How to clean a curling iron and remove buildup

Do curling irons need cleaning?

Yes. Every product that touches the barrel leaves a thin film when it is heated. On a ceramic or coated barrel that film can build into a tacky, dark layer that grips hair instead of letting it slide off. That is one of the most common reasons hair sticks to a curling iron; see hair sticking to the curling iron for the other causes.

A clean barrel also lets you see the surface clearly, so you will notice chips or scratches in the coating early.

What to use and what to avoid

The goal is to dissolve residue, not to scrub the coating off. Many barrels have a ceramic or similar coating that abrasives can scratch.

Note.Always unplug the iron and let it cool fully before cleaning. Never immerse a curling iron in water. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so let it evaporate completely before you plug the iron back in.

Step by step: cleaning the barrel

1. 1

   Unplug the iron and wait until the barrel is completely cool to the touch.

2. 2

   Wipe the barrel with a dry microfiber cloth to remove loose hair and dust.

3. 3

   Dampen a second cloth with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Wring it out well so it is damp, not dripping, and wipe the barrel in long strokes.

4. 4

   For sticky film, dampen a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol and rub the residue gently until it softens and lifts.

5. 5

   For hardened brown spots, mix baking soda with a little water into a paste. Rub it on the spot with your fingertip or a soft cloth using light pressure, then wipe it off.

6. 6

   Wipe the barrel again with a clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap, alcohol or baking soda.

7. 7

   Dry with a clean towel and leave the iron unplugged for at least 30 minutes, or until fully dry, before using it.

Cleaning the clamp, cool tip and cord

Product collects under the clamp and where the barrel meets the handle. Open the clamp, and use a cotton swab with a little rubbing alcohol to clean the inside surface of the clamp and the groove beneath it. Then wipe the cool tip and handle with a damp cloth.

Check the cord while you are at it. Look along its length for kinks, flattened spots or exposed wire, and look at the swivel joint near the handle. Do not use an iron with a damaged cord; a damaged cord is also a common reason an iron stops heating, covered in flat iron not heating up.

Ceramic, tourmaline and titanium barrels

Ceramic and tourmaline-ceramic barrels are the most common on premium irons, including T3's CeraGloss ceramic and ghd's Curve range. Their coating is smooth but can chip or scratch. Stick to soft cloths, alcohol and gentle baking soda paste.

Titanium barrels are harder and resist scratching better, but residue still builds up. The same gentle method works.

Anodized barrels, such as on ghd Chronos Curve irons per their listings, have a coated metal surface. Treat them like ceramic and avoid abrasives. When in doubt, follow the cleaning instructions in your iron's manual, since makers sometimes specify what to use.

How often to clean and how to reduce buildup

A quick wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth once the iron has cooled after each use helps a lot. A full clean every few weeks is plenty for most people, or sooner if you notice sticking, smoke or a smell.

To slow buildup, let sprays and creams dry before curling, spray hairspray after curling rather than before, and use lighter amounts of oily products on the lengths you are about to curl.

• Let heat protectant dry before curling
• Apply hairspray after the curls cool, not onto hair you are about to curl
• Wipe the cool barrel after each session
• Store with the barrel clean and the cord loosely coiled

When cleaning does not help

If the coating is visibly chipped, peeling or rough after cleaning, hair will keep snagging and the surface may heat unevenly. At that point a replacement is usually the better call. Check the warranty first; see hair tool warranties. For new barrels, our curling iron guide and curling wand guide list current premium options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean a curling iron while it is hot? No. Clean it unplugged and fully cool. Some people wipe a warm barrel with a damp cloth, but that risks burns and is not worth it.

Is rubbing alcohol safe on a ceramic barrel? It is commonly used on a cooled barrel with a soft cloth. Let it evaporate fully before plugging the iron in, and check your manual for any maker instructions.

Why is my curling iron barrel brown? Usually cooked-on product such as hairspray or oils. Rubbing alcohol and a gentle baking soda paste remove most of it.

Can I use a magic eraser on my curling iron? Melamine sponges are mildly abrasive and can dull or scratch some coatings. A soft cloth with alcohol or baking soda paste is the gentler choice.