How to Clean Hair Brushes: Easy & Effective Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your hair brushes clean is more than just a cosmetic concern—it’s a hygiene necessity. 

Over time, brushes accumulate hair, product residue, dust, and even germs, which can transfer back to your scalp and hair. Regularly cleaning your brushes not only extends their lifespan but also keeps your hair healthy and looking its best. 

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the most effective methods for cleaning all types of hair brushes—plastic, wooden, and mixed materials—using both household ingredients and commercial products.

Table of Contents

• Why Cleaning Hair Brushes Is Important
• Step 1: Remove Hair from the Brush
• Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
  • For Plastic or Rubber Brushes
  • For Wooden Brushes
  • For Heavily Soiled Brushes
• Step 3: Scrubbing Your Hair Brush
• Step 4: Rinsing
• Step 5: Drying Your Hair Brush
• Alternative Methods and Tools
• Preventive Tips for Cleaner Hair Brushes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Recommended Cleaning Schedule
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Why Cleaning Hair Brushes Is Important

Hair brushes may seem innocuous, but over weeks of use, they become a breeding ground for oil, shampoo residue, dead skin cells, dust, and even mildew. The consequences of dirty brushes include:

1. Transfer of bacteria and fungi – Can lead to scalp irritation or acne around the hairline.
   
2. Hair breakage and frizz – Product buildup causes tangling and uneven distribution of natural oils.
   
3. Shortened brush lifespan – Brushes degrade faster when gunk accumulates at the base of the bristles.
   
4. Unpleasant odors – Especially with synthetic bristles that trap moisture and residue.
   

Cleaning hair brushes should therefore be a routine part of your haircare regimen, much like washing your hair or changing pillowcases regularly.

Step 1: Remove Hair from the Brush

Before using any cleaning solution, it’s essential to remove all the hair tangled in the bristles. This makes the cleaning process far more effective. Here’s how:

• Use your fingers: Gently pull out the hair in small sections.
  
• Use a comb: A medium-tooth comb works well for separating hair strands from bristles.
  
• Hairbrush cleaning rake: A specialized tool designed to slide under bristles and lift hair out without damaging the brush.
  
• Two brushes method: Rub two brushes together bristle-to-bristle to loosen stuck hair and debris.
  

Pro tip: Remove hair after every use to prevent buildup from becoming sticky and harder to clean.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

The type of hairbrush you have will determine which cleaning method is safest.

For Plastic or Rubber Brushes

• Fill a bowl or sink with hot water.
  
• Add a splash of dish soap (Blue Dawn is commonly recommended for its grease-cutting power).
  
• Optional: Add vinegar (about 1/2 cup per sink) to help dissolve oils and product residue.
  
• Let the brush soak for 10–15 minutes.
  

For Wooden Brushes

Wood is porous and can warp if fully submerged.

• Submerge only the bristles in warm, soapy water.
  
• Avoid soaking the wooden base completely.
  
• Optionally, lightly oil the wooden base after cleaning to maintain its finish.
  

For Heavily Soiled Brushes

• Make a paste of baking soda and water or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
  
• Apply with a toothbrush to scrub tough buildup.
  
• Be cautious: only use on plastic or coated wooden brushes.
  

Step 3: Scrubbing Your Hair Brush

Soaking loosens the debris, but scrubbing ensures every bit of buildup is removed.

• Use a toothbrush to clean between bristles and the base of the brush.
  
• Bottle brushes or nail brushes work for deep cleaning.
  
• For brushes with protective round nubs at bristle tips, avoid tools that might pop them off—an old medium-fine comb works best.
  
• Scrub gently to break down dried hair product residue, but thoroughly to prevent soap residue buildup.
  

Pro tip from hairstylists: The gunk at the base is often a combination of oil and product. Breaking it up completely and rinsing thoroughly prevents it from sticking back onto hair.

