How to Properly Clean Your Hairbrushes and Combs: A Complete Guide

Hairbrushes and combs tend to get dirty over time. If your brushes have accumulated some dirt, it’s time to give them a good cleaning and reuse them safely.

You can clean your brushes and combs using a mild cleanser like dish soap, shampoo, white distilled vinegar, or rubbing alcohol, along with a toothbrush. In the following guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to clean your hairbrushes and combs, removing dirt, germs, and bacteria harmful to your hair.

Basic Steps to Clean Your Brushes and Combs

1. Remove Hair from the Brush or Comb:

   • Start by removing any hair from the brush or comb by pulling it out with your fingers. It should come off fairly easily. If any hair remains stuck, use a toothpick to loosen it, then remove it by hand.

2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution:

   • Mix a mild cleanser such as dish soap or shampoo with warm water in a container. You don’t need to use harsh cleansers for cleaning your brush. There’s no precise amount required, but generally, you don’t need an excessive amount of the cleanser to clean the brush or comb.

3. Scrub the Brush or Comb:

   • Using a toothbrush, scrub the brush or comb. Focus on the bristles and edges where hair and product residues tend to accumulate over time.

4. Soak the Brush or Comb:

   • After scrubbing, soak the brush or comb in the cleaning solution for 15 minutes to help remove any stuck debris.

5. Rinse Under Warm Water:

   • After soaking, rinse the brush or comb under warm running water until the water runs clean.

6. Dry the Brush or Comb:

   • Allow the brush or comb to air dry. If you're in a hurry, you can dry it with a paper towel, cloth towel, or even use a blow dryer on a medium heat setting from a few inches away.

Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing Brushes and Combs

1. Sanitize with Vinegar or Alcohol:

   • For a deep clean and sanitization, submerge plastic combs and brush heads in white distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Fill a cup or large container with equal parts vinegar (or alcohol) and water, then soak the comb for 10 minutes and the brush for 20 minutes.

2. Rinse and Dry:

   • After soaking, remove the brush or comb and rinse it under running water.

3. Sanitize the Handle:

   • During the sanitization process, don’t forget to clean the handles. Wipe most surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove any buildup. You can then gently wipe the handle with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners, such as rubbing alcohol, on wooden brushes.

4. Allow to Air Dry:

   • Let the brush or comb dry naturally on a towel. Depending on the material, drying may take a few hours, or in some cases, overnight.

Tips to Keep Brushes and Combs in Good Condition for Longer

1. Regular Cleaning:

   • Make it a habit to clean your brushes and combs at least once a week, or more often if you use a lot of hair products.

2. Clean Gently:

   • When cleaning the bristles, be gentle and avoid using too much force, as this can bend or break the bristles during cleaning.

3. Avoid Soaking Brushes with Padding:

   • Don’t soak brushes with padded or cushioned backs for long periods. Instead, gently scrub them using a mild cleanser and water.

4. Avoid Soaking Wooden Brushes:

   • Never soak brushes with wooden handles or frames. Wooden materials can get damaged by water, and soaking wooden brushes can easily ruin them. Instead, clean these brushes using a toothbrush and mild cleanser.

5. Don't Over-soak Bristles:

   • Avoid soaking the bristles for too long, as this can cause damage to the bristles over time.

6. Replace Worn-Out Brushes:

   • If your brush shows signs of wear, such as frayed bristles or a loose handle, it's time to replace it.

7. Store Properly:

   • Store your clean brushes and combs in a dry, dust-free place to maintain their condition.

By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your brushes and combs and ensure they stay clean and hygienic for your hair.