How to clean a curling iron that smells

Curling irons are basic tools in accomplishing those glamorous curls or sleek waves, but with constant use, these appliances can accumulate residue from hair products and become sticky or rusty. So, it's vital to keep them clean, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your hair forming tools. Do you want to know how to clean a curling iron, removing those built-up sticky impurities? Should You Clean Your Curling Iron? Just like any other beauty tool, this appliance requires regular cleaning to ensure they work optimally. Here are a few signs that indicate it's time to remove the buildup and hair products residues from your curling iron: Decreased styling efficiency: If you notice that the hair forming appliance doesn't glide smoothly through your hair, or if locks are snagging during styling, it's likely due to hair product buildup on the barrel. Tacky residue: When you touch the surface of your curling iron, and it feels sticky or tacky, it's a clear sign of product residue accumulation. Burning odor: A burning smell during use can be a result of heated product residue, which is accumulated on the barrel. Uneven heat spread: Buildup on the curling iron's surface can disrupt the even distribution of heat, which leads to inconsistent curls or waves. How Do You Remove Buildup from a Curling Iron? Now that you're convinced of the importance of cleaning your hair forming tool, let's explore how to clean a curling iron, effectively removing that stubborn buildup: Gather the materials: shampoo or mild dish soap, warm water, soft cloth or sponge, cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, heat-resistant gloves, toothbrush with soft bristles. Unplug the tool and cool it down. Safety is on first place! Make sure your hair tool is unplugged and has cooled down completely before you begin your cleaning. Dip a cloth or sponge in water. Wet a soft cloth or sponge with warm water. Wring out any excess liquid, so that it's only slightly damp. Gently wipe the surface of the curling iron to remove any loose debris and the greater part of the residues. How to clean a curling iron: Soap with water: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap or shampoo with warm water to make a soapy solution. Dip a cloth or sponge into this cleaning liquid, and gently scrub the hair tool barrel, concentrating on areas with stubborn residue. Be cautious not to get the electrical components wet. Cotton swabs to reach tough spots: For hard-to-reach areas of this heating appliance, like the grooves or the clamp, use cotton swabs dipped in the soapy water mixture. This will help you get into those nooks and crannies. Wipe clean the washing solutions’ residues: After scrubbing away the residue, rinse your cloth or sponge thoroughly with clean water. Then wipe the hair forming tool till it looks clean to remove any soap or shampoo residue. Ensure that you’ve dried its surfaces completely before plugging it back in and storing the appliance. Rubbing alcohol for stubborn impurities: If you still have sticky residue that won't come off with soap and water, you can apply rubbing alcohol. Pour a small amount to a cloth or dip a cotton ball and gently rub the affected area. This should dissolve and remove the residue effectively. Toothbrush for thorough cleaning: For persistent buildup, especially in the most tiny crevices, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Dampen the toothbrush with soapy water and scrub gently to dislodge and remove the impurities. How to Clean a Curling Iron That is Rusty? Rust can be a common issue, especially if your hair appliance has been exposed to moisture. To clean it when it’s rusty, follow these guidelines: Prepare the materials: baking soda, water, soft cloth, vinegar, fine-grit sandpaper and rust converter are optional. Make a baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water till you reach a thick paste. Its consistency should be thick enough to spread well on the rusted areas. Spread a layer of the paste: Spread the baking soda paste onto the rusted areas of the curling iron. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow it to work on the problematic zones. Scrub gently with cloth or brush: Use a soft cloth or a toothbrush to gently scrub the rusted areas. If the rust is stubborn, you can use fine-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to damage the surface of your hair forming tool. Rinse and dry thoroughly: After removing the rust, rinse the curling iron with clean water and dry it thoroughly. Ensure that no moisture remains on the iron to prevent further rusting. Read also: Remove Rust from Metal Outdoor Furniture: Save Your Iron Garden or Balcony Items from Destroyment! And: How to Easily Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Sinks: Make Them Shiny Again!