How to Clean and Disinfect Your Hair Brushes: A Step-by-Step Guide for All Brush Types

Quick Answer

To clean and disinfect your hair brushes, start by removing all hair from the bristles, then soak the brush in a gentle shampoo or soapy water, scrub away buildup, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely. For extra disinfection, use a diluted disinfectant or rubbing alcohol, but always check the brush material first.

Your hair brush works hard every day, but how often do you actually clean it? A dirty brush can transfer oil, product buildup, and bacteria back into your hair, leaving it looking dull and feeling less than fresh. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your brush but also keeps your scalp healthier.

In this guide, we'll walk you through a simple, effective routine for cleaning and disinfecting any type of hair brush, from detangling brushes to round brushes. You'll learn the best practices for removing hair, washing bristles, and sanitizing without damaging your tools.

Why Cleaning Your Hair Brush Matters

Every time you brush, your brush collects natural oils, dead skin cells, styling products, and dust. Over time, this buildup can make your brush less effective and even harbor bacteria. Using a dirty brush can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, and hair that looks greasy or flat.

Cleaning your brush weekly is a good rule of thumb for most people, especially if you use styling products daily. If you have a scalp condition or share your brush, consider cleaning more often. A clean brush also glides through your hair more smoothly, reducing breakage and making styling easier.

• Check your brush for loose hair and debris before washing.
• Use a gentle shampoo or dish soap to break down oils and product buildup.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for All Brush Types

Start by removing as much hair as possible from the bristles. Use a comb or your fingers to lift the hair out. For stubborn hair, a small pair of scissors can help—just be careful not to cut the bristles. This step is essential because wet hair is harder to remove and can clog the brush.

Next, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of gentle shampoo or dish soap. Submerge just the bristles (not the handle if it's wooden or has a non-waterproof finish) and let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub between the bristles and the base, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

• For wooden brushes, avoid soaking; instead, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• For plastic or metal brushes, a deeper soak is safe.

Disinfecting Your Brush Without Damaging It

Disinfecting goes beyond cleaning—it kills germs and bacteria. After washing, you can use a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol and water (1:1) to spray or wipe down the bristles and base. This is especially important if you've been sick or share your brush with others.

Alternatively, a few drops of tea tree oil added to your cleaning solution can provide natural antibacterial benefits. Always let the brush dry completely before using it again—placing it bristle-down on a towel helps water drain away from the handle and prevents mold.

• Never use boiling water or harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can warp or damage bristles.
• Dry your brush thoroughly to prevent bacteria and mildew growth.

Step-by-Step Brush Cleaning Routine

1. Remove Hair: Use a comb or your fingers to pull out all hair from the bristles. For stubborn tangles, use scissors carefully to cut the hair away without cutting the bristles. Checkpoint: Ensure no hair remains before washing to avoid clogging the brush.
2. Soak and Wash: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of gentle shampoo or dish soap. Submerge only the bristles for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup. Checkpoint: Avoid soaking wooden handles or brushes with non-waterproof finishes.
3. Disinfect: After washing, spray or wipe the bristles with a 70% rubbing alcohol solution (1:1 with water) to kill germs. Let it sit for a minute. Checkpoint: Never use bleach or boiling water, which can damage the brush.
4. Dry Completely: Rinse thoroughly and shake off excess water. Place the brush bristle-down on a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely before using. Checkpoint: Ensure the brush is fully dry to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Brush Cleaning Products We Recommend

• UNbrush Detangling Hair Brush Glitter - Turquoise: UNbrush® gently yet thoroughly extracts knots and tangles from even the most unruly hair, painlessly and effortlessly. Featuring the perfect blend of 105 dual length bristles, combined with an ultralight high performance handle, UNbrush® helps reduce styling time and prevents hair from catching. Great for wet or dry hair. This brush's dual-length bristles are easy to clean—just use a comb to lift out hair, then follow the washing steps. Its durable design withstands regular cleaning without losing effectiveness.
• UNbrush Detangling Hair Brush Mini Chrome - Holly: UNbrush® Mini The go-to travel companion The UNbrush® Mini features everything you love about UNbrush® in a travel friendly size! UNbrush® Mini is the go to travel companion! The perfect blend of dual length bristles, combined with an ultralight mini handle, UNbrush® Mini painlessly and effortlessly extracts knots and tangles from even the most unruly hair. Its compact size makes it great for travel! Why It’s... The mini size is perfect for on-the-go cleaning—just toss it in your bag and use the same cleaning routine. Its compact design makes it easy to maintain even when you're traveling.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of your hair brushes is a simple habit that pays off in healthier hair and a longer-lasting tool. By following these steps, you can keep any brush—from a full-size detangling brush to a travel mini—in top condition. Make it a weekly routine, and your hair will thank you.