Step 4: Rinsing

Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water:

• Ensure all soap, baking soda, or peroxide residue is removed.
  
• For wooden brushes, avoid soaking the base under running water; focus on the bristles.
  
• If desired, do a quick dip in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) to disinfect and remove leftover odors.
  

Step 5: Drying Your Hair Brush

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and preserve brush integrity.

• Place brushes bristle-side down on a towel. This allows water to drain out and prevents pooling near the base.
  
• For wooden brushes, dry in a warm spot but avoid cold, damp areas that could warp the wood.
  
• Remove excess water by pressing down gently on bristles with a towel.
  
• Allow brushes to dry 24 hours before use.
  

Optional: Lightly oil wooden brushes with mineral or olive oil to maintain the finish.

Alternative Methods and Tools

Besides household solutions, several products and tools make cleaning hair brushes easier:

1. Clarifying Shampoo: Diluted with water, soaks the brush, and scrubs with a toothbrush. Works well for product buildup.
   
2. Dishwasher: Suitable for plastic brushes only; ensure hairs are removed beforehand to avoid clogging.
   
3. Magic Eraser: Effective on plastic handles or bases for a sparkling finish.
   
4. Commercial Hairbrush Cleaners: Kits like Reshoevn8r brush detergents, or Amazon brush rakes.
   
5. Barbicide or disinfectant sprays: For salon-level sanitation.
   

Preventive Tips for Cleaner Hair Brushes

Keeping your hairbrushes clean longer reduces the need for intensive cleaning:

• Remove hair after every use.
  
• Avoid leaving brushes near dust-prone areas like open windows or bathroom counters.
  
• Cover new brushes with nylon knee highs over bristles to prevent dust accumulation; slide off and clean as needed.
  
• For brushes used with heavy styling products, consider a weekly rinse or soak.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Soaking wooden brushes fully – Leads to warping and splitting.
   
2. Scrubbing too harshly on protective bristle nubs – Can pull them off.
   
3. Mixing baking soda and vinegar in excess – Chemically cancels each other; use one or the other.
   
4. Not rinsing thoroughly – Residue can cause buildup and irritation.
   
5. Using overly hot water on plastic brushes – Can melt or deform bristles.
   

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

• Daily/Quick Maintenance: Remove hair and lightly rinse bristles.
  
• Weekly: Soak in soapy water with vinegar for a deeper clean.
  
• Monthly Deep Clean: Use brushing rakes, toothbrush scrubbing, or a clarifying shampoo soak to ensure gunk at the base is removed.
  

Expert Tips

• Hairstylists suggest: Always break up product residue thoroughly.
  
• Two-brush method: Rub two brushes together bristle-to-bristle for a quick detangling of stuck debris.
  
• Disinfecting: For salon-quality hygiene, soak brushes briefly in a disinfectant like Barbicide.
  
• Air dry properly: Bristle-side down to prevent water from pooling at the base.
  

FAQs

Q1: Can I use bleach to clean hair brushes?

A: Only for plastic brushes and in very diluted solutions. Avoid wooden or coated brushes as bleach can damage them.

Q2: Can I use the dishwasher?

A: Yes, for sturdy plastic brushes. Make sure all hair is removed first to avoid clogging.

Q3: How often should I clean my brushes?

A: Quick hair removal after each use, weekly soak for light cleaning, monthly deep cleaning for buildup removal.

Q4: Can vinegar damage brushes?

A: No, when used in moderation. Avoid soaking wooden handles; bristles are fine.

Conclusion

A clean hairbrush is essential for healthy hair, hygiene, and the longevity of your styling tools. By following these practical methods—removing hair, soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying—you can keep all types of brushes in pristine condition. 

Incorporate preventive measures, and your brushes will remain spotless, your scalp healthy, and your hair looking its best.

Whether you prefer household solutions like dish soap and vinegar or commercial brush cleaning tools, consistent care is the key to maintaining clean, effective hair brushes.