot easier to clean than the old-school ones we used to know and love.

But don’t worry… this trick will work for either of these varieties.

So guess what removes hairspray residue?

Are you ready for the secret ingredient?

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol will be your magic ingredient today!

How to Clean a Curling Iron Barrel

Turn your curling iron on for a few seconds to warm it up, then unplug it and let it cool down to WARM, not hot.  Curling irons are so much easier to clean when they’re warm!

Then dip a soft cloth or sturdy paper towel that’s been folded several times in rubbing alcohol, and just run it back and forth over your wand or curling iron plates.

For the really stubborn build-up spots, you can use an old toothbrush to go at them, or your fingernails to scrape the spots off through the cloth.

Then just repeat the entire process as necessary… warming the curling iron up and scrubbing it with the alcohol, until the gunky grime is gone.

After you’ve finished cleaning, wipe your curling iron off with a clean cloth that’s been damped with water, then dry completely with a clean towel to avoid any potential rust stains.

See?  That wasn’t so hard now, was it?

Yes, the stubborn spots can take a little work and elbow grease, but it’s SO worth it!

And just remember… the more often you clean your tools, the easier they will be to clean!

So go ahead and take some time to clean your styling tools this week.  You’ll be so glad you did!

More DIY Beauty Tips and Tricks

Now it’s time to get inspired with even more DIY Beauty Tips and Tricks that are going to save you so much money!

I know you’ll love these easy beauty tips and tricks, too…

How to Clean your Hair Brush

Make your hair brush look like new again with this simple tip for How to Clean your Hair Brushes at home!

How to Clean Your Hair Brushes at Home

How to Add Volume to Hair (10 Secrets For Thin Hair)

Whether you’ve always had thin or flat hair, or you’ve recently noticed your hair has been thinning… these simple little tips work like a charm!

Homemade Hair Detangler Recipe

Get those tangles out with this tip for How to Make a Homemade Hair Detangler Recipe!

How to Make Foaming Shampoo

Learn How to Make Foaming Shampoo and bath time for your kids will never be the same!

Homemade Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes

If you want to make your own natural Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes, I’ve got some seriously easy recipes for you! No crazy chemicals, just products you can feel good about.

Homemade Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes Easy

How to Cover Gray Roots At Home in 30 Seconds (7 Sneaky Tricks)

Do you have some pesky gray hairs or roots peeking out? You’ll love these EASY tricks for How to Cover Gray Roots at Home Fast!

Coconut Oil Lip Balm (Easy Frugal Tip)

Be frugal and save money when you make your own Coconut Oil Lip Balm!

Coconut Oil Lip Balm Recipe

Coconut Oil Cuticle Cream (Easy DIY Beauty Treatment)

Try this DIY Coconut Oil Cuticle Cream trick.  I know you’ll love the results!!

Coconut Oil Cuticle Cream DIY

How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home

Could your ring use a little love?  This EASY trick will make sparkle like it’s brand new!

How to Clean Makeup Sponges & Beauty Blenders

Whether you’re wondering how to clean a Beauty Blender, your favorite Beauty Blender dupe, or your old faithful sponge that’s never let you down, you won’t believe how clean they’ll get with these easy little hacks!

How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home

Once you know how to deep clean makeup brushes, you’ll never put it off again. It’s so EASY!

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Oat Honey Face Mask Recipe

This 3-ingredient all-natural face mask is the perfect way to tone and tighten your skin… and may even help prevent some future pesky breakouts!

Oat Honey Face Mask Recipe

How to Pamper Your Feet (5 Secrets to Soft, Beautiful Feet)

Get ready to give your feet some royal spa treatment with these creative tips and tricks for gorgeous feet!

How to Pamper Your Feet

How to Clean White Shoes at Home

Whether your shoes need a good cleaning, or you just need to know how to clean white shoelaces, I’ve got you covered!

How to Clean White Shoes

Keep Shoes From Smelling (6 Easy Tricks)

Here are some really easy ways to help remedy that stink and make all those shoes more tolerable once again!

How to Keep Shoes From Smelling Bad

Coconut Oil Massage Oil Recipe

Skip the expensive massage oil, and make this dreamy DIY Coconut Oil Massage Oil for a fraction of the cost!

Coconut Oil Massage Oil Recipe

101 Beauty Hacks For Glowing Skin and Gorgeous Hair

These tips and tricks will have you feeling beautiful and pampered in just a few minutes each day.

Beauty Hacks for Face and Hair

50 DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes That Really Work!

Get ready for some serious savings with these simple DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes and Tips!

Where To Shop For Beauty Deals

Sephora Sale Hacks You’re Missing Out On!

Use these secret Sephora Sale, Ad and Discount Hacks to save BIG every time you shop!  Seriously… you won’t believe how much you’ll save!

Sephora Sale Hacks

Ultimate Bath and Body Works Coupons & Sale Hacks

Stock up on your favorite lotions, candles, soaps and more with these Bath and Body Works Coupons and Sale Hacks that will save you SO much money!

Bath and Body Works Coupons

Frugal Fashionista (Today’s Top Deals to Save BIG!)

Get ready for some seriously sweet Frugal Fashionista Deals and Tips to save you more money!

So have you tried this tip for How to Clean Your Curling Iron yet?

