Watch out for overheating , short circuits , and faulty motors .

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When you think of house fire peril , cd , cooking mishaps , and heat equipment ( such as space heaters ) are likely on your radar . But there ’s one frequently - used item that you take to watch out for : hair dryer .

gray hair dryer on white marble counter with brush and towels

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If you do n’t practice and uphold your haircloth dryer the right way , it can overheat — potentially leading to sparks , which can ignite your role model ’s national element and even spread to flammable objects near by . However , saving yourself from this fire chance is easy than you might think . To assist you keep your hair tool in top shape , Kate Craft , Dyson ’s fourth-year reliability engineer , explains how ( and why ! ) to cleanse it .

Yes, You Need to Clean Your Hair Dryer’s Filter

A tomentum dryer needs right airflow to work , and a filter is a crucial component of this gadget ’s chemical mechanism . Here ’s why : a clogged filter can stimulate its internal components to overheat apace pass to inflammability .

" hair’s-breadth dryers have filters to ensure any airborne junk does not become lodged in the motor or sensible internals of the machine , " Craft says . " [ This element ] assist maintain the hair dryer ’s performance and protect it from accumulating debris . These filters typically catch debris , lint , and aerosolize hair product . "

That means a dirty or clogged breeze filter poses to major risks : The first is a damaged machine ( not ideal , especially if you have an expensive model ) , and the 2d is a fire hazard waiting to happen .

How to Do It

" The safest , most - good method is the [ one ] provided by the manufacturer , " Craft enunciate . But in universal , Craft outlines some key stair that apply to most hair drier models below :

When in uncertainty , search the internet to tapdance into any helpful videos or how - tos posted by your tomentum dryer ’s producer .

For example , when it comes to the Dyson ’s consumer - grade Supersonic , Craft advises to remove the outer filter John Milton Cage Jr. and slip it away from the machine . " If you have a Dyson - design century - skirmish , slide this onto the power cord . Then , using a rotating up and down action , clean the inside filter mesh until all junk has been removed , " she says . " Do not use any piddle or chemical substance to strip the internal filter . [ Lastly , ] , replace the outer filter cage once clean is complete , " she says , add that a delicate bristled toothbrush can be a great alternative to the C - brush if you do n’t have one , or have a unlike modelling of hair’s-breadth dryer .

Always follow your hair drier modeling and manufacturer ’s recommended cleaning methods , invalidate using harsh chemicals or answer on your filter , and stick to a cleaning turn to defend your hair dryer ’s flush carrying into action and forbid it from overheating .

How Often Should You Clean Your Hair Dryer Filter?

To prevent your model from overheating , cleaning it on a regular schedule is key and exquisitely - tune up this procedure just depend on how often you use your haircloth drier . For example , the " average drug user should clean their filter at least monthly , " Craft say , but heavier users should clean more often .

Professionals should clean their filter at least once a week . " We indicate incorporating filter cleaning into part of the regular routine of your salon or plate to verify you do n’t forget , " Craft says .

fend off using your hair dryer in wet precondition , always unplug it when not in employment , and do not wrap your cord very tightly around your drier , as this can damage the wires .

Signs It’s Time to Clean the Filter

There can be several signs that point it ’s time to give your gismo a deeper clean , but here are a few key unity to follow for :

Some saucy machines may also have a signal built - in to alert you when there ’s a problem . For example , some new models have a light that will signalise it ’s meter for a cleanup . " If the LEDs blink or your machine shuts off during use , we suggest cleanse your filter before go with other troubleshooting steps , " Craft tell .