How to Clean a Hairbrush or Comb

The steps for cleaning a hairbrush or comb depend on what type of brush you are cleaning. Brushes with synthetic (plastic) bristles and handles are the easiest to clean, while natural bristles or wooden-handled brushes require more careful attention.

How to Clean Hairbrushes With Synthetic Bristles and Handles

These steps work well with all types of synthetic bristles and handles, including cushioned and paddle brushes.

1. Remove the Hair

   
   Begin by removing as much hair as possible from the bristles using the end of a pintail comb, your fingers, or tweezers.

2. Wash the Brush

   Fill the bathroom sink or a large bowl with warm water. Add a generous squeeze (about two teaspoons) of shampoo and swish the brush in the solution to create some suds.

3. Let it Soak

   You can let the brush soak for 10 minutes or tackle the grime immediately. Use a clean toothbrush to scrub between the rows of bristles and around the handle.

4. Scrub with Baking Soda

   If there is an excess buildup of hair products, dip the damp toothbrush in some dry baking soda and continue scrubbing. The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive to remove the gunk.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

   Rinse the brush well with warm water and shake out the excess water. Place it on a towel with the bristles down to dry.

6. Sanitize the Hairbrush

   Mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water. Dip the brush in the solution and place it on a towel, bristles facing down, to air dry.

How to Clean Natural Bristle Hairbrushes

Natural-bristle hairbrushes are more expensive and promise to leave hair smoother and shinier than synthetic bristles. Boar bristles are generally considered the best quality and are usually mounted on a wooden handle.

1. Remove the Hair

   Begin by removing as much hair as possible from the bristles using the end of a pintail comb, your fingers, or tweezers.

2. Wash the Bristles

   In a shallow bowl that is wide enough to submerge the bristles but not the handle, mix warm water and about one teaspoon of gentle shampoo. Place the hairbrush over the bowl so that only the bristles are submerged. Allow the bristles to soak for 10 minutes. Remove the brush and use your hands to work the sudsy mixture between the rows of bristles, making sure you get down to the base.

   Wooden-handled hairbrushes should never be allowed to soak in water, as that can cause the brush to deteriorate and the bristles to loosen.

   
   

3. Clean the Wooden Brush Handle

   If the handle has excessive hair product buildup, dip a toothbrush in soapy water and lightly scrub to remove any residue. Wipe the handle with a clean towel and place it on a towel with the bristles down to air dry.

4. Rinse the Brush

   Quickly rinse the brush under warm running water and place the brush bristles-down on a towel to dry overnight.

5. Sanitize the Brush (Optional)

   If you feel the brush needs to be sanitized, lightly spray with a disinfecting spray like Lysol to kill bacteria. Do not use isopropyl alcohol, because it can dry out the natural bristles.

How to Clean a Synthetic Comb

When you're cleaning your hairbrush, don't forget your combs. Synthetic combs are pretty easy to clean. Here's how:

1. Let the Comb Soak

   To clean combs made from synthetic materials, fill the sink with warm water and a squirt of shampoo. Add the combs and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.

2. Scrub Your Comb

   Use a toothbrush to scrub away any residue caught between the teeth. For tough stains or stuck-on debris, dip the toothbrush in some dry baking soda and scrub away.

3. Rinse Thoroughly

   Rinse the combs well in warm water and place on a towel to air dry.

4. Sanitize Your Comb

   Dip a cloth or cotton swab in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, then wipe the surface of the comb. Do not rinse; allow to air dry.

How to Clean a Wooden Comb

1. Scrub Between the Teeth

   Dip a toothbrush in a warm, soapy water solution and gently scrub between the teeth.

2. Wipe it Dry

   Wipe the comb with a clean towel and allow it to dry.

3. Sanitize, if Needed

   To sanitize a wooden comb, spray lightly with a disinfecting spray.

How to Remove Lint from a Hairbrush

After you remove the tangled hair from the bristles, you may notice lots of lint or dust stuck to the base of the brush. This can be more difficult to remove than the hair because it is mixed with scalp oils and hair product residue. Here's how to do it:

1. Follow the Cleaning Instructions for Your Brush Type

   After giving your brush a thorough clean, inspect it for remaining gray residue.

2. Use a Toothbrush

   Sweep a clean, dry toothbrush between the brush bristles to remove the remaining lint. Sweep both horizontally and vertically through the bristles to get as much lint out as you can.

3. Give the Brush Another Rinse

   Rinse out the brush to remove the remaining residue, and air dry with the bristles down.

How to Clean a Hairbrush With Vinegar

If your brush needs an intensive deep clean that the steps above aren't achieving, soaking your hairbrush in vinegar does work. Because vinegar is a natural disinfectant it can get rid of stubborn dirt and grime that the basic shampoo and water rinse above didn't get. 

1. Let it Soak

   Grab a cup or shallow bowl of vinegar and let your hairbrush soak for up to 30 minutes.

2. Follow the Cleaning Instructions for Your Brush Type

   Follow the steps above and give the hairbrush another wash. If it's really dirty, you might have to repeat this a few times. Air dry with the bristles down.

How to Keep a Hairbrush Clean Longer

To keep your hairbrush and comb clean longer, start getting into the habit of removing the hair from the bristles after every use. You can also opt for less product in your hair to prevent buildup in the brush or use a different brush or method for combing when your hair is dirty or oily. If you want to clean your hairbrush and comb more frequently, consider investing in a cleaning spray specific to your type of brush.