How to clean a blow dryer brush or hot air brush

Safety first

A hot air brush is an electrical appliance with a motor and heating element inside the handle or body. Always unplug it and let it cool fully before cleaning. Do not submerge it, rinse it under the tap, or spray cleaner into the vents. Water inside the body can damage the motor and electronics and is a shock risk.

Your maker's manual has the final word. Some tools have removable heads that can be cleaned more freely. Others, like the ghd Duet Blowdry, come with a dedicated cleaning brush, according to the listing.

Note.Unplug and cool before cleaning. Never immerse the handle or motor body, and make sure everything is fully dry before you plug it back in.

Quick clean: once a week

1. 1

   Unplug and let the brush cool.

2. 2

   Use a rat-tail comb, pick or old toothbrush to lift trapped hair out of the bristles. Work from the base of the bristles outward.

3. 3

   For wound-up hair, snip across it carefully with small scissors along the barrel, then pull it free. Do not cut the bristles.

4. 4

   Wipe the bristles and barrel with a dry microfiber cloth.

5. 5

   Brush lint off the air intake at the back or bottom of the handle with a soft, dry brush.

Deep clean: about once a month

If you use heavy products, residue builds up on the barrel and bristle bases. A deeper clean removes it without getting water inside the tool.

1. 1

   Unplug, cool and remove all hair as in the quick clean.

2. 2

   Remove the head if your brush has a detachable one, like the T3 AireBrush Duo or Drybar Triple Shot.

3. 3

   Mix warm water with a drop of mild soap or shampoo. Dip a cloth or toothbrush in it and squeeze it until it is just damp.

4. 4

   Scrub the bristle bases and barrel surface gently. Keep liquid away from the vents and any electrical contacts.

5. 5

   Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap, then a dry cloth.

6. 6

   Leave the head and body to air dry fully, at least several hours, before reattaching or using.

Cleaning the air intake and filter

Every hot air brush and dryer pulls air in through an intake, usually covered by a mesh filter. When it clogs with lint and hair, less air gets through, the tool can overheat, and many tools have a thermal cutoff that will shut them down or switch to cold air to protect the motor. Cleaning the filter is often the fix when a brush starts cutting out.

If the filter cover twists or slides off, remove it and brush the mesh clean. If it does not come off, use a soft dry brush or a lint roller on the outside. Some dryers make this easy: the BaBylissPRO Rapido and Nano Light listings mention removable filter covers. For Dyson tools, see how to clean the Dyson Airwrap filter and how to clean a hair dryer filter.

Cleaning Dyson Airwrap attachments

Airwrap brushes and barrels detach from the handle and contain no motor, so they are easier to clean. Pull hair out of the bristles, wipe the barrels and brushes with a dry or slightly damp cloth, and let them dry fully before use. The smoothing brushes and round volumizing brush trap the most hair. Dyson's support pages and manual cover which parts can be wiped and how; follow them for your edition.

The handle is where the motor, heater and filter live, so treat it like any electric tool: no water. Dyson's filter is a mesh cage at the base of the handle and needs regular cleaning, especially if the lights start flashing. See Dyson Airwrap flashing light and the Airwrap attachments explained.

Compare Dyson Airwrap models →

Mistakes to avoid

If your brush is old, slow and hard to clean, it may be time for a new one. See best blow dryer brushes and how long does a hair dryer last.

• Soaking the whole brush or rinsing it under the tap.
• Using alcohol or harsh solvents on soft-touch coatings or ceramic barrels unless the maker says it is fine.
• Using a hair dryer to dry a wet brush quickly. Air dry instead.
• Pulling bristles while removing hair. Lift hair out from the base.
• Ignoring the filter until the tool shuts off.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean a hot air brush? Remove hair after every few uses and do a deeper clean about once a month, more often if you use a lot of product.

Can I wash my Dyson Airwrap attachments with water? The attachments have no motor, so wiping with a damp cloth is generally fine. Follow Dyson's manual for your edition and dry them fully before use. Never get the handle wet.

Why does my hot brush smell burnt? Usually product residue or lint on the barrel or filter is heating up. Clean the bristles, barrel and intake. If the smell continues, stop using it and contact the maker.

Why did my brush lose airflow? A clogged intake filter is the most common reason. Clean it and see hair dryer blowing cold air if heat also drops.