Leave a comment and share…

Filed Under: Cleaning, DIY Beauty Treatments

Comments

  1. Don't Miss Out... Subscribe Now!

      Built with ConvertKit
    • Healthy World Cuisine says

      May 30, 2024 at 12:54 pm

      OMG Thank you! With a heated iron , rubbing alcohol and a little elbow grease – our old hair curling iron is looking good as new. Best spring cleaning hack of the day!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        May 30, 2024 at 1:44 pm

        Yay… I’m so happy to hear that!!

        Reply
    • Christie says

      June 15, 2021 at 11:57 am

      Wow this is such an amazing trick! I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never clean mine but I really ought to because I wouldn’t’ want that to impact my hair too.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        June 15, 2021 at 1:27 pm

        I’m so glad you liked the tip, Christie! It really is such a cinch to clean… and I love how a clean curling iron works better and keeps your hair cleaner, too. 🙂

        Reply
    • Keltoikds says

      April 19, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      Heat up curling iron. While it is heating up, soak a hand towel in liquid fabric softener. Unplug curling iron and then open it up, wrap towel around it and let it sit. The gunk will melt off…

      Reply
    • Michele says

      February 26, 2014 at 10:46 pm

      Interesting… In the 80’s, I just sat and scraped it with a knife or my metal nail file! 😉

      Reply
    • Travis Garcia says

      January 15, 2014 at 2:22 pm

      Thanks for sharing. Sometimes things are easy to do but you just don’t think about it until someone else does. It’s like when we’re watching a football match, everything looks easy from up, but the guys on the pitch can’t really get a clear view on whta’s going on

      Reply
    • Linn says

      November 13, 2013 at 9:06 am

      what’s the name of your curler? i want a big curling iron but i ddon’t know witch one ishould buy? is that one good? do you get big wavy curls?

      Thanks for the help

      Love Linn

      Reply
    • Codi says

      January 11, 2013 at 4:50 am

      I always use hair relaxer!

      Reply
    • Tiffany Willis says

      April 14, 2012 at 7:55 am

      Baking Soda works well too and doesn’t scratch surfaces. You can just use it with a little soap and water.

      Reply
    • Kim Bullock says

      March 12, 2012 at 2:35 pm

      Very fine steel wool…works like a charm with very little elbow grease.

      Reply
    • tanya says

      March 12, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      OMG! thanks i’ve been trying with just my nails and it wouldnt work!

      Reply
    • belinda says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      Do you have any ideas on how to clean a curling brush iron?? I have to take mine apart to clean.

      Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 17, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      I’m embarrassed to say I’ve had my iron for about 4 years an have never cleaned it!! I’ve been looking for a way and tried Stacey’s…the “black” build up (I know sounds horrible) flakes right off!! Thanks!!!

      Reply
    • Lynn says

      February 18, 2011 at 8:31 pm

      Razors and scraping with sos pads remove the ceramic which can cause snagged hair and it protects your hair. Don’t scrape it with an sos pad or a razor. Yes rubbing alcohol and a lot of patience and scrubbing will work. I’m a cosmetologist and we use relaxer on a rag, warm up the iron and wipe it off. I know not all people have access to relaxer, so have fun with the rubbing alcohol. Or I’d just use the Dissolve All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate you get at sallys. Very nice tips though. Have fun cleaning those irons girls

      Reply
    • Susan says

      November 19, 2010 at 9:35 am

      I’ve always just used a razor blade, then wiped clean with dry cloth.

      Reply
    • Michelle says

      August 27, 2010 at 9:45 am

      My hair stylist told me to use and SOS pad.

      Reply
    • Nicole Biggs says

      February 18, 2010 at 4:32 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Emily N. says

      February 18, 2010 at 2:02 am

      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”

      Reply
    • Young Wife says

      February 17, 2010 at 12:08 pm

      Great tip! I’ll have to give it a try.

      Reply
    • Mandy says

      February 17, 2010 at 9:03 am

      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    • ~Ivey~ says

      February 16, 2010 at 1:34 am

      Heidi, you are SO cute! I’m definitely going to share this one with my readers!

      Reply
    • Tracy @ Hall of Fame Moms says

      February 15, 2010 at 5:30 pm

      I needed this info for my flat iron, tho I rarely use it now. Stills needs a cleaning tho. Thanks!

      Reply
    • Xmasdolly says

      February 15, 2010 at 4:49 pm

      Well, look at that. Why didn’t I think of that. I can’t wait to go clean mine. Thanks for the tip.

      Reply
    • Yasmin says

      February 15, 2010 at 4:31 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 15, 2010 at 5:33 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Darlene says

        February 23, 2012 at 6:24 pm

        I have been using oven cleaner for awile now. It works great,but I was not heating the iron up first. Thanks for the tip.

        Reply
        • Darlene says

          February 23, 2012 at 6:25 pm

          awhile…lol

          Reply
    • Mel says

      February 15, 2010 at 4:04 pm

      Thanks for sharing! I was wondering how to do that without just using my fingernails–will have to try on my flat iron.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    About Heidi Picture
    Hi, I'm Heidi... I'm so glad you're here! I'm the Frugal Girl living here in sunny AZ with my hubby, and love sharing Easy Recipes & Frugal Living Tips!
    More About Heidi >>

    Most Popular Right Now!

    Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe Easy

    Strawberry Jam Recipe for Canning (Best Jam Ever!!)

    Easy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe (The BEST!)

    Key Lime Dump Cake Recipe with Cake Mix

    Key Lime Dump Cake (The BEST!)

    Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers

    Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers 2025! (50 Freebies & Deals!)



    Copyright © 2009 - 2025 | About | Press | Contact | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Subscribe | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube