Tips&TricksEliminating that burning smell from your hair dryer: A simple guide

Eliminating that burning smell from your hair dryer: A simple guide

It's worth knowing how to clean a hair dryer.
It's worth knowing how to clean a hair dryer.
Images source: © Getty Images | Ekaterina Vasileva-Bagler

10:59 AM EDT, April 22, 2024

Does your hair dryer emit a burning smell right after you turn it on? No need to panic; nothing is on fire, and the device isn't malfunctioning. How can you eliminate the burning odor from the dryer, and what steps can you take to ensure your hair remains odor-free? We offer some advice.

A hairdryer is an appliance found in nearly every household. It's incredibly simple to use and undeniably makes life easier, drying and volumizing hair in just a few moments.

Occasionally, a burning smell may emanate from the dryer, leading many of us to unplug the device immediately out of fear of a fire. But what does a burning smell coming from a dryer indicate? Is it a sign that something is amiss? Fortunately, the answer is no, and the unpleasant odor can easily be addressed.

How to properly dry your hair?

Have you ever considered how a hair dryer operates? The device contains a heating element and a fan that pushes warm air out so that it escapes outward. Modern dryers come with an ionization function, which helps to prevent frizz and static in your hair.

If you use a dryer correctly, it won't damage your hair. What's the proper technique for drying your hair? After washing and towel-drying your hair, apply protective oil to the tips. Alternatively, a heat protection spray can shield your hair from high temperatures.

Switch on the dryer and aim it along the hair fibres, moving from the roots to the tips. Opt for cool air and maintain a distance of at least 12 inches from the scalp. Adhering to these guidelines will keep your hair healthy and damage-free over time.

If your hair dryer smells like burning, here's how to fix it

Does turning on your hair dryer release a burning smell? There's no need for alarm. The device isn't broken. The source of the unpleasant odor is often dirt. Dust, grime, and cosmetic residue can all accumulate in the fan, leading to overheating and a burning smell.

Cleaning a dryer is simple. First, unplug the device and allow it to cool down. Then, open the back and remove the filter. Rinse it under running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Allow an additional 10 minutes to ensure the filter is completely dry before returning it. If your dryer lacks a filter, a toothbrush can clear any dust from inside. Now, you're equipped with the knowledge to keep your hair dryer clean.

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