How to clean a hot air brush

What you need

• A wide-tooth comb or tail comb
• A soft dry brush, such as an old toothbrush or make-up brush
• A microfibre cloth
• Warm water, and a drop of mild washing-up liquid for heavy product build-up
• Your brush's manual

Note:Always unplug and let the brush cool before cleaning. Never put the handle in water or clean it while plugged in.

Step 1: remove the hair from the bristles

Hair wrapped around the base of the bristles blocks the vents where the warm air escapes, so the brush styles less evenly. Clearing it every few uses keeps airflow even.

1. 1

   Remove the brush head if it detaches.

2. 2

   Slide a wide-tooth comb through the bristles from the base outwards.

3. 3

   Lift and pull away the loosened hair by hand.

4. 4

   Use the tail of a comb to hook out strands wrapped near the base.

5. 5

   For rotating or retractable-bristle brushes, retract or turn the head to reach all sides.

Step 2: clean the air intake and filter

Look at the end of the handle or the back of the body for a grille or filter cover. On many brushes it twists or pulls off; check the manual. Brush lint and dust away with a soft dry brush. Some filters can be rinsed, but only do that if the manufacturer says so, and let the filter dry completely before refitting.

This is the most important step for the tool's life. A blocked intake makes the motor work harder and the heater run hotter, which can trigger the thermal cut-out and shorten the brush's life. If yours keeps cutting out, our guide to why a hair dryer stops working covers the same causes.

Step 3: remove product build-up

Hairspray, oils and heat protectants leave a sticky film on the head and bristles. Dampen a microfibre cloth with warm water and a tiny drop of washing-up liquid, wring it out well and wipe the head and bristles. Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water, then a dry cloth.

If the head is detachable and the manual allows washing, you can swish it in warm soapy water, rinse and leave it to dry for several hours, bristles down. Never wash a head that contains heating elements or electrical contacts unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.

Step 4: dry, refit and test

A faint smell the first time after cleaning is usually leftover product burning off. A strong burning smell, sparking or crackling means stop and unplug immediately.

While you have the brush in your hands, check the cable from plug to handle. Look for kinks, splits or exposed wires, especially where the cable enters the handle, as that is where repeated twisting does the most harm. If you see damage, stop using the brush. Coil the cable loosely when you put it away rather than wrapping it tightly around the handle.

1. 1

   Make sure every part is completely dry, ideally leaving it overnight after any washing.

2. 2

   Refit the filter and the head until they click into place.

3. 3

   Plug in and run the brush on the cool setting for 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Switch to low heat and check for any unusual smell or noise.

How often to clean

If you are thinking of upgrading, our guides to Airwrap-style multi-stylers and stylers for short hair include hot air brushes with removable filters that are easier to clean. For Dyson tools specifically, see cleaning Airwrap attachments.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a hot air brush head? Only if it detaches and the manual says it can be washed. Heads with built-in electrics must never go in water.

Why does my hot air brush smell of burning? Usually dust in the intake or product on the head heating up. Clean both; if a strong smell continues, stop using the brush.

Why does my hot air brush keep turning off? Most often overheating from a blocked intake. Clean the filter and let the brush cool before using again.

How do I get hair out of a round brush? Comb from the base outwards with a wide-tooth comb, then hook out stubborn strands with the tail of a comb.