The straightener is a terrific tool to use to make your hair perfectly straight, but over time residues from styling products and moisturizing oils build up on the ceramic coating making it sticky. In addition to having a bad visual impact, such impurities can severely damage the hair. The first thing to do is to give the plate a general clean, after which you will have to focus your attention on the accumulations of cosmetics and on the stains present on the ceramic-coated parts. When finished, your straightener will be back in perfect shape and efficiency.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: General Cleaning
Step 1. Insert the plug into the socket and turn on the plate
Set the lowest available temperature and let it heat up for a couple of minutes. The heat will melt and loosen the dirt that has accumulated on the ceramic, which can therefore be removed more easily.
Step 2. Turn off the soleplate and unplug it from the power outlet
Let it cool on a heat-resistant surface (preferably on a heat mat) for about 5 minutes. Do not place it directly on the bathroom cabinet as it could be damaged by the intense heat.
Step 3. Clean the soleplate with a damp cloth or paper
While it is still cooling, put your hand about 3 centimeters away from the ceramic to see if it is cold enough to touch it without risking burns. When you are sure that it is only lukewarm, moisten a cloth or a sheet of house paper with hot water, then wipe all the surfaces of the soleplate for a first general cleaning.
Step 4. Use a professional cleaner if you have never cleaned the soleplate before
Ask for advice in perfumery and buy a product formulated specifically to clean styling tools. If you have used the straightener hundreds of times and this is the first time you are preparing to clean it, using a professional cleaner you can be sure of getting a good result.
Part 2 of 2: Remove Stains and Residue from Cosmetic Products
Step 1. Rub the plate with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol
First check that it has cooled completely, then moisten a couple of cotton balls with disinfectant alcohol. Now rub them against all surfaces of the soleplate and use a cotton swab to reach even the corners and crevices. Finally, moisten a clean cloth with water and wipe it all over the soleplate to remove alcohol and dirt residue.
Step 2. Make a cleansing paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Pour about 60 grams of baking soda into a bowl, then add a splash of hydrogen peroxide and then mix until you get a smooth, pasty mixture. Rub the cleansing paste onto the ceramic parts with your fingers to remove build-up of hairspray and other hair products.
Step 3. Use an old toothbrush or magic eraser to remove stubborn dirt
Thanks to the slightly abrasive action of the bristles or rubber, you should be able to remove even the most difficult stains. Magic Eraser guarantees effective cleaning thanks to a combination of melamine, formaldehyde, sodium bisulfite and water. Furthermore, using the toothbrush you will be able to reach even the small spaces otherwise inaccessible.
Step 4. Try cleaning the straightener using the hair "relaxer"
It is a cream product that is normally used to perform a chemical straightening of curly hair, but it can also be useful for cleaning the straightener, if necessary. If you want to try this method, do the following steps.
- Apply a uniform layer of product on the ceramic coating while the soleplate is cold and off;
- Insert the plug into the socket and turn on the plate;
- After 10-15 minutes, turn off the plate and let it cool completely. When it is cold, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove the relaxer and dirt.
Advice
If you smell burning while the plate is heating up or using it, it likely needs cleaning
Warnings
- Keep the plug away from liquids and never immerse the plate in water.
- Do not try to clean the soleplate with alcohol while it is on because as it is a flammable liquid it could catch fire.
- Do not rub the ceramic parts too hard as they may get scratched.
- Do not use an abrasive cleaner to clean the soleplate as it may damage the ceramic coating.
