If you style your hair regularly, you need to maintain your hair tools well. Here are a few tips.
Learn to store your tools properly. Instead of leaving them strewn around in your bedroom, store them atop your bathroom sink.
This way they won't get exposed to dust, water etc. Keep them away when you are not using them.
Use a damp cloth to wipe your hair tools clean. Once a week is good enough. Don't do this when the tool is hot. Though this will take only a few minutes, it will really extend the life of your hair tools.
When styling your hair, if you are using a hair iron, use the lowest heat setting on the tool. This will not just prevent your hair from damage but also protect the tool.
If a damp cloth doesn't help in cleaning the tool, you use a stronger cleaning agent, like alcohol, rub it on a cotton pad and scrub the hair tool. This will help removing any dirt or residue that has built up on the device.