How to clean your hair straightener  

Why clean your hair straighteners?

Your hair straighteners work hard. Regular use exposes them to styling products, natural oils and environmental pollutants. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, this buildup can accumulate and cause damage. For example, heat can cause contaminants to burn in, creating a barrier between your hair and the technology designed to style it.

The performance benefits of proper hair straightener care include:

• Consistent heat distribution 

• Optimal performance  

• Hygienic styling 

• Extended product life  

• Professional-quality results 

How often do you need to clean your hair straighteners? 

Whether you use your hair straighteners every day or on special occasions, a quick wipe after every use helps prevent hair product residue from hardening. This is the most effective way to maintain your straighteners. If you’re a frequent user, a weekly deep clean may be necessary. Monthly maintenance is the minimum standard for occasional users.

What do you need to clean your hair straighteners? 

Maintaining your hair straighteners requires the right tools and techniques. The engineering in Dyson styling tools demands precise care – using the wrong materials or methods can damage delicate components and compromise performance. 

• Lint-free cloths for streak-free cleaning without residue.

• Cotton swabs for precision access to corners and edges where buildup can accumulate.

• Soft-bristled brush for controlled abrasion on stubborn residue.

• Mild dish soap or clarifying shampoo to dissolve styling products.

It’s best to avoid alcohol-based cleaners or harsh chemicals that can strip your straighteners’ protective coatings. Abrasive cleaning materials, such as steel wool or rough cloths, can scratch plates and create microscopic channels where bacteria and residue can accumulate.

Step-by-step hair straightener cleaning 

Proper cleaning follows a methodical approach while prioritising safety, where each step builds on the previous one.

1. Power off and cool down 

Switch off and unplug your straighteners to prevent accidental activation during cleaning. Wait for them to cool down completely before proceeding to the next step. 

2. Clean heating plates 

Heating plates are precision-engineered surfaces that transfer heat to transform your hairstyles. They reach high temperatures, are exposed to styling products and experience friction. Regular maintenance is important to ensure they perform at their best.  

1. Gently clean the surface with a lint-free cloth. 
2. Use cotton swabs for edge cleaning and detailed work around hinges and corners.
3. Clean persistent residue with a soft-bristled brush. 

It’s easier to clean your hair straightener plates while the product residue is fresh. Heat-set buildup requires more aggressive cleaning that risks damage. 

3. Completely dry  

Even trace amounts of water can compromise internal circuits, create corrosion and void warranties on your hair straighteners. This final step can be the difference between professional maintenance and potential device failure. 

Thoroughly dry your hair straighteners after cleaning to remove all surface moisture. Then, continue to air-dry them before storing or using. 

Dyson Airstrait™ maintenance 

Dyson Airstrait™ uses high-power airflow to straighten hair as it dries, without extreme heat.1 This requires a different maintenance approach to regular hair straightener plates, prioritising airflow rather than heat transfer surfaces. The LCD screen guides you through cleaning steps and reminds you of when your Airstrait™ filter needs to be cleaned.  

How to clean your Dyson Airstrait™ filter 

1. Ensure the machine is cool, switched off and unplugged.  
2. Remove the filter by pulling it downwards and away from the device.  
3. Soak the filter in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes.  
4. Rinse it under running water, using your fingers to clean any stubborn debris.  
5. Allow it to dry completely.  
6. Reattach the filter to the machine. 

How to clean your Dyson Airstrait™ tension bars

1. Ensure that the machine is cool, switched off and unplugged.  
2. Unlock the machine arms.  
3. Run a soft-bristled brush along the tension bars, moving away from the machine.  
4. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any remaining residue.  
5. Close and lock the arms. 

How to clean your Dyson Airstrait™ diffusers 

1. Ensure that the machine is cool, turned off and unplugged. 
2. Unlock the machine and take out both diffusers. 
3. Soak in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. 
4. Rinse under running water, removing any stubborn debris with a cloth, brush or your fingers. 
5. Allow the diffusers to dry completely. 
6. Reattach the diffusers to the machine. 
7. Close and lock the arms. 

The performance difference of clean hair straighteners

Maintaining your hair straighteners isn't just about hygiene; it's about unlocking the full potential of Dyson engineering. Each component is designed to deliver beautiful results and proper maintenance is essential for the consistent performance of  your Dyson machines.