How to clean your hairbrush properly

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Introduction

Is your hairbrush looking a little… fuzzy? If it’s filled with hair, dust, and product buildup, it’s not just gross — it can actually make your hair dirtier. This guide on how to clean your hairbrush properly walks you through the best methods for every brush type so you can keep your tools (and your hair) fresh, clean, and healthy.

A clean brush doesn’t just feel better — it also prevents scalp irritation, oil buildup, and the transfer of old residue back into freshly washed hair.

Why Cleaning Your Hairbrush Matters

Your hairbrush collects everything: stray hairs, natural scalp oils, product residue, dust, and even dead skin. Over time, all that grime gets redistributed through your hair every time you use it.

Regular cleaning:

  • Prevents greasy buildup and flakiness
  • Extends the life of your brush
  • Reduces bacterial growth and scalp irritation
  • Improves styling results with less resistance and drag
  • Keeps your hair looking cleaner for longer

Whether you use your brush once a day or five times, it’s an essential part of your grooming routine that deserves regular maintenance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Hairbrush

1. Identify Your Brush Type

Different brushes require slightly different cleaning techniques. Start by identifying yours:

  • Paddle brush: Wide, flat base — great for detangling
  • Round brush: Cylindrical — used for styling and blowouts
  • Vent brush: Has open slits for faster drying
  • Boar bristle brush: Dense, natural bristles — more delicate
  • Synthetic bristle brush: Plastic or nylon bristles — durable and easy to clean
  • Combs: Wide-tooth or fine-tooth, often used on wet hair

Knowing the material and structure helps you choose the safest cleaning method.

2. Remove Loose Hair

Before washing your brush, start by removing the trapped hair. This step makes cleaning faster and more effective.

How to remove hair:

  • Use your fingers to lift out clumps of hair
  • For stubborn strands, use a toothpick, tail comb, or scissors to loosen and pull them out
  • A hairbrush rake or cleaning tool can also help clear debris between tight bristles

Tip: Do this every 2–3 days to prevent excessive buildup.

3. Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a gentle cleanser. You can use:

  • Shampoo (ideal for brushes that touch your scalp)
  • Dish soap (great for removing product buildup)
  • Baking soda (excellent for deep cleaning synthetic brushes)

Mix well to create suds, and you’re ready for the next step.

4. Soak and Scrub (For Plastic or Synthetic Brushes)

Safe for: Plastic, nylon, and vented brushes

  1. Submerge the brush in the cleaning solution for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Use a toothbrush or nail brush to gently scrub between the bristles and around the base.
  3. Pay extra attention to the cushion area and any product residue near the handle.
  4. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove soap.
  5. Shake off excess water and dry bristles-down on a towel.

Warning: Don’t soak wooden or natural bristle brushes — it can damage the material or loosen the glue.

5. Spot-Clean Wooden or Boar Bristle Brushes

Safe for: Wood-handled brushes and natural bristle brushes

  1. Dip only the bristles into the cleaning solution — avoid soaking the base.
  2. Use a toothbrush to scrub gently, working from the base of the bristles to the tips.
  3. Wipe the handle and base with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.
  4. Rinse by dipping the bristles into clean water, then blot dry with a towel.
  5. Let the brush dry bristles-down on a towel overnight.

Bathroom Tip: Always allow wooden brushes to air dry completely to avoid mildew or warping.

6. Disinfect the Brush (Optional)

After cleaning, you can disinfect your brush — especially if you’ve had scalp issues like dandruff or lice.

  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
  • Spray the brush thoroughly, especially at the base
  • Let sit for 5–10 minutes
  • Rinse with clean water and allow to dry

Disinfecting kills bacteria, fungus, and other germs that may live in your brush.

7. Let It Dry Properly

After cleaning, never store your brush wet. Doing so can lead to:

  • Mold and mildew
  • Bristle damage
  • Weakened glue or structural breakdown

Always dry your brush:

  • Bristles down on a towel
  • Away from direct sunlight or heat
  • For at least 8 hours, ideally overnight

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t fall into these common hairbrush cleaning pitfalls:

  • Mistake: Soaking wooden brushes
    Solution: Spot-clean only — excess moisture damages wood and glue.
  • Mistake: Not cleaning regularly
    Solution: Clean every 1–2 weeks if you use styling products, or at least monthly otherwise.
  • Mistake: Using harsh chemicals like bleach
    Solution: Stick to shampoo, vinegar, or mild soap — harsh chemicals damage bristles.
  • Mistake: Storing brushes wet or upside down
    Solution: Always air-dry bristles-down to prevent mold and water damage.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to clean combs
    Solution: Treat combs the same way you treat brushes — they gather just as much buildup!

Extra Tips & Bathroom Hacks

  • Keep a cleaning routine: Add brush cleaning to your monthly bathroom checklist
  • Use a mesh brush pouch or drawer insert to keep clean brushes dust-free
  • Carry a mini brush cleaning tool (often sold with boar bristle brushes) for on-the-go upkeep
  • Label brushes if shared in a household to prevent hygiene issues

👉 Want a full bathroom reset? Check out our guide on how to disinfect a bathroom sink to keep your grooming space clean from top to bottom!

Conclusion

Cleaning your hairbrush might seem like a small task, but it has a big impact on your hygiene and hair health. By removing hair, scrubbing buildup, and drying your brush properly, you’ll ensure smoother styling and a cleaner scalp every day. With a little routine care, your brush can last for years and keep your hair looking its best.

Bookmark this guide to remind yourself to give your brush the regular deep clean it deserves!